Waterfalls Creek Trail

Pinto Lake Public Land Recreation Area

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 57 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Waterfalls Creek Trail is a 24.3 km out and back trail in Pinto Lake Public Land Recreation Area. It runs 12.1 km each way. The route gains 1,117 m in total and tops out at 2,347 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 9 hours of moving time. Along the way you pass Lower Michele Lake and Upper Michele Lake and a waterfall. Much of the route follows Waterfalls Creek. Also used for backpacking.

Length: 24.3km; 12.1 km each way
Elevation gain: 1,117m
Estimated time: 9h; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 2,347m
Lowest point: 1,542m

Elevation profile

1,542 m to 2,347 m

Highest point 2,347 m, lowest 1,542 m, 1,117 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 134% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 0% of route

0% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 12.1 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

0.4 kmWaterfall
9.8 kmWaterfall
10.0 kmWaterfall
10.2 kmLower Michele LakeLake
11.0 kmWaterfall
11.2 kmUpper Michele LakeLake

Good for

Hiking, Backpacking
Dog friendly (on leash)
Lake, Waterfall, Views, River or creek, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 52.1538° N, 116.6854° W.

Driving directions

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 5 trails in Pinto Lake Public Land Recreation Area

Government of Alberta, Open Government Licence Alberta
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30