Bertha Trailhead

Bertha Lake hike: 6.4 miles to the lake, 2,034 ft gain. Moderate climb; high reward for the effort.

Insider tip

Consider hiking the loop around Bertha Lake for different perspectives.

Insider tip

Start early to beat crowds or hike later in the day.

When to come

Start before 7 AM to beat crowds. Best conditions April–October; July–September are prime; be ready for avalanche risk in shoulder seasons.

Trail

TrailOPERATIONAL★ 4.8

A demanding 10.4-mile out-and-back hike from Waterton to Bertha Lake. Expect 2,450 ft of elevation gain and 5–7 hours for fit hikers, with rocky upper sections and limited shade.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
6.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Moderate

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT WALK

Is this the right hike for your day?

Why choose this hike?

Trail Highlights
Bertha Lake with turquoise water and red argillite rocks; waterfalls along the route; Bertha Point lookout over Upper Waterton Lake
Best For
  • Hikers seeking waterfalls and alpine scenery
  • Families with older children (Lower Bertha Falls)
  • Wildlife enthusiasts

What the outing demands

Effort Verdict
Officially rated moderate, but Bertha Lake Trail is demanding: 10.4 miles round-trip with about 2,450 feet of elevation gain. Expect 5–7 hours for fit hikers; the surface shifts from packed dirt to loose rock and scree in the upper half.
Estimated Time
4–5 hours to Bertha Lake; 5–6 hours if looping Bertha Lake

Where and when it fits the day

Trailhead Location
Waterton townsite, off Evergreen Avenue, south of Cameron Falls, adjacent to the townsite campground
Best Time To Visit
Start before 7 AM to beat crowds. Best conditions April–October; July–September are prime; be ready for avalanche risk in shoulder seasons.

Trail profile

Distance Miles
6.4
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty
easy
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
2034
Trail Surface
Primarily packed dirt with loose scree and rocky sections; 21 switchbacks
Trail Features
  • Bertha Lake
  • Lower Bertha Falls
  • Upper Bertha Falls
  • Bertha Point lookout
  • Wildlife sightings

Trailhead & access

Parking Lot Size
Limited parking capacity; the lot fills very early, especially on weekends and during peak season. Plan to arrive before 7:30–8:00 AM to secure a space.
Parking Fill Time
Full by weekend mornings; arrive early
Shuttle Details
No shuttle required; trailhead within walking distance of Waterton townsite

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Parks Canada entrance fee required to enter Waterton Lakes National Park; day-use and annual passes available in person
Fees
Varies
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Snow can be present late fall through spring; avalanche risk near Bertha Peak; avoid during avalanche season

Facilities & rules

Water Sources
Outlet stream near backcountry campground; Bertha Lake; filter or treat water

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Bear country
  • Avalanche risk (Bertha-Townsite area; trail crosses avalanche paths)
  • Post-wildfire landscape
  • Sun exposure
  • Slippery or rocky sections
Cell Service
Limited or unreliable; not guaranteed
Crowd Level
High
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends and peak season; start early or late to avoid crowds
Parking Strategy
No official shuttle service. With limited parking, carpool and arrive early; if the lot is full, be prepared for a wait or to adjust plans.
Ideal Hiker Profile
Best for hikers with solid endurance and experience with long days on exposed, uneven terrain. Not ideal for beginners; trekking poles and sturdy ankle-support boots are strongly recommended.
Best Season
April–October; peak conditions July–September
Tips Advice
  • Carry water: at least 2 liters.
  • Wear sturdy footwear and trekking poles for slick or icy sections.
  • Bear spray and loud noise on approach.
  • Filter water from the outlet stream or Bertha Lake.
  • Start early; stay focused through switchbacks and rocky sections.

More details

Trail Markers
Marked trail with standard signage; stay on route
Dogs Allowed
false
Biking Allowed
false
Shade Level
Mixed; canopy in sections; sun exposure on ascent
Emergency Contacts
Parks Canada rangers; Waterton townsite emergency services
Map Recommended
Yes
Snow Dates
Snow possible late fall through spring; higher elevations hold snow longer
Mud Season
Spring melt; lower elevations can be muddy
Bug Season
Yes; mosquitoes common; bug repellent recommended
Insider Tips
  • Consider hiking the loop around Bertha Lake for different perspectives.
  • Start early to beat crowds or hike later in the day.
  • Bear spray and loudness; stay on trail.
  • Trekking poles help on slippery/icy sections.
  • Pack water and snacks for the lake edge and Bertha Point.
Family Friendly Notes
Lower Bertha Falls is easier and suitable for families; the ascent to Bertha Lake is steeper
Nearby Facilities
Waterton townsite amenities; Bertha Lake backcountry campground vault toilets
Photo Ops
Photo spots include Bertha Lake with distant mountain views, the rocky upper slopes, and viewpoints along Cameron Lake Road. Bring a wide-angle lens for the lake and a telephoto for distant peaks.
Review Summary
Moderate hike with a steady ascent; popular trail with crowds on weekends; expect waterfalls and Bertha Lake views; wildlife sightings possible. The gain is substantial but the payoff is meaningful.

Location

Bertha Trailhead overlook in Glacier National Park frames a winding lake with jagged mountains and a bright sky.Bertha Trailhead overlook along a glacial valley and bright alpine lake in Glacier National ParkBertha Trailhead overlook at Glacier National Park reveals a glacial lake framed by rugged, snow-dusted peaks.Bertha Trailhead overlook in Glacier National Park gazes over a distant lake framed by pine forests.

Frequently asked questions

Are bears common on Bertha Trail?

Yes. Carry bear spray and stay loud; make your presence known on the trail.

Is a permit required?

Parks Canada entrance fee is required to enter Waterton Lakes National Park; pay on entry.

Is a shuttle required?

No. The trailhead is within walking distance of Waterton townsite.

Is there water available along the trail?

Yes. You can filter from the outlet stream near the backcountry campground and from Bertha Lake.

Is the trail suitable for families?

Lower Bertha Falls is approachable for families, but the ascent to Bertha Lake gets steeper; proceed with caution.

What gear is essential for winter or shoulder seasons?

Micro-spikes or snowshoes may be needed; waterproof footwear and trekking poles help on slick, icy sections.

What wildlife should I expect?

Deer, marmots, pikas; bear awareness is crucial; make noise and store food properly.

Avalanche Lake Trailhead

5.65 miles round-trip, 757 ft gain. Pack water, bear spray, and start before dawn to beat crowds.

Apikuni Falls Trail

Steep waterfall crusher: 0.8 miles, 651ft elevation gain. Short burst, big payoff.

Swiftcurrent Lake Trail

Flat 2.6-mile loop. Lake views, historic buildings, accessibility options. Start early to dodge crowds.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.