Bear Creek Falls Trail
A brief but steep waterfall hike with a demanding return climb and directional highway access.
Route overview
Descend steeply through forest to a secluded glacial waterfall, then climb back to the highway.
Bear Creek Falls Trail drops from the Trans-Canada Highway corridor through forest to a secluded glacial waterfall on Connaught Creek. The descent feels quick, but the 95 m climb back to the vehicle makes the return substantially more strenuous.
Trail facts
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- Eastern Rogers Pass corridor
- Distance
- 1 km return
- Typical duration
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- 95 m elevation change
- Best season
- Summer through autumn when officially open and free of hazardous snow or ice
- Trail type
- Return
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- National park admission normally applies; no separate day-hike permit is normally required.
Safety context
The trail is steep and can be slippery. Stay on the main route at the bottom, remain away from the falls and swift creek, and follow the official westbound access instruction rather than making an unsafe highway turn. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Steep descent and climb, slippery ground, swift water, waterfall hazards and westbound-only practical approach.
Highlights
Canada, Glacier National Park, Bear Creek Falls, waterfall, steep trail, Rogers Pass, Parks Canada
Why find a buddy
Valuable for pacing the return climb, supervising near water and coordinating safe vehicle access on the highway corridor.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.