Wapta Falls
Parson, British Columbia
Details
Distance
2.88 miles
Elevation Gain
354 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jake Young
Wapta Falls in Yoho National Park is a short and easy hike that features a massive waterfall, rainbows, and turquoise pools.
This short 1.2 mile hike leads you through a relatively level forest to a spot on the Kicking Horse River where the water crashes off a river-wide cliff, producing almost a guaranteed rainbow at the bottom. The trail starts at the Wapta Falls Trailhead, which is a short drive off the Trans Canadian Highway just south of Field.
After gaining roughly 45 feet through a heavily forested area, the trail drops about 180 feet to the falls. There is a small lookout point at the top of the falls, but the rainbow is only visible if you scramble down to the base of the falls. You can either go straight down from the vista point or backtrack a couple hundred feet to a trail that leads to the river's edge.
There is a large mound in front of the falls that has a trail topping its ridge line. This provides an awesome view of the entire falls if you are willing to get soaked by the spray.
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Wapta Falls Reviews
This hike can be done in both the summer and winter and both are equally breathtaking. Be careful of the wet and mucky conditions spring through fall and don't be deterred by the extra 4k(ish) in the winter when the gate is closed. Just strap on a pair of snowshoes, its definitely worth it.
5.0
Just completed yesterday and it is certainly one of the most magnificent waterfalls I've ever seen. Just know, if the gate is closed to access the trailhead it will be an additional 4 mi hike round-trip. Be careful in wet conditions as the trail become very slick.
5.0
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