Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls is located at the end of the Yoho Valley Road in Yoho National Park. The road and falls are heavily signed from Highway 1, and once on the right road, the falls can’t be missed. A caution to motorists – those planning on visiting the falls with a trailer or RV should plan on having an alternative method of transportation, because a pair of extremely sharp switchbacks in the road up the valley limits navigable vehicle lengths to about 25 feet.Takakkaw Falls is a moderately high volume waterfall along the unnamed stream flowing from the Daly Glacier in British Columbia's Yoho National Park. The falls drop a total of 992 feet in four distinct steps, first dropping over two narrow plunges hidden within the slot canyon at the top of the falls (neither of which can be seen from the base of the falls). The river then hurtles 853 feet over the side of the Yoho Valley wall, then cascading down a narrow flume-like stairstep for an additional 94 feet. The falls are frequently cited as dropping 1,248 feet (380 meters), but this seems to be a generalized overestimate (based on what, we are not certain). Some sources list a height of 1,650 feet as well, but this refers to the total change in elevation between the lake below the Daly Glacier and the Yoho River. It should be noted that our measurements of this waterfall were derived using both a laser and a GPS, and have a slightly wider margin of error than with a laser alone - perhaps as much as +/- 40-50 feet.
The falls are fed by the meltwater of the Daly and Niles Glaciers, as well as an unnamed lake below the Daly Glacier and several small glacial remnants. While the stream from the Daly Glacier is one of the largest produced by the Wapta Icefield, it doesn't appear to have ever been uniquely labeled. Though the stream does flow all year long, because of the cold temperatures in the winter, the volume is greatly reduced until the snow begins to melt. The falls are usually flowing the heaviest from July to September, specifically during the mid to late afternoon hours.
Takakkaw Falls possesses several unique features which set it apart in the world of waterfalls. First and foremost is the massive roostertail which is exhibited during heavier flow periods. As the river drops out of the slot canyon at the top of the main drop, it falls for about 75 to 100 feet before impacting on a protruding rock which forces the water to shoot outwards from the cliff face by as much as 150 feet. Additionally, at the top of the falls, the river drops into several sinks and karstic tunnels prior to falling over the main fall. These features cannot be seen, however, without climbing to the top of the 1000 foot cliff adjacent to the waterfall.Takakkaw is said to be a Cree word meaning Magnificent - which couldn't be any less appropriate for this particular waterfall. The exact date of naming isn't known, but as nearby Emerald Lake was discovered in 1882, the discovery and naming of this waterfall probably predates the onset of the 20th century.