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  • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 3

    A Quiet Night with a Reminder

    Night two on the Epinette Creek Trail in Spruce Woods Provincial Park was calm. Unlike the first night, we weren’t bothered by mice on the guylines, and the forest sounds were limited to the usual chatter and the occasional snapping of twigs in the distance. We convinced ourselves that the noises were just deer passing through, while coyotes howled far off, hunting in the dark.

    Watson was completely unconcerned. He snuggled up against Cheryl in their tent and even rolled onto his back with his paws in the air.

    We felt happy—and lucky—to have such a restful, quiet evening. A couple of weeks later, on our hike at Riding Mountain National Park, we ran into another hiker who told us about his experience at this exact campsite in April or May. He had hiked along and camped where we had pitched our tents. That evening, he spotted a juvenile black bear leaning on a tree near his tent. When he tried to scare it off, a second bear, likely the mother, appeared. He ended up in a tense standoff for several minutes before retreating into the cabin without his gear. Later, with a small tea light candle from the cabin for light, he tried to retrieve his sleeping bag from his now collapsed tent, but momma bear came crashing out of the woods again. Luckily, he managed to alert his wife despite limited signal, and a park ranger picked him up at 2:30 a.m.

    Seeing the bear scat on our September hike and hearing this story made it clear: bear spray is essential Epinette Creek Trail in Spruce Woods Provincial Park, even if it doesn’t seem necessary at first.

    Takeaway tip: Always carry bear spray in Spruce Woods Provincial Park and know how to use it—wildlife encounters can happen even at seemingly quiet campsites.

    Day 3: Cabin 4 Jackfish Lake to Epinette Creek Trailhead, Spruce Woods Provincial Park

    Leaving Cabin 4 on the Newfoundland Loop South

    As we prepared to leave Cabin 4, we noticed a shortcut behind the cabin that at least one other hiking parties had taken. From what we could tell, it was a steeper climb and not well maintained. While it might save time for some, we encourage hikers to stick to the clearly marked trail.

    We chose the stone-covered hill, following the official route—not because the shortcut is dangerous, but because the marked trail is easier to navigate, better maintained, and staying on the trail also ensures you don’t unintentionally damage surrounding vegetation. Plus, by taking the marked path, we were able to capture the full experience for our YouTube viewers, showing exactly what the trail has to offer and highlighting the route everyone should follow for a safe and enjoyable hike. Choosing the well-marked trail isn’t just about safety—it’s about respecting the land, the trail, and future hiking experiences.

    South on the Newfoundland Loop

    We were surprised by the number of oak trees in Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

    From the top of the hill, the trail splits and gives you the choice of following either the north or south loop. Like the northern half, the southern portion is rolling with plenty of ups and downs. It is not overly strenuous, but it is definitely less flat than the earlier loops of the Epinette Creek Trail.

    The terrain here felt different as well. The south loop included several sandy stretches, with a couple of large sandy hills that would be tough for any maintenance vehicles, especially on a wet day. These were not sand dunes, but the inclines were steep enough that tires would have little to grip without the stones the park has placed for traction. As hikers, we actually enjoyed the sandy sections. It was a nice change from the usual soil, and we were grateful the trail was not muddy during our visit.

    Another unique feature of this loop was the number of oak trees. While we had spotted a few earlier in the hike, the south loop had noticeably more. Cheryl even wondered if some of them had been intentionally planted. Just before Cabin 3, we entered an open area that looked as though it might once have been a homestead. An old abandoned car sat off to the side, oak trees lined the trail, and we crossed an infrequently used dirt road. Seeing so many oak trees in this part of the park felt unusual and memorable, and it added character to this stretch of trail.

    An old abandoned car near an oak tree on Epinette Creek Trail.

    A Short Break at Cabin 3

    When we reached Cabin 3, we took a break. It was time to load up on more water and have some snacks. We had access to the outhouse and of course the garbage cans and took advantage of the amenities. There was no one there. Anyone we had stayed with previously had moved on and we could stretch out on picnic tables and on the water pump platform, dryihg out our dew-soaked socks and soothing aching muscles.

    We knew we only had about 8 km left to hike before reaching the trailhead and that if the next half of the loop was the same as our approach from the trailhead on day one, it would be an easy go. We made sure Watson was well rested and got plenty of water and then we set off on the home stretch.

    Onward to the Trailhead

    We took a break on a hill to catch a light breeze.

    While the scenery on this half of the trail was about the same, with open grass and prairie mixed with tree tunnels, we were likely feeling a bit more fatigued after already completing 13 km of hiking. The stretch to Cabin 2 felt hillier than day one, and there was one good hill climb that reminded us Manitoba isn’t completely flat.

    The temperatures were rising, and we were in an open stretch, so it was time for another break. We always try to find the most scenic places on a trail to stop. When hiking, the views are a great reward and something you work hard for. On this trail, however, “views” had a different meaning. We were looking for a nice creek weaving through the trees or a field that stretched out for a while. Views are those locations where your eyes move from one point of interest to another. We found a spot that looked out over the grassy prairie outlined by trees. It might not have been a significant viewpoint for some, but we appreciated watching the grasses sway and the many colours of the leaves.

    After our break, we finished the walk to Cabin 2. Because there were benches, we took another short rest. Why not? There was no rush. We knew we were only a short distance from the parking lot, and sometimes we’re just not ready for a hike to be over.

    Arriving at the Trailhead

    When we spotted the car, we were pleased to see the end of the trail. We always feel happy when we see our car. The last thing you want after finishing a hike is to discover your vehicle is missing. We told Watson it was time for a car ride, and even he seemed pleased by the announcement.

    At the trailhead, we saw the teenagers from the school group taking photographs together. Oliver offered to help take their group photo so the chaperones could also be in the shot. It was nice to reconnect with them one last time before we all went home. We also learned that a lost cell phone had been recovered. They had dropped it somewhere between Cabin 2 and the parking lot, then backtracked and found it on the ground. It served as a reminder that you can lose something at any time on the trail, even when you’re close to the end.

    As Oliver changed into fresh clothes, Cheryl sat with Watson in the open trunk of the car. Watson proudly looked out at the parking lot, happy to be on his blanket and excited for another car ride adventure. He’s always up for anything.

    Driving Home

    The drive home took about two hours, plus a stop in Portage la Prairie where we each grabbed a hamburger. Watson scored some fries. Because Spruce Woods Provincial Park isn’t too far away, we were able to get home at a decent time to clean up our gear and enjoy a relaxing evening. Sometimes, trails can be a long drive away, and after a full day of hiking and then driving, you end up exhausted before you even reach home. If you plan to do the full 20+ km hike on the Epinette Creek Trail and you’re not a slow hiker, you can expect to be back in Winnipeg by the afternoon, which is a good time to arrive and start planning your next hike in Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

    Newfoundland Loop Conditions and Scenery

    This section of the trail is approximately 13.5 km. Although signage may read 11.7 km, the distance is longer from Cabin 3 because of the connector trail to the loop split. You will see a sign indicating about 2 km left when your Garmin shows 11.7 km. Be prepared for slightly longer mileage.

    As mentioned, there are no water sources after leaving Cabin 3 until Cabin 4. Carry enough water on hot days, as there are no streams or creeks along this section.

    This section has more rolling hills than other loops. Besides the stone-covered hill after Cabin 3, the hills are gentle but consistent. Uneven areas come from clumpy grass, cleared downfall, or tracks left by maintenance vehicles. The trail is mostly hazard-free.

    While Epinette Creek Trail in Spruce Woods Provincial Park does not offer sweeping vistas, the prairies and colorful fall leaves create a beautiful scene. The trail passes through different landscapes, from tree tunnels to open fields, with mushrooms and flowers scattered along the way.

    Final Thoughts on Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods Provincial Park – Day 3

    Day 3 on the Epinette Creek Trail had more hills than Days 1 or 2. Doing the full length from Cabin 4 to the trailhead meant we were combining the portions of the loops that we had not yet completed when hiking in.

    For beginner hikers, we would recommend breaking up the 20 km day into two shorter days by stopping at Cabin 3 before hiking out the rest of the way. Another option is to start early and take your time. If you begin in the morning, you have all day to reach your car. It is not a strenuous hike; it is simply long. If you are not used to doing 20 km days, remember that you have that option. Once you reach Cabin 2, just keep going. You are almost there.

    While we had no issues with animals on the trail, knowing what we know now, we would advise bringing bear spray just in case. The trail maintainers keep the trail in fantastic shape with wide paths. Do watch for scraps of wood, as you could trip on a stick or loose piece that might roll your ankle. Other than that, the trail is excellent and easy to navigate. As long as you know which cabin number you are targeting, you will have no problem reaching your destination.

    We truly appreciated having the amenities of toilets, water pumps, and firepits. The garbage and recycling bins were a luxury. Who would have thought people would be so excited to see garbage cans? When you are used to packing out your trash all the time, having a place to dump smelly scraps on a hot day and not have them bake inside a plastic bag in your bear canister feels like a treat. You will appreciate a garbage can in the backcountry too.

    The only downside is that there are no bear boxes. We made use of the cabins to store our food at night. Since we used bear vaults, we could have left our canisters outside a safe distance from camp, but not having to worry about bears knocking them around at night or searching for them in the morning if they were moved made the cabins a much nicer option. If you plan to store your food in the cabins, remember that they are home to mice. You may want to use a mouse-proof container to make sure your food does not get munched on overnight. I hope that in the future they install bear boxes at these sites. That is the only thing missing.

    Day 3 Summary

    • Date: September 14, 2025
    • Distance: Cabin 4 (Jackfish Lake) to Trailhead – ~20 km / 12.6 mi
    • Elevation: 1650 ft
    • Water Sources: Only available at cabin water pumps and beaver dam creek after Cabin 2.
    • Wildlife: Deer tracks and plentiful bear scat.
    • Navigation: Wide, mowed trail with clear signage.
    • Best Time to Hike: Spring (before ticks) or fall (after ticks)

    WATCH THE VIDEO FROM EPINETTE CREEK TRAIL – DAY 3

    More From This Hike:

    • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 1
    • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 2
    • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 3 (You’re here!)

    Cheryl

    October 25, 2025
    2025, Manitoba, Multi-Day Trails, Spruce Woods Provincial Park
    epinette creek trail, manitoba, spruce woods provincial park

  • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 2

    No Bears, Just a Mouse

    We were very pleased by how quiet the teenagers were that we shared the campground with. After retreating to our tents for the night, they stayed by the fire with their chaperones and cleaned up after a late dinner. The only issue was the water pump. We were camped near it, and in order for them to clean up, they had to pump it. It was noisy, but Cheryl had a solution: earplugs. With them in, she had no complaints. The teenagers kept their voices down when walking past our tents and took care of their evening responsibilities.

    I cannot say the same about the mouse that decided to visit Cheryl’s tent that night. With her earplugs out, she woke to the sound of something hitting the tent. Watson lifted his head, alert but calm. A dog not growling is a good sign, so there was no need to worry. Still, seeing bear scat just a few feet from our tent reminded us that wildlife was nearby, even if the scat was a few days old.

    Cheryl lay there a while, listening to the mouse climb a guyline, fall, hit the side of the tent, and slide down to the grass. Watson followed its movements with his eyes. The mouse seemed to prefer the empty side of the tent rather than the vestibule with her backpack. She was not interested in finding a hole chewed into the bag or straps destroyed.

    Once Cheryl reassured Watson everything was fine, they ignored the mouse and fell back asleep. By morning, it was gone, leaving no damage behind.

    Day 2: Cabin 3 to Cabin 4 Jackfish Lake via Newfoundland Loop

    Leaving Cabin 3 on the Newfoundland Loop

    Epinette Creek Trail is well signed, and with the mowed grass, you will not get lost. There is a sign to the Newfoundland Loop by the cabin showing the distance if you follow the north or south sections. We chose the longer north route on Day 2 because our plan was to hike from Jackfish Lake to the trailhead on Day 3. Shortening the distance on the final day, which would have been over 20 km, seemed like a wise decision.

    We packed up while the campground was starting to stir and learned about a shortcut to the trail behind the picnic tables on the hill near the water pump. Rather than walk by another tent with a dog, we took the shortcut. We were quickly on the trail and began the north loop.

    North on the Newfoundland Loop

    One thing you notice about the Epinette Creek Trail is the signage. There is a “Do Not Enter” sign in one direction and a distance marker in the other. This is because the trails are also used in winter, and the directional signs help prevent collisions and keep trails in good condition. We happened to be going in the same direction as the signs, so we continued without issue. If you were trying to follow the south route, the signage could be a little confusing.

    The trail was as wide and well-groomed as the previous loops. To our right, there was a large open area where we could see the south loop before the trails eventually separated.

    We had been told about a hill with rocks on the north side, and they were right. The rocks were smooth stones, not jagged rocks embedded in dirt. It seemed as though a truck had dumped the rocks to make a road accessible for maintenance vehicles. The ground in this area was sandy, which would make it challenging for vehicles if the trail was wet.

    The trail crossed a few dirt backcountry roads that saw little use. We were unsure if these were quad trails or maintenance roads. We stayed on the groomed trail, keeping straight unless a sign directed otherwise.

    There are a few short hills on the Newfoundland Loop.

    The Newfoundland Loop had more rolling hills than the other loops. The scenery changed frequently, sometimes reminding us of the Thompson Valley in British Columbia with grasses and unusual trees, then shifting to aspen forests or spruce-lined paths. There was always something new to look at, and the fall colors were bright.

    A Short Break

    Although our Garmin watches later reported otherwise, it became very hot at one point, so we took a break in the shade for lunch. Watson had water from his collapsible bowl and a small meal from his pack. There are no water sources along this section of the trail. Previously, we had crossed the beaver dam creek, and the cabins with their water pumps were relatively close.

    Covering approximately 13.5 km with a dog and limited water meant we had to be mindful of consumption to make sure Watson had enough. We decided to carry extra for the hike out to ensure neither of us needed to ration.

    Watson having a well-deserved rest.

    We strongly advise hikers with dogs to pack plenty of water for the Newfoundland Loop when hiking in warmer temperatures. Your dog will thank you.

    Hiking Apart on the Newfoundland Loop

    This hike was also an opportunity for Cheryl to do a semi-solo hike. We brought radios to communicate, and for the final six kilometers, Cheryl hiked alone while Oliver stayed behind with Watson. This gave her the chance to get comfortable hiking a good distance apart from the group.

    A couple of grouse tried to derail the plans, hiding in the brush beside the trail until Cheryl was very close. Just as she passed, they would suddenly explode into flight. The sound of their wings is startling at first because it mimics a larger animal charging through the forest, which is an effective deterrent for predators. It can make a hiker jump if you are not expecting it, especially in a quiet forest when you think you might have disturbed a bear. After an initial scare, Cheryl quickly realized it was just a grouse and continued on.

    This happened multiple times along the trail. Each time, the grouse would wait silently in the underbrush and then take off at the last moment. Cheryl found it both amusing and slightly frustrating as she had to pause each time and shout at the noise, before recognizing its source.

    Other than the grouse, the hike alone was uneventful. Despite the brief surprises, the trail remained peaceful, and the semi-solo hike gave her confidence in hiking independently while staying in touch over the radio.

    Arriving at Cabin 4

    The final approach to Cabin 4 included a gate to prevent vehicles and a stone-covered hill descending toward the last kilometer. The path led to an open area with picnic tables, and to the left were cabin amenities, including an outhouse, water pump, and firepits.

    As the first to arrive, we pitched our tents under trees, which was ideal. There could have easily been space for a third tent. The campground had plenty of room, so anyone arriving later would have had a spot to pitch a tent.

    We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon after the longer hike, hydrating and resting. After dinner, we put our bear canisters in the cabin like at Cabin 3. With chores done, we could relax until bedtime. Watson had a good snooze on the ground, cooling himself before other hikers arrived.

    Evening in Camp

    Oliver started a campfire in the firepit, and we had a great evening connecting with the other hikers. Conversation ranged from hiking trails to gear choices, and it was enjoyable to share experiences. Two additional hiking parties had chosen the Epinette Creek Trail because the Mantario Trail was closed due to the summer forest fires. We enjoyed hearing about the Mantario Trail from those who had hiked it before and learned what to expect when it reopens.

    The discussion shifted to gear. We compared Durston tents, including two we had and one from another hiking party that was brand new. Chair comfort and weight were debated, and we discussed hiking quilts versus sleeping bags. Tarp tents and water-carrying strategies all came up. It was helpful to hear the perspectives of others and see what gear choices worked best for different hiking styles.

    The rain, which had lightly sprinkled over dinner, eventually increased, ending our campfire conversation for the night. Everyone retreated to their tents, but it was still rewarding to be part of a small community of hikers. Sharing stories, learning tips, and swapping experiences made the evening a memorable part of the hike.

    Newfoundland Loop Conditions and Scenery

    This section of the trail is approximately 13.5 km. Although signage may read 11.7 km, the distance is longer from Cabin 3 because of the connector trail to the loop split. You will see a sign indicating about 2 km left when your Garmin shows 11.7 km. Be prepared for slightly longer mileage.

    As mentioned, there are no water sources after leaving Cabin 3 until Cabin 4. Carry enough water on hot days, as there are no streams or creeks along this section.

    This section has more rolling hills than other loops. Besides the stone-covered hill after Cabin 3, the hills are gentle but consistent. Uneven areas come from clumpy grass, cleared downfall, or tracks left by maintenance vehicles. The trail is mostly hazard-free.

    While Epinette Creek Trail does not offer sweeping vistas, the prairies and colorful fall leaves create a beautiful scene. The trail passes through different landscapes, from tree tunnels to open fields, with mushrooms and flowers scattered along the way.

    Cabin Amenities and Tips

    Water: The pump at Cabin 4 was not as noisy as Cabin 3. We’d still recommend getting water the evening before to minimize the impact on others.

    Outhouses: There was hand sanitizer at Cabin 4’s outhouse and there was less odour, most likely because this outhouse saw less use than the others due to the distance.

    Firewood: There was still lots of firewood at Cabin 4 in September.

    Final Thoughts on Epinette Creek Trail – Day 2

    Day 2 on the Epinette Creek Trail had more hills than Day 1. The distance between cabins was longer, which meant we needed to carry enough water to last until reaching Cabin 4.

    Even though we were hiking a longer distance on Day 2, the trail was easy, and we arrived at camp early. This gave us a relaxing afternoon to sit back and do nothing. While Jackfish Lake is accessible, it is not really a swimming lake. You might wade in it, but it is more like a pond than a lake.

    Since Cabin 4 is not used as much, the campsite felt cleaner than Cabins 2 and 3. The outhouse was less full and had the bonus of a working hand sanitizer dispenser. We were also happy to see the bear-proof garbage and recycling bins still available 20 km into a backcountry trail. We made sure to dump our garbage again before settling in.

    Cabin 4 is the furthest point you can reach on the Epinette Creek Trail before starting the south loop back toward Cabin 3. One of the hikers that day went all the way from the trailhead to Cabin 4, covering 20 km, and planned to hike out the next morning. If you prefer shorter hikes, you can stop at the cabins along the way or on the return trip instead of doing the full distance. We covered 20 km on Day 3, but that is a story for the next blog.

    Day 2 Summary

    • Date: September 13, 2025
    • Distance: Cabin 3 to Cabin 4 (Jackfish Lake) – ~13.7 km / 8.5 mi
    • Elevation: 614 ft
    • Amenities:
      • Cabin 4: Pit toilet, warming cabin with wood stove, water pump, firepits, picnic tables, bear-proof garbage and recycling bins
    • Water Sources: Only available at cabin water pumps.
    • Wildlife: Deer tracks and plentiful bear scat. Coyotes yapping in the evening.
    • Navigation: Wide, mowed trail with clear signage to the next cabin. Don’t turn on the roads that you cross.
    • Best Time to Hike: Spring (before ticks) or fall (after ticks)

    WATCH THE VIDEO FROM EPINETTE CREEK TRAIL – DAY 2

    More From This Hike:

    • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 1
    • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 2 (You’re here!)
    • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 3

    Cheryl

    October 18, 2025
    2025, Spruce Woods Provincial Park
    epinette creek trail, Multi-Day Trails, spruce woods provincial park

  • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 1

    About the Epinette Creek Trail

    The Epinette Creek Trail is located in Spruce Woods Provincial Park, about 180 km from Winnipeg, Manitoba. The trail system consists of four connected loops that together create a total return distance of 41.7 km. These moderate trails—Spruce, Juniper, Tamarack, and Newfoundland—take hikers through prairie grasses, mixed forests, and rolling sandy hills.

    The Epinette Creek Trail is a multi-use trail with year-round traffic, permitting hiking, biking, and winter activities. The backcountry campsites include cabins equipped with wood stoves. These are most often used in winter, as mice tend to be active during the summer months. Cabins are generally intended for emergency shelter, except for Jackfish Lake cabin, which can be reserved. One of the perks of the Epinette Creek Trail is that you don’t need reservations. When we hiked in 2025, park entry fees were waived until March 31, 2026, making it an especially budget-friendly adventure.

    After moving from Labrador to Manitoba this summer, we were eager to find a short weekend hike to scratch the itch of getting outdoors. Google suggested a few options, but the Epinette Creek Trail stood out because it allowed us the flexibility to shorten our trip if needed.

    While Oliver had hiked the Arizona Trail earlier in the year, Cheryl was just coming out the other side of medical roadblocks and hadn’t been on a hike since her diagnosis. This would be her first strenuous exercise, and we weren’t sure if her body would be as willing as her mind. We needed a trail that would let us opt out of sections if necessary, but still continue if things went well. It also had to not be too challenging, since we didn’t know how much would be too much. The Epinette Creek Trail turned out to be the right choice for our circumstances. On September 12, 2025, we set out from Winnipeg with our dog, Watson, to explore Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

    Day 1: Epinette Creek Trail Trailhead to Cabin 3

    Driving to Spruce Woods Provincial Park

    We began our drive from Winnipeg after Cheryl’s specialist appointment that morning. The drive was uneventful as we made our way west past Portage la Prairie and into Austin, where we stopped at Subway for a quick bite to eat. We then turned south toward Carberry before finally reaching Spruce Woods Provincial Park.

    Our first stop was the Friends of Spruce Woods Provincial Park Gift Shop, where we looked for additional information about the route before hitting the trail. The gift shop hours do change, so check their calendar for the dates and times they are open. The Visitor Centre was already closed for the season, so it was a very short visit. We then went back up the road to the turnoff for Epinette Creek Trail. The signs off the main road are well marked with large wooden signs to direct you where to go.

    Trailhead and Parking

    The road in passes through an open grassy field before you arrive at a dirt parking lot. Here you’ll find the access points for Epinette Creek Trail and a portion of the Trans Canada Trail, which eventually leads to the Yellow Quill Trails. There were a few cars already in the parking lot, but we weren’t concerned about space since there was plenty for everyone. If you aren’t in a rush to start hiking, you can wander around and read the interpretive signs in the area.

    Cabin 1 is located right at the parking lot. If you arrive extremely late and don’t want to hike in the dark, I could see why you might camp here. It would be most appropriate in the winter months, when it’s ideal for staging cross-country ski trips, warming up while switching into winter gear, or waiting for friends to arrive.

    Hiking to Cabin 2 (1.5 km)

    The first trail sign for the Epinette Creek Trail is beside Cabin 1. You’ll have no difficulty spotting the trail—it’s a wide, two-track path that has been worn from use and frequently mowed. The ground was quite level as well, which meant we could walk without worrying about twisting an ankle or tripping on roots. We had wondered if the trail would eventually narrow, but it stayed this wide for all four loops.

    Approximately 1.5 km from the parking lot is Cabin 2. The hike in is an easy stroll through open grassy plains before leading into the trees, where the cabin is tucked down a hill. There is adequate signage to find your way, and the trail leads straight to the entrance. At Cabin 2 you’ll find a hand pump, a firepit surrounded by benches, picnic tables, garbage and recycling bins, and an outhouse. Inside, there’s a logbook to sign.

    We had heard from other hikers who camped there that mice were active in the evening, so they preferred to pitch their tents outside instead of sleeping in the cabin.

    The wide and mowed Tamarack Loop trail.

    Toward Cabin 3 (~7.5 km): Tree Tunnels, Fall Colors, and Wildlife

    We didn’t stay long at Cabin 2 and continued down the trail. There were sandy patches here and there, but eventually we were led into tree tunnel after tree tunnel. This wasn’t an issue, since we appreciated the shade when temperatures rose. Bear scat soon became frequent, evidence that they had been eating berries in the area.

    Since we went in the fall, the trail was surrounded by vibrant color. We enjoyed greens, yellows, oranges, and reds, with leaves gently falling to the ground in front of us. We spotted mushrooms and wildflowers along the way.

    Before a large sandy hill we had to climb, we came across a creek running through a culvert. A beaver had built a dam both at the culvert and a little further upstream. This was the only water source between Cabin 2 and Cabin 3, but we recommend stocking up at Cabin 2 rather than drinking from the beaver pond. As we climbed the sandy hill, we saw beaver prints in the dirt and a freshly chewed stump from the resident.

    We continued on, passing more bear scat and deer tracks along the way. What impressed us most was how easy the trail remained. The condition was consistent—well mowed and clear—and the difficulty never increased. Rolling hills broke up the terrain, but aside from the sandy climb by the creek, there were no steep sections. We stopped for a snack at a viewpoint bench and then carried on to finish the last few kilometers.

    Watson resting at the viewpoint.

    Arriving at Cabin 3

    The trail pointed straight to the water pump, so we knew we had reached our destination when it came into view. Several tents were already set up nearby. As we explored, we found the outhouse, the cabin, and two picnic tables with firepits. Unfortunately, there are no bear storage lockers on these trails, and we even noticed bear scat near the outhouse. We used the garbage bins to get rid of food wrappers and stored our bear-proof food canisters inside the cabin.

    Since we were hiking with our dog Watson—and Cheryl wanted practice setting up her own gear for future solo hikes—we opted to bring two tents. Cheryl camped in the Durston X-Mid 2p with Watson, while Oliver camped in the Durston X-Mid 1p that he had used on the Arizona Trail.

    Our tenting spot at Cabin 3.

    Evening in Camp

    After dinner, the students from the other tents returned from day-hiking the Newfoundland Loop, which we planned to hike the next day. They were on a school trip working toward their Duke of Edinburgh Award and had been practicing fire-starting with flint and steel. We shared fire starting tips before we finally turned in for the night.

    Watson curled up happily on his sleeping mat, and we quickly fell asleep—thankfully with no bear visitors that we were aware of.

    Epinette Creek Trail Conditions and Scenery

    Trail conditions on the Epinette Creek Trail were excellent. The path was wide, with no concerns about packs snagging on branches or needing to climb over fallen trees. We even noted the lack of spiderwebs across the trail, likely because the path is so broad.

    Since we hiked in the fall, the leaves were just beginning to change colour. A few were starting to fall, creating a beautiful seasonal backdrop. The trail was very well maintained, with few branches or roots underfoot that could trip you up. There were several scenic viewpoints to pause and enjoy a snack—though only one spot had a bench.

    The scenery shifts often along this section, alternating between open spaces and denser vegetation. Even though the trail itself is easy, it never feels monotonous because there’s always something new to see in the plant life around you.

    Cabin Amenities and Tips

    Water: The pump at Cabin 3 was functional but noisy. If you’re an early riser, consider collecting water the night before to avoid disturbing others in the morning.

    Outhouses: At Cabin 3, the outhouse had no hand sanitizer left, which isn’t unusual since it appeared to be the most used cabin of the four. If you want sanitizer, be sure to pack your own. Toilet paper wasn’t an issue, though we always bring extra just in case.

    Firewood: We noticed very little firewood at Cabin 2, but we didn’t stay long enough to search thoroughly. Cabin 3, however, had plenty.

    Final Thoughts on Epinette Creek Trail – Day 1

    Day 1 on the Epinette Creek Trail made for a smooth and enjoyable start. The trail was wide, well-marked, and very well maintained. Campsites were clean and thoughtfully equipped with basic amenities. There was plenty of toilet paper, the water pumps worked, and we found enough firewood for a campfire. Having garbage and recycling bins available was an unexpected bonus, something you don’t often see in backcountry hiking. It was nice not to have to pack out every bit of trash.

    We aren’t accustomed to such wide trails, as most of our hiking has been on narrow singletrack with some overgrowth. While we had expected this style of trail on the Mantario, wildfires had closed it this year. Even if it had been open, easing back into hiking after medical issues would have made us hesitate.

    One surprise was the sheer amount of bear scat. We had originally left the bear spray at home, thinking it unnecessary this far south in Manitoba. After seeing fresh scat along the trail and later hearing from another hiker who had a stand-off with two bears by Cabin 4 earlier this year, we decided that bringing bear spray would be a good idea next time.

    Day 1 Summary

    • Date: September 12, 2025
    • Distance: Trailhead to Cabin 3 – 9 km / 5.5 mi
    • Elevation Gain: 521 ft
    • Amenities:
      • Cabin 1: Pit toilet, warming cabin with wood stove, water pump, bear-proof garbage and recycling bins
      • Cabin 2: Pit toilet, warming cabin with wood stove, water pump, firepit, picnic tables, benches, bear-proof garbage and recycling bins
      • Cabin 3: Pit toilet, warming cabin with wood stove and sleeping loft, water pump, firepit, picnic tables, bear-proof garbage and recycling bins
    • Water Sources: One beaver-occupied creek; otherwise, only available at cabin water pumps
    • Wildlife: Deer tracks, beaver prints, and plentiful bear scat (especially between Cabins 2 and 3, and near Cabin 3’s outhouse)
    • Navigation: Wide, mowed trail with clear signage showing distances to the parking lot and next cabin
    • Best Time to Hike: Spring (before ticks) or fall (after ticks)

    WATCH THE VIDEO FROM EPINETTE CREEK TRAIL – DAY 1

    More From This Hike:

    • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 1 (You’re here!)
    • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 2
    • Hiking the Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods | Day 3

    Cheryl

    October 12, 2025
    2025, Manitoba, Multi-Day Trails, Spruce Woods Provincial Park
    2025, epinette creek trail, hiking, manitoba, Multi-Day Trails, spruce woods provincial park

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