Bridge No 4

Overview

Fourth Bridge is a scenic crossing on the Maligne Canyon trail network, downstream of the busy upper bridges. It’s a sweet spot if you want big canyon drama without the shoulder‑to‑shoulder crowds.

What you’ll see

• Sheer limestone walls and a noticeably narrow, deep section of the canyon
• The Maligne River rushing below, with small waterfalls in season
• Mossy, forested canyon edges that make great photo frames

Why stop here

Compared with Bridges 1 and 2, this span usually feels calmer, so you can linger for photos and actually hear the river. The geology is on full display between the third and fifth bridges, and Fourth Bridge sits right in that prime stretch.

Planning your walk

Reach it via the well‑maintained Maligne Canyon trail from the main parking area by the upper bridges. Many hikers continue to Fifth Bridge before turning around; expect more variety if you push on a bit past Fourth. Services (food, restrooms) are back at the main trailhead near the upper bridges, not here.

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for ravens and songbirds riding the updrafts, plus American dippers working the river. Squirrels and chipmunks are common along the path; deer or elk occasionally wander by during quieter hours.

Geology snapshot

Maligne Canyon slices through limestone shaped by water over millennia, with classic karst features like potholes and underground flows feeding the river. The depth and pinch of the canyon are especially pronounced around Fourth and Fifth Bridges.

Best time to visit

• Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people
• Weekdays beat weekends in peak season
• Winter can be beautiful, but expect ice—traction helps—and sections may close. In 2024, parts of the canyon, including access here, were temporarily closed due to wildfire impacts; always check current advisories before you go.

Know before you go

There are no facilities at Fourth Bridge. The trail surface can be damp or icy; sturdy footwear (and traction in winter) makes a big difference.