Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
7.0 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Carcajou Falls
Carcajou Falls is a remote waterfall in the Northwest Territories located roughly 42.6 miles (by straight line) from Norman Wells (coordinates: 64.672, -127.1513). The site is in boreal/wilderness country and appears to have no developed day-use facilities or maintained trailhead. Visitors should expect a wilderness experience that may require air or water access or a long overland approach; details about the waterfall's official name, measured height, and developed access are limited and not well documented in mainstream trail databases.
The Setting
Carcajou Falls sits at 554 metres within Mountain Dene Land, in the hills of Northwest Territories.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Carcajou Falls flows over Mount Clark Formation, a layered sedimentary rock layer deposited about 509-539 million years ago. These soft rocks erode readily, allowing the stream to carve a vertical drop into the landscape.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no widely documented, maintained hiking trail to Carcajou Falls. Approaches reported for similar remote falls in the region include water approach (river/boat), floatplane drop-off, helicopter, or cross-country bushwhack from a nearby logging/ice road or river corridor. Terrain is likely boreal forest, muskeg, and rocky outcrops; expect route-finding, wet ground, and potential steep or unstable banks near the falls.
What to Expect
A remote, undeveloped waterfall in boreal wilderness. Expect limited or no signage, no facilities, and potentially difficult route-finding. Natural features may include rocky ledges, steep drops near the water, rapids upstream or downstream, and thick vegetation. In summer, insects (mosquitoes/black flies) will be common. Water is likely very cold year-round. Cell service is likely absent or unreliable.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Carcajou Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Carcajou Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Mid-summer (June–August) generally offers the most reliable access and milder conditions; late spring may give higher water flows but can coincide with spring breakup hazards. Fall can offer cooler weather and fewer bugs but shorter daylight. Winter access is possible by snowmachine or ski/air, but travel is subject to extreme cold and limited daylight, only attempt with appropriate experience and equipment.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
This is a remote wilderness area with limited or no cell coverage and no rescue services nearby. Hazards include rapid weather changes, cold water, slippery rocks, steep banks and drops, fast river currents, muskeg and deep wet ground, insects, and potential large wildlife encounters. Bring redundant navigation and communication tools, travel with experienced partners or a guide, file an itinerary with local contacts, and carry emergency supplies. If unsure about access or conditions, consult local authorities or outfitters in Norman Wells before attempting travel.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Norman Wells hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The waterfall is in a remote area northwest of Norman Wells. Typical approaches for remote Northwest Territories features include floatplane or helicopter from Norman Wells, boat access via regional rivers where applicable, or overland travel using ATVs/4x4 along established winter ice roads or bush routes. There does not appear to be a marked or maintained public trail to the falls; access likely requires local knowledge, a charter, or guided trip. Check with local outfitters in Norman Wells or Northwest Territories resources before attempting.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
No formal parking area is known at the falls. Nearest vehicle staging or parking would be in Norman Wells or at established boat/air charter points. Expect no developed parking, restrooms, or signage at the site.
Elevation
554 metres above sea level
Coordinates
64.672020° N, -127.151307° W
Land Management
Managed by Indigenous Government; Government of the Northwest Territories; Federal Government (Crown-Indigenous Relations And Northern Affairs Canada)
Visitor Tips & Gear
1) Arrange transport with local charter services (floatplane/helicopter) or experienced local guides if you are not familiar with remote northern travel. 2) Carry satellite communication or PLB and a detailed GPS/backup map. 3) Expect mosquitoes and bring insect repellent and head net. 4) Store food securely and be bear-aware, carry bear deterrents appropriate for the region and know how to use them. 5) Pack out all trash; there are no facilities. 6) Check weather and river/ice conditions before departure; spring breakup can make river travel hazardous.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Norman Wells (services and staging point, ~42.6 miles), Mackenzie River corridor and other remote river canyons/rapids in the region. Local outfitters in Norman Wells may offer guided river or aerial trips to nearby natural features.
Wildlife
Typical northern boreal species may include moose, black bear, possibly grizzly bear in the broader region, wolves, foxes, wolverine, beaver, and numerous migratory bird species. Take standard wildlife precautions.
Cities near Carcajou Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Carcajou Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.