Wilson Creek Natural Area

Wilson Creek Natural Area has diverse ecosystems, including wet and dry mixed wood forests. The area is suitable for hiking and natural pursuits but lacks development and amenities. It is noted for its undisturbed landscapes, suitable for adventure seekers.

Likely a morel mushroom, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
Likely a morel mushroom, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.

Two largely undisturbed quarter sections that contain extensive animal tracks, geographic-undulations, and numerous micro-climates. For example, there are wet areas where Labrador tea is very common and dry areas supporting populations of lodge pole pines.

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, Protected Notation Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: Overall (4 out of 5) Thick mixed wood forest with well-defined game trails. Good for hiking and natural pursuits. ;
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 110 KM
  • Trail Classification: Rating: 2; Access: Granted; Develop: Non-Human. ; Maint: No Human Interventions. ; Season: Two Seasons: Trails were surprisingly dry despite heavy, recent rains. One needs to jump across Wilson Creek to go from the OC and PNT portions.
Trail Classification System with examples - YEG-Ville.
Trail Classification System with examples – YEG-Ville.
  • The Drive Out: The area SW of Pigeon Lake has escaped significant development. Lots of good asphalt highways.
  • The Other Shoe: Because of the thick trails best for hunting or biological pursuits.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2025-05-28. Weather: Hot, high 20’s C. Comments: done with Tony and Anne Marie.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • A lonely power/telephone pole adjacent to a small wet area in the middle of the combined OC and PNT parcels, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    A lonely power/telephone pole adjacent to a small wet area in the middle of the combined OC and PNT parcels, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • A horse's hoof mushroom, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    A horse’s hoof mushroom, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • Puff balls that have expelled their spores, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    Puff balls that have expelled their spores, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • Looking North along Wilson Creek towards a small pond, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    Looking North along Wilson Creek towards a small pond, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • Faint outline of a vehicle traffic heading East along the cut line from the well site, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    Faint outline of a vehicle traffic heading East along the cut line from the well site, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • A healthy stand of tamarck trees on the western border of the well site in the OC, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    A healthy stand of tamarck trees on the western border of the well site in the OC, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • Bark of a tamarack covered with lichen, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    Bark of a tamarack covered with lichen, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • Close up detail of a Tamarack found on the western border of the OC well site, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    Close up detail of a Tamarack found on the western border of the OC well site, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • Capped well head, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    Capped well head, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • Spent shot gun shell casing found at the OC well site, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    Spent shot gun shell casing found at the OC well site, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • Looking West past a capped well head and along the service road which ends at RR45, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    Looking West past a capped well head and along the service road which ends at RR45, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • Example of a well-defined animal track that traverses the two sites starting in the NE corner of the PNT, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    Example of a well-defined animal track that traverses the two sites starting in the NE corner of the PNT, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
  • An interesting rock if only because of the red seam cutting across it, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.
    An interesting rock if only because of the red seam cutting across it, 2025-05-28, Wilson Creek NA, P. Potter.

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.