English Coulee Trail
An extreme water-based expedition through a challenging coulee known for wildlife, quicksand, and a potent odor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer wildlife encounters
English Coulee Trail
Best Time
Fewer wildlife encounters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An extreme water-based expedition through a challenging coulee known for wildlife, quicksand, and a potent odor.
"An adventure non other, the English Coulee is a beast of its own."
🛶 Paddle Preparedness
Bring a sturdy paddle and be ready for aggressive wildlife. 🛶
⚠️ Quicksand Awareness
Stay to the center of the trail; quicksand is a real danger. ⚠️
Quick Facts
Rating
4 · 3 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mysterious English Coulee Mouth
Confluence with the Red River
Discover the legendary entrance to the English Coulee, a challenging yet rewarding expedition for seasoned adventurers.
Wildlife Encounters
Along the trail
Navigate past snapping turtles and aggressive geese; an adventurous challenge for the brave.
Quicksand Hazards
Trail edges
Exercise extreme caution due to quicksand present on either side of the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Unexpected
Navigating the Coulee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛶 Paddle Preparedness
Bring a sturdy paddle and be ready for aggressive wildlife. 🛶
⚠️ Quicksand Awareness
Stay to the center of the trail; quicksand is a real danger. ⚠️
👃 Odor Mitigation
Consider a mask or bandana for the strong smell. 🎭
🗺️ Route Research
Understand the terrain and potential hazards before you go. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Paddle Preparedness
Bring a sturdy paddle and be ready for aggressive wildlife. 🛶
⚠️ Quicksand Awareness
Stay to the center of the trail; quicksand is a real danger. ⚠️
👃 Odor Mitigation
Consider a mask or bandana for the strong smell. 🎭
🗺️ Route Research
Understand the terrain and potential hazards before you go. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The English Coulee Trail is an intensely challenging and unique adventure, primarily for experienced explorers. Visitors should brace for aggressive wildlife, treacherous quicksand, and a strong, unpleasant odor. While not for the faint of heart, successfully navigating its waters and discovering the coulee's mouth offers a significant sense of accomplishment.
"I have had adventures non other like the expedition of the spring of Two Thousand and Nineteen in the notorious English Coulee. I have had experience being a Sherpa on three separate attempts to summit the Lone Cone, only one of which was successful. The other two attempts costed most of my expedition party's lives since we ran out of oxygen on the Hillary Steppe above the West Armchair; not to mention the North Face Ice-fall was terribly unpredictable. The English Coulee was an entirely different beast altogether. There were snapping turtles attacking every push of the paddle, quicksand on either side, Jiang attack geese, and a smell so strong it causes immediate histotoxic hypoxia to the untrained lung. My expedition was unsuccessful, but on a separate one of the Red River, I was finally victorious in discovering the mouth of the greatly mysterious ENGLISH COULEE."
Calder Hughes
"Dirty stagnant body of water"
Wesley Smith
""
Beethoven Ludwig
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to the English Coulee Trail is typically via the Red River. Adventurers often use kayaks or canoes to reach the mouth of the coulee. Ensure your vessel is suitable for potentially rough waters and be prepared for a challenging paddle.
Navigating the English Coulee requires a watercraft like a kayak or canoe. The trail is described as a 'dirty stagnant body of water' with significant hazards.
Information on specific parking facilities near Red River access points for the English Coulee Trail is limited. It's advisable to research local boat launches or public access areas along the Red River in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no official ticket or entry fees mentioned for the English Coulee Trail, as it appears to be a natural, undeveloped area. Access is primarily through the Red River.
As a natural trail, the English Coulee Trail does not have set operating hours. However, it is recommended to plan your expedition during daylight hours for safety.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Be prepared for encounters with snapping turtles and aggressive geese. The coulee is also noted for its strong, unpleasant odor.
The English Coulee Trail is generally considered challenging and not suitable for beginners due to quicksand, aggressive wildlife, and strong odors.
Always be aware of your surroundings, especially for quicksand on the edges. Carry appropriate gear for water travel and be prepared for wildlife encounters. Consider a mask for the smell.
The time required to explore the English Coulee Trail can vary greatly depending on your pace and the conditions. Previous expeditions suggest it can be a significant undertaking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food or dining facilities directly on or near the English Coulee Trail. It is a remote natural area, so you will need to bring all your own provisions.
Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks. Given the challenging nature and potential for delays, ensure you have more than you think you'll need.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunity is capturing the mysterious mouth of the English Coulee where it meets the Red River. Documenting the unique wildlife and challenging terrain can also make for dramatic shots.
A waterproof camera or a reliable phone with a waterproof case is highly recommended due to the water-based nature of the trail and potential for splashes. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the expansive river views.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit