Hike Alberta
CR31 Flints Park CampgroundBlock Lakes Junction Camp Cr37 2 km N
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Cascade River Trail

Near Banff · Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back

Trail score 43 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

CR31 Flints Park CampgroundBlock Lakes Junction Camp Cr37 2 km Open the map

About this trail

Cascade River Trail is a 21.5 km out and back trail near Banff in Banff National Park. It runs 10.8 km each way. The route gains 495 m in total and tops out at 2,053 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 6 hours 45 minutes of moving time. It meets Sawback Creek Trail at 1.4 km and North Fork Pass Trail at 1.6 km, and passes two other mapped junctions. Along the way you pass a backcountry campground and a campground. Much of the route follows Cascade River. Also used for horseback riding and backpacking.

Length
21.5km
10.8 km each way
Elevation gain
495m
Estimated time
6h45min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
2,053m
Lowest point
1,832m

Elevation profile

1,832 m to 2,053 m
2,0531,832 0 km10.8 km

Highest point 2,053 m, lowest 1,832 m, 495 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 26% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 0% of route

0% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap
10.8 km
Model
2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

  1. 1.1 kmFlint's Park Backcountry CampgroundBackcountry campground
  2. 1.3 kmCR31 Flints Park CampgroundCampground
  3. 7.1 kmBlock Lakes Junction Backcountry CampgroundBackcountry campground
  4. 7.2 kmBlock Lakes Junction Camp Cr37Campground

Good for

  • Hiking, Horseback riding, Backpacking
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Waterfall, River or creek, Camping

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.4147° N, 115.7500° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 588 trails in Banff National Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30