Lineham Falls hike
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Lineham Falls hike
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The Lineham Falls hike is an awesome Waterton activity. The trail passes along a bubbling creak and offers sweeping mountain views. This hike courses through an avalanche path and culminates in a beautiful waterfall view. The best part of the hike is the real possibility that you may have the trail to yourself.
Getting there
From Waterton townsite, head North on Highway 5 for 820ft past the edge of town and take a signed left for Cameron Lake. You're now on the famous Akamina Parkway, where you'll drive for 5.6mi to a small pullout on the right-hand side. The trailhead is signed as Lineham.
About
| When to do | May to October |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | No |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Low |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Lineham Falls
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Weather
Route Description for Lineham Falls
Note that much of Waterton National Park was severely impacted by the 2017 Kenow Wildfire. To find out what trails are open, please check the Parks Canada website.
It begins as a wide, fairly flat gravel trail through trees, but quickly it begins a steady climb that continues for 1.2mi. After 0.6mi the trail narrows and leaves the trees, giving wide-open views for the next kilometre. Scan the ridge to the right for mountain goats; pause to look behind at Buchanan Ridge stretching along the horizon. To the left is the impressive Mount Lineham.
At around 1.2mi, the trail levels off and soon re-enters the forest, crossing several creek beds before continuing to climb. Shortly after 1.9mi the trail opens up to offer the first glimpse of Lineham Falls. The trail then descends down an avalanche run-off from Mount Blakiston to travel along Lineham Creek. At 2.2mi there is a short spur trail down to the creek to view a small waterfall series.
There is a final steep ascent before the trail emerges completely from the trees where you will be greeted by a sign marked ‘Trail Ends’ at 2.6mi. The ending is rather abrupt and doesn’t offer a bench or seating to enjoy the view; but the views are excellent, none-the-less.
Straight ahead Lineham Creek plunges 328ft. To the left towers Mount Lineham and to the right is Mount Blakiston and Ruby Ridge. Take some time to enjoy the view before returning the way you came.
Insider Hints
With moderate elevation gain and an attainable distance, this is a great hike to take kids on; still, it’s best to prepare them in advance for the slightly anti-climactic trail end so they won’t be disappointed by the lack of rocks to climb or lake to splash in.
If you’re looking for a quiet hike in Waterton, this is the one.
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Fitzgerald Hikes 4 years ago
Great falls, beauty hike. Not too far but long enough to get the legs moving.
Allanhoward 4 years ago
Marvelous hike with remarkable scenery. The best part is there's hardly anyone here.
Meng Hin Jai 4 years ago
At the end of the trail, you can only see the falls in the distance. Go prepared and in a group. Although we did not see any bears there was plenty of bear scat along the trail.
Parker L. 4 years ago
Started the hike at 9 am and there was nobody ahead of me! Spooky cause the weather wasn't very nice, but I enjoyed it at the same time.
Calel P. 4 years ago
Superb environment! The views along the way were beautiful. There was no boring moment here. Yes, it was a bit excruciating, but it's worth it.
Jackson D. 4 years ago
The topography of this hike was very nice. I was truly fascinated by the ecosystem as well.
Ezekiel H. 4 years ago
Astounding views of the lake. The scenery was outrageous. Love the gushing water from the falls.
LyleM 4 years ago
This was a hike full of great scenery and opportunities for great photographs. The falls are spectacular and can be reached through a number of unofficial trails.
Mike Constance 4 years ago
If you're fit and prepared for travel in grizzly country, this is an excellent trail. Be sure to carry water, and bear spray. The trail climbs gradually on the way to the top, and then it's all downhill on the way out.
Calel P. 4 years ago
Superb hike with amazing scenery. It was pleasant and tranquil. Overall, it was an amazing hike.