Buck Lake Creek NA

Buck Lake Creek Natural Area requires access permission from a grazing lease holder. The area has no amenities, is moderately disturbed by roads, and offers trails suitable for various activities year-round.

Looking North in the South section of the NA, trail marker put up by camp users, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
Looking North in the South section of the NA, trail marker put up by camp users, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.

The creek running through the NA flows North from nearby Buck Lake. It is surprisingly wide and well fed even for a very dry fall day when first visited. Access requires local grazing lease holder permission and the courtesy of closing gates behind you. No amenities to speak of and the site is largely undisturbed.

Fact Facts

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

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: Overall (4 out of 5) A moderately disturbed NA with oil field service roads and ATV tracks running through it.
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 94 KM
  • Trail Classification: Rating: 16; Access: Granted; Develop: Traditional Trail. ; Maint: In Disrepair or Abused; Season: All Season: Oil field roads make the trails open year round. Unknown if the roads are plowed so be prepared to get unstuck.
Trail Classification System with examples - YEG-Ville.
Trail Classification System with examples – YEG-Ville.
  • The Drive Out: A bit of a drive from Edmonton particularly if you are coming from the East side of the city. Nevertheless, HWY 770 is always stunning. There are a number of nearby NAs and amenities so this is also a possible destination for day trip. Drayton Valley is close and has hotels, etc.
  • The Other Shoe: Walking, hunting, possibly fishing in the creek. Gravel or Fat biking is a possibility noting a number of gates to open and close. Cycling the ATV tracks is a possibility with wet areas.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2025-09-14. Weather: Warm and sunny. Met up with a local grazing lease holder and Tony B. from SAPAA.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • Looking West along the oilfield road and the bridge crossing Buck Lake Creek, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Looking West along the oilfield road and the bridge crossing Buck Lake Creek, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • Local grazing lease holder Rick (white shirt), Board Member Tony and his horse, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Local grazing lease holder Rick (white shirt), Board Member Tony and his horse, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • Rick A. who kindly supplied his time, knowledge and horse for the SAPAA Site Inspection, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Rick A. who kindly supplied his time, knowledge and horse for the SAPAA Site Inspection, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • Looking North along the East boarder of NA from the oil field road, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Looking North along the East boarder of NA from the oil field road, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • Looking South along the Eastern border of the NA; ATV track running along the fence, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Looking South along the Eastern border of the NA; ATV track running along the fence, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • Still pond in the NE corner of the NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Still pond in the NE corner of the NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • A large corky bark infestation on a trembling aspen, Buck Lake Creek NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    A large corky bark infestation on a trembling aspen, Buck Lake Creek NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • Jibs enjoying a snack of Corky bark disease, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Jibs enjoying a snack of Corky bark disease, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • Looking West along the North border of the NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Looking West along the North border of the NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • Ripe Bunchberries, Buck Lake Creek NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Ripe Bunchberries, Buck Lake Creek NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • Bog Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), Buck Lake Creek NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
    Bog Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), Buck Lake Creek NA, 2025-09-14, P. Potter.
  • BuckLakeCr-Landownership
    BuckLakeCr-Landownership

Notes and Reference

  1. Buck Lake Creek | SAPAA.

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.