Ochre River Trail

The Ochre River Trail is a 24.9 km trail located in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada. The trail begins just off Highway #10 and winds its way through thick forest down to a parking lot on the north-eastern boundary of the park. Highlights along this trail include scenic campsites, river views, stream crossings, and a serene forest setting. The majority of this trail follows Ochre River.

Camp sites and huts

Two campsites are located on this trail and both are well equipped with a privy, fire-pit, food storage bins, and even an ample supply of dry firewood. There is also a log cabin (called Cairn’s Cabin) located about 800m off the trail, near the Ochre River Campsite. This cabin is for winter use only, and it must be booked and paid for in advance.

Hiking the trail

There are no blazes or signs at frequent intervals along this trail; however, it would be very difficult to lose your way. The trail is wide and surrounded on both sides by thick bush, there are no side trails and all junctions are clearly marked by large green signs. The trail takes about 10 hrs to hike from one end to the other, however most people hike in from Highway #10 to one of the campsites and back out the next day.

Season

This trail can be hiked anytime of the year. During the warmer months the trail is used by hikers and riders on horseback. Skiers can make an over-night trek on this trail from the South Trailhead to Cairn’s Cabin for the night, and then back.

External links

Official sites
* [http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/index_e.asp Riding Mountain National Park]

Hiking guides
* [http://www.pemmican.org/ Pemmican.org's - Guide to the Ochre River Trail]