Upper Bertha Falls
Alberta • Waterton Lakes National Park • 75 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
7.2 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
259 m
About Upper Bertha Falls
Upper Bertha Falls is a small multi-step cascade on the outlet stream above Bertha Lake in the Waterton Lakes area of southwestern Alberta. The falls are a scenic feature along the Bertha Lake/Upper Bertha Falls route and are most often visited by day hikers. Flow and appearance vary seasonally (highest in spring snowmelt and after heavy rains). Exact published height is not consistently reported.
The Setting
Upper Bertha Falls sits at 1,773 metres within Waterton Lakes National Park, in the high mountains of Alberta. At 75 metres, it is among the taller waterfalls in Alberta.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Upper Bertha Falls flows over Purcell Supergroup, a layered carbonate rock layer deposited over 1.0-1.6 billion years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating a 246-foot drop that forms the waterfall.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lineham Falls (125 m) lies 10.1 kilometres to the west. Also nearby: Cameron Falls (23 m, 2.7 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 7.2-km out-and-back trail gains 259 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The route to Upper Bertha Falls follows the Bertha Lake trail corridor through montane forest with occasional open viewpoints. Expect a single out-and-back route with unpaved tread, some roots and rocks, short sections of boardwalk/steps in wet areas, and moderate elevation gain as you approach the Bertha Lake basin. The falls are reached before or near Bertha Lake depending on the exact route you follow. Trails are usually well-marked but can be muddy or snowy outside summer months.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 75 metres over layered carbonate rock.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Bertha Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Bertha Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring through early fall for best trail access and water flow (spring runoff generally gives the most dramatic flows). Summer is best for access and wildflowers; late fall and winter may have snow and ice that limit access or require winter equipment.
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 Waterton Lakes National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards include slippery rocks near the water, cold and fast-moving water, steep or uneven trail sections, rapidly changing mountain weather, biting insects in summer, and potential wildlife encounters. Carry adequate water, dress for changing conditions, tell someone your plan, and check current trail alerts and closures from Parks Canada before hiking. If you encounter bears follow Parks Canada safety protocol (stay calm, back away slowly, do not run).
Current Water Conditions
103.0 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 101 years of record
1.14 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are located in the Waterton Lakes region of Alberta (coordinates 49.0305, -113.9352). Access is typically from trailheads on or near the Akamina Parkway/Cameron Lake area of Waterton Lakes National Park. Visitors generally drive from the Waterton townsite toward Cameron Lake/Akamina Parkway and follow signs to the Bertha Lake trailhead; check Parks Canada maps and current road conditions before travel.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the designated Bertha Lake / Upper Bertha Falls trailhead(s). Parking areas can be small and may fill on busy summer days, plan to arrive early. There may be restrictions on overnight parking in park lots; check Parks Canada signage.
Elevation
1,773 metres above sea level
Coordinates
49.030478° N, -113.935166° W
Land Management
Managed by Parks Canada Agency
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check Parks Canada trail and road reports before you go. Arrive early to secure parking in summer. Wear sturdy, grippy footwear; expect muddy or wet sections. Stay on designated trails and viewing areas, do not climb on wet rocks near the falls. Carry bear-aware gear and know how to use it; make noise on forested sections. Pack out everything you bring in. If visiting in shoulder seasons, bring traction for ice/snow and warm layers.
This trail sits at 5,817 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 23% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 7.2 km and 259 m of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
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
Bertha Lake Camp
0.1 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Bertha Lake, Cameron Lake, Cameron Falls, Red Rock Canyon, Waterton Townsite (visitor centre, viewpoints, lakeshore trails).
Wildlife
Black bears and grizzly bears are present in the Waterton region; also elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and smaller mammals and birds. Always observe wildlife from a distance and follow park guidance.
Nearby Waterfalls
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