Junction Falls Trail is an undesignated route in the Sheep River Provincial Park area of Kananaskis. This means that the hike is not an official, maintained trail that Alberta Parks manages, as is the case for many popular trails in Kananaskis.
The route takes you through a valley following Junction Creek to a stunning, 3-tiered waterfall. The trail is easy, but long. It was on my hiking list for a couple of years before I was finally able to complete it in August 2026. The reason I waited was because there is a significant creek crossing at the beginning of the trail that can be impassable depending on the water level. The creek is also freezing, so I preferred to complete the hike on a warm day.
Junction Falls Hike Summary
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 14 km round trip
- Elevation: 560 metres
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Trailhead: Junction Creek Day
Take Sheep River Road (Highway 546) west from Diamond Valley. At the end of the road, you’ll reach a one way loop. This is the parking area for Junction Falls. I recommend trying to park as close to the end of the loop as you’re able, as this is where the trail starts.
Junction Falls Trail Description
We parked at the second last parking area, which was almost directly across from the creek crossing at the beginning of the trail. The trail crosses Sheep River just before the confluence with Junction Creek. You will need creek crossing footwear on this hike. Some great options are water shoes, crocs, or sandals that you can wear in water. Alternatively, slides or flip-flops can work. I’d also bring some type of small towel to dry your feet before donning your hiking footwear.
I recommend beginning the hike in your water shoes and walking from the parking lot to the creek, while carrying your hiking shoes. Otherwise you’ll need to change your footwear twice.
Crossing Sheep River
Sheep River can vary in depth depending on the season. It is usually highest in spring and early summer, when the snow melt is occurring. Later in the summer, you’ll experience lower water levels and an easier crossing.
To cross Sheep River safely, you should face upstream and side step across, careful not to cross your legs as this can disrupt your balance. When the creek water is high, the current can knock you over. Facing upstream and side stepping gives you better balance and control against the stream.
We completed this trail at the end of August, so the water level was only about knee high. Earlier in the season, it can be around mid-thigh or higher. The water is also icy cold, so walk quickly but steadily to the other side. I also recommend checking recent reviews on AllTrails to get updates of the current river conditions.
Follow Junction Creek Trail
The trail after the first creek crossing is mostly flat, leading through a forested area. We hiked for about 45 minutes, passing a semi-constructed log house, about 3 logs high before we reached a fork in the trail.
Here, you’ll find the second creek crossing. It is important to watch the trail here and continue hiking south. There is a bit of a path that continues parallel to the creek, but this will lead you astray. The second creek crossing was very low, with no need to change shoes.
While crossing the creek, you’ll see views of mountains on either side of the valley (Junction Mountain and Highwood Peak) that were previously obscured by the trees. Shortly after the creek, the hike becomes a little more scenic, as you wind in and out of the trees alongside Junction Creek.
The second half of the hike seemed to pass more quickly, with more variation in terrain and some minor elevation gain and loss. The trail is shared with equestrians as well, so be aware of your surroundings and yield to horses if necessary.
There are a few sections with broken logs on the trail that were once placed to preserve the trail in muddy spots but have been washed out of place by rain. Watch your step here, but overall they didn’t cause us much of an issue.
Reaching Junction Falls
Around 6.5 km from the trailhead, the trail takes a right turn uphill. You’ll be hiking alongside part of the creek here too, with small waterfalls into crystal-clear water below. Very quickly after this turn, you’ll reach the viewpoint at the falls.
The hike down to view the falls does not have a well-defined trail, but it is a relatively short but steep climb down. Take your time here. While sitting at the falls, make sure you’re not in the way of the path blocking other hikers.
We took photos at the base of the falls, where we ate lunch, as well as from the adjacent hill, where you get a view of the blue pools that each fall cascades into. We didn’t swim, as it was only about 20 degrees, but some more committed hikers were jumping from the top of the lowest falls into the deep swimming hole below.
After eating lunch, we climbed the hill behind the waterfall. There is a trail here that brings you directly to the top of the falls, where some other hikers had opted to take their break. There is a clear view of Junction Mountain across the valley from here, and the creek is surprisingly calm.
Once we had reached the top of the falls and taken some pictures, it was time to hike back. We hiked back in just under two hours, following the same route back to the car. You will have to cross Sheep River once more at the end of the hike.
The total hike took us about 4 hours, including our short lunch break at the falls.