Bertha Lake Trail

Start at Bertha Trailhead on Evergreen South, then climb from the Waterton townsite toward a viewpoint over Upper Waterton Lake. The trail soon follows Bertha Creek through forest to Lower Bertha Falls, where water spills over sloping rock in a thin, cascading curtain. It is an especially good place to pause before deciding whether to continue: the falls are a complete, much shorter outing on their own, while the lake route adds the steep upper climb. Upper Bertha Falls is separate from the lower cascade and appears only in brief glimpses across the valley from the ascent.

Past Lower Bertha Falls, the route turns into a sustained climb up the side of Mount Richards. Long switchbacks do the work, and this is where the hike changes from a pleasant creek walk into a moderately strenuous mountain trail. Take a steady pace and carry enough water for the full trip. If the climb is more than you want, turn around at the lower falls; that is the best-supported shorter version, not a different trailhead or an alternate route to the lake.

The upper trail crosses forest affected by the 2017 Kenow Fire. Burned trunks and recovering vegetation frame openings across Upper Waterton Lake and the surrounding mountains; the gaps bring welcome views but leave some stretches more exposed to sun. The terrain changes again closer to Bertha Lake, where greener forest returns and the path drops over a short rocky section toward the water. The switchbacks offer the clearest brief look back toward Upper Bertha Falls, so pause at openings rather than expecting a long waterfall viewpoint.

The trail reaches a subalpine lake in a steep mountain basin, with cliffs and peaks rising around the water. Give yourself time to rest at the shore before retracing the route. A path around the lake is an optional extra and is not included in the 6.4-mile figure; its alignment and distance are less certain, so do not count on it as part of the basic hike. There is a backcountry campground by the lake. An overnight stay requires a reservation, while day hikers can make the lake their turnaround.

The Bertha Trailhead parking lot is on Evergreen South, about 350 metres south of Cameron Falls. This route starts there and does not include the separate Lakeshore Trail or the scrambles toward Bertha Peak. Pets are allowed on park trails when kept on leash or in suitable confinement; check posted notices because a few park areas have pet restrictions. Waterton is bear country: carry bear spray where you can reach it quickly and know how to use it. The trailhead lies in an avalanche path, so check the daily Bertha–Townsite avalanche advisory before starting.