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Hike the Cameron Falls Trail

Fort Smith, Unorganized, Northwest Territories

Details

Distance

2.2 miles

Elevation Gain

167.3 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kaila Walton

Hike to a beautiful and large cascading waterfall in Hidden Lake Territorial Park.

Cameron Falls is approximately 47 km (29 mi) east of Yellowknife along the Ingraham Trail. Driving along the Ingraham Trail there will eventually be a sign that says "Cameron Falls Trail 1 km".

There is a small parking lot with pit toilets, a recycling bin and a large garbage bin. Sometimes the trail and parking lot can get busy due to tourist buses stopping there for folks to go hiking. The best time to go is first thing in the morning or a couple of hours before sunset. 

Being in Northern shield country, the trail twists and climbs over rocks, evergreen forests and across boardwalks. Depending on fitness level the hike can take anywhere from about 20 minutes to 40 minutes one way. Continue along the trail and there is a bridge that gives access to the other side of the falls and Cameron River. 

The waterfall is completely frozen over during the winter months, come spring you can hear the sound of the melt-waters rushing below the ice as it slowly melts. Water levels in the summer can get pretty low, if it is a dry summer, which means sometimes people can walk across the falls above the overhang. As a word of warning, be careful because some of the rocks around the waterfall can get quite slippery. On hot summer days, the base of the falls is a good place to go for a dip as well!

One of the best times to go is during the fall when all the leaves and shrubs are changing colours. Usually, around the end of August to the first couple of weeks of September are the best times for fall colours. 

There are no rules for Territorial Parks stating you cannot fly drones in them, just ensure that when flying one, be respectful of everyone around.

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Features

Photography
Swimming
Snowshoeing
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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