Spring wildflowers draw botanists and photographers to West Castle Wetlands Ecological Reserve. In the surrounding valley, trout stalkers prefer late summer when rivers flow low and clear over multihued cobbles. Cross-country skiers like mid-winter best, while birders are happy anytime.

From Alberta Highway 3, turn south at Burmis onto Road 507, then bear left at Beaver Mines on Road 774.

Continue to Castle Mountain Resort, then backtrack, looking for rutted tracks to primitive campsites on West Castle River.

Staging areas for cross-country skiing are well signed.