It is an east flowing river and the entirety of its course is in Meadow Lake Provincial Park[2] and the boreal forest.

[4] After continuing east after Lepine Lake, Cold River empties into Lac des Îles.

At its western end, near its source, is a small campground[6] and the start of the Boreal Trail.

[7] Highway 919 follows the course of Cold River from its source to the east end of Pierce Lake at Howe Bay.

[8] Highway 950 then crosses Cold River between Pierce and Lepine Lakes then heads east towards Lac des Îles.