Takakkaw Falls to Laughing Falls

Start beneath thundering Takakkaw Falls and follow the Yoho River up-valley to a second showstopper: Laughing Falls. This is a classic, approachable valley hike with big payoffs at both ends. It’s typically done as an out-and-back to the falls and adjacent campground, about 5.8 miles total (roughly 4.6 km one way, then return), with 120–130 m of cumulative gain. Expect mostly gentle grades and one short, steeper, rockier stretch.

Early on, a long boardwalk crosses a busy confluence, then the trail settles into lush forest with views and the constant rush of glacier-fed water. The first couple kilometers are well-graded crushed gravel; beyond, roots and rocks appear where most of the climb happens. You’ll share the opening stretch with sightseers around Takakkaw, but traffic thins quickly—beyond the campground it’s surprisingly quiet for such a marquee area. Families with some hiking experience do fine here. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Laughing Falls itself drops about 30 m in lively chutes, and it really earns its name after rain or in early summer when melt is roaring. There’s a backcountry campground right beside the waterfall if you want to linger overnight. If your legs want more, continue past the falls toward Twin Falls or up Little Yoho Valley; hikers often tally multiple waterfalls along this corridor.

Logistics are easy: park at the Takakkaw Falls lot at the end of Yoho Valley Road (use the furthest loop to line up with the valley trail). Both Takakkaw Falls and Laughing Falls campgrounds have food storage and basic toilets; wheelbarrows are available at the Takakkaw walk-in sites for hauling gear. This is bear country—carry spray and use the storage provided. Weather flips fast; bring layers and rain gear. Trekking poles help on the rockier section, and the spray and mist add to the drama (and the slickness). For photos, early morning or late afternoon light flatters Takakkaw.

Best time to hike

• Summer to early fall, when Yoho Valley Road is open (generally mid-June to mid-October). Early summer brings the most thunderous flows, but any open-season day is rewarding. Arrive early for parking if it’s a sunny weekend.