Silverton Falls
Near Castle Mountain Junction, the short and quiet Silverton Falls forest trail leads to a two-tiered waterfall. It’s an easy hike, often overshadowed by Johnston Canyon, but offers solitude and a rewarding view without the crowds.Silverton Falls is a beautifully layered waterfall tucked into a serene forest along a short trail branching from Rockbound Lake’s path near Castle Junction in Banff National Park. After a gentle 300‑metre forest stroll, the trail veers off toward Silverton Creek, weaving through fragrant pine and fir before climbing a quick series of steep switchbacks. Those lead you to a dramatic head-on view of the falls, which tumble an impressive 50 metres (about 164 feet) in two or three distinct tiers into a narrow, rocky canyon. The cascade’s rushing waters echo through the glacial-carved cliffs, creating a misty, cool oasis that feels worlds away from the nearby Bow Valley Parkway.
Though the total outing is under 2 km round-trip with around 100–135 m of elevation gain, the payoff is grand - and best savored by giving yourself 1 to 1.5 hours to breathe in the scene. The final overlook sits atop a rocky ledge, offering a close-up of the falls framed by steep valley walls and evergreen forest. Be aware that space is limited and there are no railings, so exercise caution - especially with kids or in slippery conditions. There are additional rough paths if you’re adventurous, but they require caution and proper footwear.
Silverton Falls is a quiet counterpart to busier waterfalls like Johnston Canyon, less crowded yet equally striking. Its forested setting invites peaceful contemplation, wildlife sightings, and the rush of mountain water echoing through the canyons. It’s a perfect side-trip for anyone craving natural spectacle with minimal effort.
Silverton Falls
Silverton Falls is a hidden gem tucked into the quieter reaches of Banff National Park, offering visitors a tranquil and rewarding hiking experience just off the Bow Valley Parkway. Located near Castle Junction, the trailhead begins from the Rockbound Lake parking area. While many hikers pass by en route to the longer Rockbound Lake trail, those who take the short detour to Silverton Falls are treated to a beautiful and secluded cascade that drops dramatically through a narrow gorge. The hike to the falls is relatively short - about 1 kilometer each way - but includes a moderate climb near the end, where the trail winds upward through a series of rocky switchbacks.The forested approach to Silverton Falls is peaceful and shaded, filled with the scent of lodgepole pine and the occasional chirp of songbirds or rustle of small wildlife. As you near the falls, the sound of rushing water grows louder, building anticipation. The final viewpoint is perched on a ledge overlooking the waterfall, where Silverton Creek plunges nearly 50 meters in tiered fashion over steep rock cliffs. The water crashes into a pool below, sending up mist and creating a cool, refreshing atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the sun-dappled forest around it. The setting is wild and untouched, giving the impression of stepping into a secret corner of the park that few visitors ever discover.
Although the overlook provides a clear, breathtaking view of the falls, the ledge is narrow and lacks railings, so caution is necessary - particularly in wet or icy conditions. The area is especially picturesque in the early morning or late afternoon when sunlight filters through the trees and lights up the canyon walls in golden hues. In spring and early summer, snowmelt boosts the waterfall's volume, while in autumn the surrounding trees provide a colorful backdrop of yellows and oranges. Wildlife sightings are possible in the area, with chances of spotting deer, squirrels, or even the occasional black bear in the surrounding forest.
Because of its ease of access, low foot traffic, and dramatic payoff, Silverton Falls is a favorite for those looking to escape the busier tourist spots in Banff without committing to a long or strenuous hike. It offers a pocket of serenity, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone who appreciates the quieter corners of the Canadian Rockies.
Tours and Attractions in Alberta
Best Tours in Banff National Park »Best Tours in Jasper National Park »
Best Tours in Lake Louise »
Hikes in Banff National Park »
Hikes in Jasper National Park »
Best Hikes in Lake Louise »
Bow Falls »
Lake Louise »
Moraine Lake »
Peyto Lake »
Bridal Veil Falls »
Cascade Ponds & Bow Valley Parkway »
Lake Minnewanka »
Sulphur Mountain & Banff Gondola »
Tunnel Mountain »
Banff Park Museum »
Banff Upper Hot Springs »
Cave & Basin National Historic Site »
Johnston Canyon »
Mt. Norquay »
Sunshine Village »
Icefields Parkway »
Bow Valley Parkway »
Bankhead Ghost Town »
Cascade Ponds »
Cave and Basin Marsh Loop »
Fenland Trail »
Healy Pass »
Hoodoos Trail »
Johnston Lake »
Silverton Falls »
Upper Stoney Lookout »
Vermilion Lakes Drive »
Lake Minnewanka Viewpoints »
Norquay Green Spot Viewpoint »
Sulphur Mountain Summit Boardwalk »
Tunnel Mountain Summit »
Vermilion Lakes Scenic Drive »
Bow Falls Viewpoint »
Cascade Gardens Mountain Viewpoint »
Hoodoos Viewpoint »
Johnston Canyon Upper Falls »
Mount Edith Pass »
Surprise Corner Viewpoint »
Upper Stoney Lookout »
Athabasca Falls & Sunwapta Falls »
Athabasca Glacier & Jasper Columbia Icefield »
Athabasca Falls »
Dark Sky Preserve & Northern Lights »
Jasper SkyTram Up Whistlers Mountain »
Maligne Canyon »
Maligne Lake & Spirit Island »
Medicine Lake »
Miette Hot Springs »
Mount Edith Cavell & Cavell Meadows »
Pyramid Lake »
Skyline Trail »
Whitewater Rafting on the Athabasca River »
Hike Jasper | Tour Canadian Rockies | Jasper Columbia Icefield | Maligne Lake Boat Cruise | Jasper Wildlife | Book Banff National Park | Book Jasper National Park | Banff Gondola | Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise | Athabasca River Rafting | Jasper Wildlife Tours| Rocky Mountain Train Tickets | Maligne Ice Walk | Shopping Jasper | Columbia Icefields Glacier Skywalk | Jasper SkyTram | Jasper Maligne Lake Cruise | Johnston Canyon | Golden Skybridge | Banff Boat Cruise | Tour Moraine Lake