Sheep River Falls
Alberta • 10 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
13 m
About Sheep River Falls
Sheep River Falls drops over rock slabs into a gorge on the Sheep River in Sheep River Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country. The falls are about 250 m from the Sheep Falls day use area on Highway 546, about 36 km west of Turner Valley. It is an easy, nearly level walk.
The Setting
Sheep River Falls sits at 1,567 metres within Bluerock Wildland Provincial Park, in the high mountains of Alberta. The falls drop 10 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Sheep River Falls flows over Blairmore Group, a layered sedimentary rock layer deposited about 101-145 million years ago. These soft rocks erode readily, allowing the stream to carve a 33-foot drop into the landscape.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Indian Oils Waterfalls (2 m) lies 0.6 kilometres to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.5-km out-and-back trail gains 13 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
From the Sheep Falls day use area, an easy out-and-back path runs about 250 m along the west side of the Sheep River gorge to views of the falls, about 0.5 km round trip with almost no elevation gain. Rocks near the water are slippery when wet.
What to Expect
The falls drop 10 metres over layered sedimentary rock. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sheep River Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
In Alberta provincial and wildland provincial parks, pets must be on a leash no longer than 2 m (about 6.5 ft) at all times.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $15.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sheep River Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring for highest flows and lush forest; early summer for warmer weather; early morning or weekdays to avoid crowds. Fall provides foliage color and typically lower crowds. Winter visits are possible but expect snow/ice and reduced accessibility.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards include slippery and wet rocks, steep drop-offs near the river, strong currents during high flow (spring), cold water temperatures, sudden weather changes, and limited cell service in some areas. Stay on the trail, keep a safe distance from the edge, supervise children closely, and do not climb on wet boulders near the falls. If you encounter wildlife, maintain distance and follow recommended wildlife encounter protocols. Check current conditions and advisories before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Trap Creek, 25.1 km away, not on Sheep River Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0.5 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 46 years of record
1.95 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge TRAP CREEK NEAR LONGVIEW (25 km away).
Today
Low
0.5 m³/s
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0.5 m³/s
5/10Sat
Moderate
0.5 m³/s
5/10Sun
Moderate
0.5 m³/s
5/10Mon
Low
0.5 m³/s
5/10Tue
Low
0.5 m³/s
5/10Wed
Low
0.5 m³/s
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, cloudy (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid May to early July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Calgary hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Turner Valley, drive west on Highway 546 for about 35.6 km; the Sheep Falls day use area is on the left. Highway 546 is a dead-end road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Sheep Falls day use area, which has picnic tables, firepits and pit toilets. The lot can fill on warm summer weekends. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park.
Elevation
1,567 metres above sea level
Coordinates
50.615828° N, -114.703533° W
Land Management
Managed by Parks Division, Alberta Forestry and Parks
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear with good traction. Stay behind established barriers and marked viewpoints; rocks near the water are slippery and drop-offs may be present. Check trail conditions before travel, spring flows can be strong and riverbanks unstable. Bring water, layers, and a map or GPS; cell reception may be limited in places. If visiting in winter, bring traction (microspikes) and be prepared for icy conditions. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
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For this easy 0.5 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
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
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Nearby Campground
Bluerock Campground
1.5 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Indian Oils Day Use Area and Indian Oils Waterfalls are just downstream on Highway 546, and the Indian Oils and Mount Hoffman trails start there. Other Sheep River Provincial Park day use areas and trails line the highway.
Wildlife
Common wildlife includes deer, small mammals and a variety of birds. Black bears and coyotes are present in the region; larger species (moose) may also be encountered. Practice wildlife safety and store food appropriately.
Cities near Sheep River Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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