Crescent Falls

Waterfall Scenic dual waterfalls and popular picnic spot

Two-tiered cascades on the Bighorn River in Alberta, Crescent Falls offers canyon viewpoints, picnic spots and short hikes; anglers and photographers use the nearby day-use area.

Main image
Crescent Falls
52.3874, -116.3559
Open year-round (no formal hours)

How to Get to Crescent Falls #

Crescent Falls is located off Forestry Trunk Road (Highway 734) north of Nordegg, Alberta. From Nordegg, follow local signage and forest roads to the marked parking area; the falls are a short walk from the car park.

Tips for Visiting Crescent Falls #

  • The upper viewpoints are reached by a short, sometimes steep trail - good footwear required and caution on wet rocks.
  • Early morning light or late afternoon gives the best photographs of the twin falls and the crescent-shaped ledge.
  • Take the signed descent to the lower viewpoint if water levels are high; the pool below the falls is dangerous and swimming is not recommended due to currents and cold water.

Best Time to Visit Crescent Falls #

Visit in late spring or summer for good trail access and impressive flows; winter visits require caution due to ice.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 10-25°C
Best time for access on dry trails and fuller flows from snowmelt.
Spring
Apr-May · 0-15°C
Water volumes are higher with snowmelt; trails can be wet and slippery.

Weather & Climate near Crescent Falls #

Climate

Crescent Falls's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (549 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-18° -5°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 16 mm.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-14°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-11°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 13°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 90 mm of rain.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 10°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -3°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

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