The river is known for flyfishing. A variety of trout species live in the river, including native bull trout. In springtime when the snow is melting the river offers white water rafting.
Flooding
The Highwood River is subject to frequent flooding. Flood events of exceptional magnitude occurred in 1894, 1899, 1902, 1908, 1912, 1923, 1929, 1932, 1942, 1995, 2005 and 2013.[1] Most recently during the 2013 Alberta floods, thousands of people in Alberta were ordered to evacuate their homes after the rise of the Highwood River, Bow River, Elbow River and numerous others.[2][3] Three people died as a result of the flooding of the Highwood River.[4]
Tributaries and features
From origin to mouth, the Highwood River receives the following tributaries or passes through these geographic features:
^"Little Bow Project/ Highwood Diversion Plan. Application to Construct a Water Management Project to Convey and Store Water Diverted from the Highwood River" Report of the NRCB/CEAA Joint Review Panel. Application #9601 - Alberta Public Works, Supply and Services. May 1998.