Jasper National Park has a great variety of scenic waterfalls and each has its own unique charm due to its geological makeup. The steps of the Tangle Falls is what make this sight so photogenic. The water literally cascades, not falls, over various tiers. In peak season,it gets crowded with visitors because the falls are so easily accessible by road. If you’re looking for the perfect shot, get here in the early morning or evening.
It would be a shame to miss out on Tangle Falls if you’re making the epic journey along the Icefields Parkway. In fact, the falls are so close to the road that sometimes the spray blows out onto it. At 114 feet (35 meters) tall, the cascade is not the largest in Jasper Park. The reason for its popularity is the way in which the water tumbles from tier to tier. If you happen to be around in the winter, you may get to see Tangle Falls frozen, a photo opportunity not to be missed!
A little way downstream are the Lower Tangle Falls. The site is accessible from the Icefields Parkway or by making a short hike from Tangle Falls. Lower Tangle Falls receive much less attention from visitors and if you are looking for a bit of peace and quiet, this is the place to escape the crowds. You might even have the falls to yourself.
The area around both Tangle Falls and Lower Tangle Falls is notably steep, and can be very slippery. Take care when walking here.
Another walk (or very short drive) worth taking is the 0.6 mile (1 kilometer) one to Stutfield Glacier viewpoint. This huge “tongue” of the Columbia Icefield spills out over a 3,000-foot (900-meter) cliff face. It is yet another breathtaking shot to add to your photo collection.
The Tangle Falls are located just four miles (6.5 kilometers) north of the Columbia Icefields Center, directly off the Icefields Parkway. The Wilcox Creek Campground is nearby.