(Twin Falls, Yoho NP)
In a region of dramatic scenery and jaw-dropping beauty, the Yoho Valley more than holds its own. Situated in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, it’s one of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited.
The Yoho Valley Road is a few kilometers east of Field, British Columbia, just off the TransCanada Highway. It’s a dead end road and is only open during the summer months, but is very popular so don’t expect to be alone. Most who drive into the valley go just to see Takakkaw waterfall….
At 384 m high (with 254 m “free fall”), Takakkaw — pronounced Tah-kuh-kah, Cree for “it is wonderful” — is the tallest of a number of memorable waterfalls you’ll find when exploring Yoho Valley. It is also among Canada’s highest waterfalls.
(Yoho Valley)
The Twin Falls hike begins at the parking area of Takakkaw Falls, and winds its way up the Yoho River, past a series of waterfalls, ending at a paired waterfall known as Twin Falls. The trail is generally in good condition and there are plenty of rewards for your efforts. You pass five waterfalls (several of which are world-class).
What follows is a chronology of the hike to help you better understand the sights and terrain.
i) The hike begins adjoining Takakkaw waterfalls campground. A broad well-kept trail takes you upstream along the Yoho River. About 2 kms in there are short turnoffs to Angels Staircase Falls and Pont Lace Falls.
(Yoho River, with a small cascade)
ii) Continue upriver towards Laughing Falls at 4.5 kms from the trailhead. The hike to this point is relatively flat, with minimal elevation gain.
(Laughing Falls)
iii) From Laughing Falls you begin a moderate ascent to Twin Falls situated at about 8 kms. As you walk uphill look for clearings towards the west (left) for your first views of Twin Falls, a memorable waterfall even at a distance.
(Twin Falls Creek, several km from Twin Falls)
iv) Twin Falls, as the name implies, is a paired waterfall that plummets over a 180 m limestone cliff. It’s a common destination for day hikers to stop before they head back to the trailhead. It’s certainly worth stopping here to look around…..
There’s the Twin Falls Chalet, a century old log cabin, a remnant of the Canadian Pacific travel days, where you can have tea or book a room (all must be reserved in advance).
There’s a short looped side-trail that allows different views of Twin Falls and Twin Falls Creek which is well worth your time and offers a number of places to rest and scenic places to enjoy your lunch….
v) From here you can turn back or do as I did, which is ascend the steep pitch up to the top of the waterfall. It is an hour of strenuous hiking as you ascend to a plateau and walk towards the waterfall….
vi) From the plateau’s edge you can approach the northern fall of Twin Falls and stand near it as it plummets over the cliff, deafened by the thunderous roar of the water….
Better still is to take in the grand panorama of the beautiful Yoho Valley…..
Photos simply don’t do it justice! Be sure you look to the northeast and see what you can of the Waputik Icefield…..
vii) From here you have the option of either doing the Whaleback trail, beautiful but lengthy, or returning the way you came. Completely up to you and how adventuresome you are. Regardless of your choice, you’ll have lasting memories of a great day.
Your photos are glorious!! I really enjoyed this post abut Twin Falls in Yoho National Park!!