Life in the Knife

Hiking the Cameron Falls Trail, NWT

Posted on 18. Aug, 2009 by Shane in Hiking Trips, Sports & Recreation

Looking to discover your new favourite place to explore and relax in the outdoors of the Northwest Territories? We did… see the photos below.  Hiking the Cameron Falls Trail in August has a magical quality about it and we were not alone to share in its glory. Many hikers of all ages were exploring the views, picnicking in the sun, rock climbing, reading a book, giving massages, swimming below the falls or relaxing with friends or a loved one. I have never seen a happier bunch of hikers – everyone was smiling!

The Cameron Falls Trail parking lot is located about 47 KM along the Ingraham Trail east of Yellowknife – after you reach it you will have to hike the rest of the way in. The trail is thick with trees in some places, opens up to shield rock in others and features a variety of trees, plants, birds and small fur bearing critters along the way. You can also see last years end of winter hike to Cameron Falls here.

IMPORTANT HIKING TIP: The total hike time (one-way) to the main waterfall viewpoint can range from 20 minutes for power hikers, 30 minutes for average adult hikers and up to 40 minutes for adults with children (not including breaks). Seniors and small children will have low to moderate difficulty. For those with more significant mobility challenges please note that you will encounter moderate+  hiking conditions including sheer rocky inclines and a steep stairwell. If you are continuing on to the other side of Cameron Falls expect to add on a one-way hike time of 15 more minutes for power hikers, 20 more minutes for average adult hikers and up to 25 more minutes for seniors and adults with children (not including breaks). Wear good running or hiking shoes, pack some snacks for energy, bring one to two water bottles per person because you may want to stay a while and explore. And do not forget to bring the bug spray. Now go have good hike!

Here is one of the first light climbs on the way to Cameron Falls.

The is the stairway along the Cameron Falls Trail.

Our first encouter with the falls atop the main viewpoint.

The Cameron Falls in the Northwest Territories.

Looking downstream from the Falls.

Shane elated to be here!

Petra standing atop the cliff overlooking Cameron Falls, NWT.

Petra taking a picture of me taking photos of Cameron Falls.

A little side trail brought us to a smaller part of Cameron Falls. It was very lush and green there.

Shane thanking nature!

The Cameron Falls Trail bridge.

Looking down the river above the falls.

Crossing the Cameron Falls Trail Bridge.

Doing some kind of spontaneous pose on the Cameron Falls Trail Bridge.

A view from the Cameron Falls Trail Bridge. Note the couple reading to each other. There were a few other couples sprinkled around the rocks too.

Sunbathing at Cameron Falls, NWT.

A view from the far side of the Cameron Falls Trail looking back at the main viewpoint.

While climbing out onto the rocks I looked up and a cowboy appeared above the cliff. I later learned his name was Adam Jensen.

Adventurer Adam Jensen sits on a rock at the bottom of Cameron Falls. He made an excellent photo opportunity! Thanks Adam!

Adam Jensen claiming victory over Cameron Falls. People on both sides of the valley were cheering for him.

Here is a view downstream from Cameron Falls. The large cliff is the main viewpoint for the waterfall.

Having a lunch break at the top of the waterfall and enjoying ”Shane’s Famous Hiking Sandwiches”.

A young couple taking a different look at Cameron Falls.

The End…

Tags: 2009, August, August 2009, cameron falls, Cameron Falls Trail, Petra White, river, Shane Keller, Summer, valley, waterfall