Blakiston Falls Trail : Waterton Lakes
Difficulty: Easy - Family
Park Amenities:
Blakiston Falls is one of the easy access waterfall destinations in the Waterton Lakes National Park in the southwest corner of the province of Alberta, Canada.
The trail measures 2 kilometres long (there and back) and is considered an easy going route with very little elevation gain. And, because of the easy access and the well maintained trail, the Blakiston Falls Trail draws crowds and is enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels.
The trailhead of Blakiston Falls is located in Red Rock Canyon area of the Waterton Lakes National Park. From the parking lot of the canyon there is a footbridge crossing the river connecting to the Blakiston Falls trailhead.
This area, we will call it the welcome area of the canyon, is also wheelchair and baby stroller friendly. There are information signs, trail markers and pit toilets in the Red Rock Canyon area..
The Blakiston Falls Trail follows a dirt and earthy path exploring through a forest before connecting up with a ridge and some great views of the river, waterfall and Blakiston Mountain (2904 metres or 9527 feet).
The ridge is the only area of concern on the route. It is a narrow passageway with some trail erosion. The ridge is fenced to protect from falling - as the drop down would be painful. It would be a good idea to keep small children close at this point on the trail.
From the ridge the trail drops down quickly to a couple of large wooden lookouts providing views of the white water river and the tumbling falls. The viewing areas include some sightseeing benches and boardwalk trail sections.
The welcome area of the canyon is also the trailhead entrance to a few of the other hiking, horseback riding and backpacking trails located in the Waterton Lakes National Park.
The Red Rock Canyon provides quick access to easy going sightseeing hikes like the Red Rock Canyon Loop Trail.
It is also the starting point for some of the long haul backpacking and horseback riding routes with wilderness camping opportunities like the Snowshoe, Goat Lake, Twin Lakes and Blakiston Valley Trails.
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