BY-Milk River NA – 2024-10-15

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The Milk River NA runs from the US Border North to nearly TWP 22. Access from the North stops at the river unless you are prepared to cross it. The Milk River, unique to Canada for flowing into the Mississippi basin, provides scenic views but limited access, primarily across private land with no facilities available.

A visitor in the site, looking roughly NW, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.

Comrey Here! The locality of Comrey was established in 1910 [1] and was near the NA. A school, cemetery (neither visited), and a barn are all that remains of this ranching community in a desolate area of Alberta.

According to “The Alberta Stretch of the Milk River and the Mystique of its Surrounding Landscape” by Johan F. Dormaar, the name Comrey comes from; “The first letter of the six settlers’ Christian names were to be used. Because of incompatibility, two used the initial letter of their last name.” They were Columbus Larson (C), Ole Roen (O), Mons Rolfson (R), J.J. Evanson (E) and Ed Yeager (Y). The location given in the book would be in the County of 40-Mile on the boundary of cypress County due South of Manyberries. [2]

Milk, Lewis, and Clark. The Milk River was named by Lewis and Clark in 1805 as the river had the colour of tea with milk [6]. The river is unique of all Canadian rivers in that it is the only one flowing into the Mississippi river basin [7].

River Barrier. Human and ATV tracks were noted headed South into the site. Otherwise, the Milk River valley effectively stops access from the North to the balance of the site. Thistles are starting to invade from the North and otherwise the portion of the site visited was largely undisturbed.

Site Access is likely across private land tempered by the fact that RR 62 extends South – perhaps to the site. As a matter of courtesy, research who has a grazing lease and let them know your vehicle type, license, and date when visiting (Accessing provincial grazing reserves | Alberta.ca).

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

The Fast Facts

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council, Potentially private land.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 5/5:
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 509 KM
  • Trail Classification: Not Applicable.
    • The Drive Out: Gravel roads abound. Check out some of the lost and sleepy communities such as Comrey and Many Berries.
  • The Other Shoe: Mostly hiking, bring rubber boots if crossing the Milk River.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2024-10-15. Weather: Warm and sunny, moderate wind.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • Route map and small penetration into the site, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    Route map and small penetration into the site, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • Fencing at the North Boundary, looking West, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    Fencing at the North Boundary, looking West, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • 4x4 Track heading SE into the site, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    4×4 Track heading SE into the site, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • Looking South toward the river along the OHV Track, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    Looking South toward the river along the OHV Track, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • A visitor in the site, looking roughly NW, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    A visitor in the site, looking roughly NW, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • Looking South towards the remainder of the NA, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    Looking South towards the remainder of the NA, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • An increasingly diffused ATV Track, looking roughly South, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    An increasingly diffused ATV Track, looking roughly South, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • Looking Southeast at the river, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    Looking Southeast at the river, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • Looking West along the valley, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    Looking West along the valley, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • Looking South across the valley, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    Looking South across the valley, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • Looking South across the valley, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    Looking South across the valley, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • A single track trail leads down to the valley floor, middle image at bottom, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    A single track trail leads down to the valley floor, middle image at bottom, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
  • Information sign on an adjoining parcel of land, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.
    Information sign on an adjoining parcel of land, Milk River NA, 2024-10-15, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Comrey, Alberta Part One: The View From Here.
  2. Comment, Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/altapastplaces/posts/comreysouth-of-manyberries-before-1950-the-only-road-south-of-manyberries-was-th/740255318125762/.
  3. DONOVAN, LARRY. ALBERTA PLACE NAMES: The Fascinating People & Stories behind the Naming of Alberta. Canada: DRAGON HILL PUB, 2007.
  4. Geography Realm (Information Site), Geography Facts About the Mississippi Watershed (accessed 2024-10-20).

Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.

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