How to Visit Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area

If you’re looking for a breathtaking natural wonder in the heart of Alberta, Canada, then Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area in Clearwater County is a must-visit destination.

Located in the stunning David Thompson Country, Crescent Falls is a picturesque spot that boasts an awe-inspiring waterfall, scenic hiking trails, and a serene campground. Nestled near the Bighorn Canyon, this area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Crescent Falls has something to offer everyone. From the majestic views of the waterfall to the tranquil surroundings of the Bighorn River, this provincial recreation area is a gem waiting to be explored.

Getting Started: Planning Your Visit

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Best time to visit Crescent Falls

When planning your visit to Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area, it’s important to consider the time of year. The best time to visit is between May and October, as the weather is more favourable and the trails are more accessible. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, it’s advisable to visit on weekdays or outside of the peak summer months of July and August. This will ensure a more serene and enjoyable experience.

Reservations and Camping

If you plan to camp, reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance of your arrival date. The campground offers a mix of first-come, first-served and reservable campsites, including 9 tent-only sites and 21 RV campsites. It’s important to note that the campground has specific rules, such as limiting trailer size to 27 feet due to the steep hill and creek crossing.

Pack accordingly by bringing sturdy shoes, water, and snacks to enjoy during your hike. The trail includes areas with exposed roots, so footwear with a good grip is necessary. Additionally, consider the weather and pack layers, as well as any other personal items you might need for a comfortable and safe visit.

How to Get to Crescent Falls

To reach the stunning Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area, follow a series of straightforward directions. Whether you’re traveling from major cities like Edmonton or Calgary or nearby towns such as Rocky Mountain House, the journey is simple and rewarding.

From Nordegg and Rocky Mountain House

If you’re starting from Nordegg, Alberta, take Highway 11 westbound for approximately 11.2 miles (18 kilometers). Look for the clearly signed road to Crescent Falls and turn right. Continue on this road for about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) before turning left into the Crescent Falls trailhead area.

From Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer

Travelers coming from Edmonton, Calgary, or Red Deer will need to pass through Rocky Mountain House. From there, take Highway 11, also known as the David Thompson Highway, directly to the turn for Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area. The turn is well-marked, and you’ll see a sign indicating the lookout and trailhead.

It’s worth noting that the road into the park is not paved and features several sections with potholes. This can make the journey a bit bumpy, so ensure you drive cautiously and prepare for uneven terrain.

Parking and Access

Upon arrival at Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area, park at the day-use area near the campground for the easiest access to the trailhead. Please note that there is no general parking at the lower day-use area or within the campground. However, a drop-off zone is available. Designated stalls for those with an accessible parking placard are also provided in the drop-off zone.

Crescent Falls Trail Overview

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Trail Details

The Crescent Falls hike is a relatively short and easy trail, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers. Here are the key details to help you prepare:

• Distance: The trail is approximately 4.9 kilometres round trip, not including the optional detour to the base of the falls.
• Difficulty: Rated as easy, this trail is suitable for most hikers, including families with small children, although it is not wheelchair accessible due to the rough terrain.
• Elevation Gain: The trail has a minimal elevation gain of 71 meters, ensuring it remains relatively flat and manageable.
• Surface: The trail is primarily dirt, with some sections featuring exposed roots, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
• Trail Type: This is an out-and-back trail, meaning you will follow the same path to and from the falls.

Trail Description

The hike begins at the Bighorn Canyon lookout, marked by a small parking lot and a faded sign. The initial section of the trail is flat and shaded, passing through a forest before opening up to reveal the Bighorn River flowing at the bottom of a deep canyon.

As you continue along the top of Bighorn Canyon, the path alternates between forested areas and open views of the canyon. The trail eventually leads slightly away from the canyon edge and back into the forest, where you will start to hear the sound of Crescent Falls. A small wooden bridge marks a key point in the trail, after which you will come to a fork. Taking the left path at the fork offers one of the best views of Crescent Falls, showcasing both the upper and lower falls against a backdrop of snowy peaks.

Optional Detour

For those who are more adventurous, there is an optional detour to the base of the upper falls. This path is unmaintained and includes a warning sign due to the risks involved. However, it provides a unique and up-close view of the falls, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to your hike.

Safety Considerations

It is important to stay behind barriers and avoid getting close to the canyon wall, river, and waterfall plunge pools. The area has experienced incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities, so caution is paramount.

Additionally, the rock ledges around the top of the falls are slippery, and swimming at the bottom of the falls is strictly prohibited due to the strong undertow.

Safety Tips and Preparation

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Navigating the Crescent Falls Trail

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Starting at the Bighorn Canyon Lookout

The hike to Crescent Falls begins at the Bighorn Canyon lookout. From the parking area, look to the right of the viewpoint where you will see a path marked by a faded sign and two large rocks blocking the entrance to the trail. This is the starting point of your journey to Crescent Falls.

Initial Forest Section

Begin by walking on a flat, shaded path through the forest. The trail is relatively easy and well-marked, allowing you to enjoy the serene surroundings. As you walk, the forest will occasionally open up to reveal stunning views of the Bighorn River flowing at the bottom of a deep canyon.

Along the Canyon Edge

The path continues along the top of Bighorn Canyon, with groups of trees separating it from the canyon’s edge. Be cautious here, as the trail is close to the canyon, and the views can be distracting. Ensure you stay on the designated trail to avoid any potential hazards.

Entering the Forest Again

You will re-enter the forest as the trail leads slightly away from the canyon. This section is less noteworthy in terms of views but is important for the overall hike. Keep an ear out for the sound of Crescent Falls, which will start to become audible as you progress through the forest.

The Wooden Bridge and Trail Fork

After walking through the forest, you will come across a small wooden bridge. Once you cross the bridge, you will reach a fork in the trail. Here, you have two options:

• Right Path: This path is a shortcut to the waterfall, but it misses one of the best views.
• Left Path: This path leads through the forest towards Bighorn Canyon and offers an incredible viewpoint of Crescent Falls. It is worth taking this route to see both the upper and lower falls against a backdrop of snowy peaks.

Approaching the Falls

As you continue on the left path, you will eventually loop back to the main trail. The trail will then lead you towards the falls, with minimal scenery until you almost reach the falls. Just before the main viewing area, you may notice a side trail with a warning sign, which leads down to the base of the upper falls. However, this path is not recommended due to safety concerns.

Main Viewing Area

The main trail will soon arrive at the edge of the canyon, where you can safely view the falls from behind a railing. Here, you will find an observation deck jutting out beside the brink of the falls. This is a minor downhill walk to the platform, offering a safe and spectacular view of Crescent Falls.

Optional Descent to the Base

If you decide to take the side trail to the base of the upper falls, be extremely cautious. This path is steep and involves a warning sign due to the risks involved. The descent is about 15-20 minutes, and once at the bottom, you will find a rock slab where you can view the falls safely from a distance. The area is wide enough to stay away from the cliff edge, but it is important to remain vigilant about your surroundings.

Return Journey

When you are ready to leave the falls, the return journey is on the same path you took to get there. If you took the left path at the fork, you could now take the shortcut on the right to return to the parking area, making the hike slightly shorter on the way back.

Enhancing Your Experience

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Capturing the Moment: Photography Tips

If you are an avid photographer or simply want to capture the beauty of Crescent Falls, there are several tips to enhance your photography experience.

For waterfall photography, use Aperture Priority mode with an aperture range of F8 to F11 and an ISO of 100 or 200. These settings help achieve a silky smooth effect on the water. Adjust your shutter speed to be between 1/8th to 1 second to capture the desired flow of water.

A good tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera, especially when using slower shutter speeds. A polarizer is also necessary as it reduces reflections, allows for longer shutter speeds, and enhances the colors of the scene.

Shoot during soft, low-light conditions, such as early morning, late afternoon, or overcast days. These conditions provide softer light with lower contrast, making it easier to capture the dynamic range of the scene without needing to bracket exposures.

Don’t just focus on the waterfall itself; include foreground and middle-ground elements like large rocks or smaller mini-falls. This helps the viewer’s eye travel naturally from the foreground to the falls, adding depth and context to your photographs.

Immersing in Nature

Embrace all types of weather to capture unique and vibrant images. Rainy or overcast days can provide saturated shadows and vibrant colors, while icy conditions can transform the area into a winter wonderland.

Venture into the darker, sun-starved areas of the canyon to discover hidden gems. These areas often yield the most beautiful and intimate scenes, especially when armed with a sturdy tripod to handle low-light conditions.

Crescent Falls Campground

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Campsite Options and Amenities

The Crescent Falls Campground offers a diverse range of campsites to cater to different types of campers. The campground includes 9 tent-only sites and 21 RV campsites, with a maximum trailer size limit of 27 feet due to the steep hill and creek crossing upon entry.

RV and Tent Sites

• RV Sites: These sites are unserviced, meaning they do not have power or water hookups. However, they are well-maintained and provide a comfortable stay for RV campers.
• Tent Sites: The tent-only sites are walk-in sites, offering a more secluded and peaceful experience for those who prefer to camp without the amenities of an RV.

The campground is equipped with several amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Each campsite comes with picnic tables and fire pits, allowing campers to enjoy meals and campfires in a scenic setting. Firewood is available for purchase on-site.

While there is no potable drinking water available due to the risk of groundwater contamination, there is a water pump for non-potable uses. Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water. The campground also features pit/vault toilets.

For equestrian campers, there are designated campsites with hitching rails, a loading ramp, and corrals. This makes it an ideal spot for horseback riders who want to explore the surrounding trails.

The campground is closely linked to the day-use area, which offers newly renovated platforms for safely viewing the falls. A new access trail from the upper parking lot leads to the day-use area, providing easy access for all visitors. However, there is no general parking at the lower day-use area or within the campground, but a drop-off zone is available.

Reservations and Fees

Reservations for campsites can be made up to 90 days in advance of the arrival date. The camping fee is $28 per night for both tent and RV sites. Alberta seniors can also apply for a 25% camping fee discount for select campground bookings starting from May 1, 2025.

The campground offers designated stalls for visitors with an accessible parking placard in the drop-off zone. This ensures that all guests can access the facilities comfortably and without difficulty.

Conclusion: Crescent Falls

Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area in Clearwater County, Alberta, is a hidden gem that combines natural beauty with outdoor adventure. To make the most of your visit, it’s essential to plan carefully, selecting the right time of year and preparing with the necessary gear and safety precautions.

The hike to Crescent Falls is relatively easy, but it does require attention to safety, particularly around the canyon and waterfall areas. The campground offers a comfortable stay, complete with amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and equestrian facilities.

Take full advantage of the recently upgraded trails, viewing platforms, and access roads to soak in the stunning views of the Bighorn River Canyon and the majestic Crescent Falls. Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, or simply a nature enthusiast, Crescent Falls has something to offer everyone.

FAQS about Crescent Falls