Lower Bertha Falls Trail

Lower Bertha Falls is a 3.2-mile (5.2-kilometre) out-and-back from Bertha Trailhead in Waterton townsite. The trail climbs from town to a view over Upper Waterton Lake, then follows the creek to a fan-shaped cascade beside a bridge. Parks Canada rates it moderate, with 175 metres (574 feet) of elevation gain; allow about 1.5 hours. This route ends at Lower Bertha Falls. Bertha Lake is the much steeper continuation beyond it.

At the marked split, follow the creek toward the falls. The Lakeshore branch heads south instead, so don’t add that route by mistake.

The climb out of town is steady but short. A bench viewpoint a little over a kilometre in looks south across Upper Waterton Lake toward Glacier National Park and the surrounding peaks. Keep a few of the foreground trees in a photo; they give the long lake and mountain walls a sense of scale.

The trail passes through forest changed by the 2017 Kenow Fire. Fireweed and wild bergamot bring color to parts of the burn, especially when they’re flowering.

The lower falls spread over slanted, upturned rock in a fan-shaped cascade. The bridge is the safe place to stop and look. The rock beside the water is steep and slippery, so skip the scramble for a closer angle.

Park at Bertha Trailhead on Evergreen South, about 350 metres south of Cameron Falls. The trailhead and first section are in avalanche terrain; check Parks Canada’s current avalanche information before setting out. Parks Canada also recommends carrying bear spray where you can reach it and knowing how to use it. I couldn’t verify the park’s pet rule for this route, so check before bringing a dog.