The Medicine River winds through central Alberta, west of Red Deer, carving a course that — while spanning less than 100 kilometres as the crow flies — stretches well over 550 kilometres when its full meandering path is followed. The river originates at Medicine Lake (52°43′54″N 114°43′53″W) north of Rocky Mountain House and flows through a predominantly agricultural landscape before joining the Red Deer River system. Historically, the river was known as a fordable crossing during low summer water months, but spring runoff and heavy rain events can transform it into a powerful torrent. Today it remains a recognized fishery in the Red Deer River watershed, regulated under Alberta Subarea PP2.