Shepherd Creek Trail
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Shepherd Creek Trail is a quick 1.8 km hike in Strathcona Provincial Park that offers a perfect way to get out and explore the woodland landscape near the Ralph River Campground. While the trail is family-friendly, it also climbs up a series of small switchbacks that can make the route more difficult for some hikers. Along the route, you will have some excellent views of the terrain around Buttle Lake, including the rushing waters of Shepherd Creek and partial mountain views through the tree cover.
Route Description for Shepherd Creek Trail
Although short, the Shepherd Creek Trail is a pleasant hike that climbs uphill through the forest alongside the creek and provides some views over the immediate area. The trail is primarily made up of dirt paths that form a series of switchbacks and alleviate the physical strain of the uphill climb.
Along the route hike, you can head down to the rushing waters of the creek to explore its shores, and you will also have some partial views of Mount Phillips standing tall across the lake. Near the top of the trail, hikers will pass by a small pond before beginning their descent through the beautiful forest landscape towards the Ralph River Campground. Hikers should note that the last stretch of the trail follows closely alongside the road, so exercise caution as there may be vehicles passing by.
Getting to the Shepherd Creek Trail Trailhead
To reach the parking area for the Shepherd Creek Trail from Campbell River, make your way west on BC-28 for 47.2 km and continue straight onto Westmin Road. Follow this south for 25.9 km to reach the trailhead.
Route Information
When to do:
May-October
Backcountry Campsites:
Ralph River Campground
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Circuit
Shepherd Creek Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Karst Creek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Karst Creek Trail
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Comox Glacier](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CAN-BC-Strathcona-Comox-Glacier-01-1709-633-Comox-Glacier-from-far-away.jpg)
Comox Glacier
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Panther Lake Trail From Kwai Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Panther Lake Trail From Kwai Lake
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Marsh Marigold Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Marsh Marigold Lake
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Century Sam Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Century Sam Lake
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Flower Ridge](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-BC-Strathcona-Flower-Ridge-1920x480.jpg)
Flower Ridge
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Bedwell Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-BC-Strathcona-Bedwell-Lake-1920x480.jpg)
Bedwell Lake
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Mt Albert Edward](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-BC-Strathcona-Mt.-Albert-Edward-1920x480.jpg)
Mt Albert Edward
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Mt Myra](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-BC-Strathcona-Mt-Myra-1920x480.jpg)
Mt Myra
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Lake Helen MacKenzie](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-BC-Strathcona-Lake-Helen-Mackenzie-Pano-1940x480.jpg)
Lake Helen MacKenzie
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Upper Myra Falls](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-BC-Strathcona-Upper-Myra-Falls-1920x480.jpg)
Upper Myra Falls
Strathcona Provincial Park
![Augerpoint Beach](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-BC-Strathcona-Augerpoint-Beach-1920x480.jpg)
Augerpoint Beach
Strathcona Provincial Park