Lower Sunwapta Falls

Lower Sunwapta Falls is actually a series of three waterfalls (at least that's what I believe I saw) further downstream of the well-signed and well-visited

I think the big reason why this is the case is that the trail to the lower waterfalls starts beyond the picnic and viewing areas where most of the attention is towards the main waterfall and the mountain backdrop. However, after roughly 2km (each way) of walking gently downhill on the well-forested path leaving the commotion and hearing only the sounds of Nature take over, the path leads right to the fenced overlooks taking in the lower three waterfalls.

I did notice a bench and plaque just above the uppermost of these waterfalls in commemoration of someone that died young here. I'm not sure what the circumstances were regarding this death, but I'd imagine it had something to do with that person either getting swept away into the gorge or falling into it directly. Speaking of death, I was a bit worried about grizzly bears given how quiet this trail was, but when I was on my way out, I did notice at least three other couples going the other way so there probably is sufficient traffic to keep this trail from being too dangerous due to bears.

The uppermost of the Lower Sunwapta Falls seemed very similar in character to the main Sunwapta Falls. I say this because its height seemed similar (though I can't say for sure without measuring apparati), and the Sunwapta River was once again squeezed into a narrow gorge where the elevation dropped quickly.

As for the remaining waterfalls, I was able to view the 2nd tier in a nice open setting. However, the third tier was mostly blocked by foliage so it was hard to get a clean view of it. There was also heavy cloud cover given the clearing snowstorm so I couldn't see what the panorama was like as I peered over the two lower falls. But of what I was able to see so far, I'm betting on a fair day, the panoramas would be just as attractive as that of the main Sunwapta Falls.

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TRIP REPORTS

• September 21, 2010

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NEARBY WATERFALLS

• Sunwapta Falls
• Athabasca Falls
• Tangle Falls

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