Twin Falls and Whaleback
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
We love the hike to Twin Falls. It’s worth the extra effort to hike up and over Whaleback, one of our favourite places in Yoho. This walk also takes in Twin Falls Chalet, a charming backcountry cabin.
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Route Description for Twin Falls and Whaleback
From the parking lot at the end of the road, head north, walking through the Takakkaw Falls Campground. You will go through open areas and forest, along a wide path. You will occasionally come down towards the Yoho River, which gives wonderful views.
After 4.4 km you reach the Laughing Falls Backcountry Campground the path splits, you can go either way, however we prefer to go counter-clockwise for today’s route. Take the right path as it goes along Twin Falls Creek. In 2.2 km you reach another backcountry campground, this one Twin Falls Campground. From here it’s another 1.6 km uphill to Twin Falls Chalet. Stop here and enjoy a break.
Head uphill on the Whaleback trail and check out the Twin falls. Be careful when looking at Twin Falls. Accidents here are common, with fatalities occurring, often from people taking photos or getting close to the edge. We like to roam around and look at different viewpoints of the falls.
Go above the falls and cross Twin Falls Creek. You are now on the edge of the forest, coming out into the Alpine from time to time. We love the views here, especially the stunning colours. Continue hiking over Whaleback, this is the best part of the walk. Eventually you reach the down trail, a switchback that is slippery in rain and steep in places.
As you descend you come to an intersection with the Iceline Trail. Head left (east) continuing down hill through the forest. Soon you come to a junction with the path you initially started hiking on earlier. Turn right and head back on this path as you head to your car.
Insider Hints for Twin Falls and Whaleback
- The Twin Falls Chalet is a beautiful old cabin. It’s worth a look, and if you want some tranquillity you can spend 2 nights here!
- Trailers are illegal on the road to the start of the hike. This is because there are some narrow switchbacks that can be hard for large cars to navigate.
- Cathedral Mountain Lodge which is just off the TransCanada highway is highly recommended. This underappreciated gem is a great place to stay if you want an early start for this hike.
Getting to the Twin Falls and Whaleback Trailhead
Drive west from Banff or Lake Louise along the Trans-Canada Highway. Take the exit north towards Takkakaw Falls. If you reach Field BC, you have gone too far! Go for nearly 14.0 km up the road until you see the parking area. Trailers are not allowed on this road.
Route Information
Twin Falls and Whaleback Elevation Graph
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