Upper Goose Falls
Ontario • Sturgeon River Provincial Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
About Upper Goose Falls
Upper Goose Falls is a relatively remote cascade in northern Ontario (coordinates 46.9699, -80.4577). There is limited official information about developed facilities or an established trail. The falls appear as a series of drops/cascades through boreal forest and exposed rock; water flow is seasonal and typically highest in spring and after heavy rain. Exact measurements and formal descriptions from provincial park sources are not readily available, so some details below are conservative or may vary on the ground.
The Setting
Upper Goose Falls sits at 271 metres within Sturgeon River Provincial Park, in the foothills of Ontario.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Upper Goose Falls flows over Cobalt Group, a soft fine-grained rock layer deposited over 2.3-2.5 billion 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 published, maintained trail to Upper Goose Falls. Visitors commonly reach the river via an unmarked path or a short bushwhack from a roadside pullout. Terrain is likely rocky and uneven near the water with tree roots, loose rock and wet surfaces. Route finding skills and basic off-trail bushwhacking experience are advisable. If you prefer a maintained trail, consider visiting better-documented waterfalls in the Sudbury region instead.
What to Expect
Expect boreal forest, exposed bedrock, a narrow river channel and a cascade or series of small drops rather than a single high vertical drop. Flow varies with season, high in spring and after rains, lower in late summer. There are no known visitor amenities (no restrooms, signage, or guardrails). Wildlife common to northern Ontario (moose, black bear, deer, small mammals, and abundant insects in warm months) may be present. Cell phone reception may be intermittent or unavailable.
Accessibility
Likely not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. Approach appears to be over rough, unmaintained terrain and may require rock scrambling and uneven footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Goose Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Goose Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring (snowmelt/high runoff) for strongest flows and dramatic water; summer for easier access and warmer conditions; fall for foliage and lower visitor numbers. Winter access may be possible by snowmobile or snowshoe but will be cold and requires winter travel experience and equipment. Check local road/gate conditions before heading out.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Sturgeon River Provincial Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards include slippery and uneven rock, fast-flowing water and cold water temperatures (risk of hypothermia if immersed), unstable edges and limited or no cell service. Wildlife encounters are possible. Seasonal road conditions (mud season, spring thaw, winter snow/ice) can make vehicle access difficult; some forestry roads may require high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles. Leave no trace and exercise caution near cliffs and the water’s edge.
Current Water Conditions
20.1 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 39 years of record
4.96 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
Know when to go.
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Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls lie in a remote area of northern Ontario about 44.5 miles from Sudbury, ~53.0 miles from Cobalt and ~59.4 miles from New Liskeard (distances provided by the user). Access typically requires driving secondary and likely unpaved logging or forest roads to a nearby pullout, then a short off-trail approach. Use the provided coordinates (46.9699, -80.4577) on a GPS device or topographic map. Cell reception may be limited; plan accordingly.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
No developed parking lot is known. Expect informal roadside pullouts or small clearings; park well off the travel lane and avoid blocking forestry traffic. If unsure, park in the nearest signed parking area and hike in only where permitted.
Elevation
271 metres above sea level
Coordinates
46.969892° N, -80.457746° W
Land Management
Managed by Ontario Parks
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Use the exact coordinates and an offline map/topo for navigation. • Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots, rocks near the falls can be slippery. • Carry extra layers; northern Ontario weather can change quickly. • Bring a map, compass/GPS and tell someone your route and expected return. • Expect mosquitoes and black flies in spring and early summer, bring repellent and head net if sensitive. • Respect private property and posted closures; do not venture onto clearly signed private land. • Avoid approaching the water’s edge during high flow; strong currents and slick rock are hazards.
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
Ranger Point
19.8 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The area around the coordinates is in a sparsely developed part of northern Ontario. Nearby population centers include Sudbury, Cobalt and New Liskeard. The region offers lakes, forest roads and other small waterfalls and rapids; consult local tourism resources or Ontario provincial park listings for more developed visitor sites.
Wildlife
Black bear, moose, white-tailed deer, beaver, foxes and a variety of small mammals and birds. Insects (mosquitoes, black flies, ticks) are abundant in warm months. Practice standard wildlife safety (store food securely, give animals distance, know how to react to bears).
Cities near Upper Goose Falls
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