Helmet Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helmet Falls |
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Helmet Falls viewed from Rockwall Trail
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 Location in British Columbia
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| Location | Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada |
| Coordinates | 51°11′13″N 116°19′23″W / 51.1869°N 116.3231°W |
| Type | Tiered horsetails |
| Total height | 352 metres (1,155 ft) |
| Number of drops | 3 |
| Longest drop | 250–300 metres (820–980 ft) |
| Total width | 91 metres (299 ft) |
| Average width | 30 metres (98 ft) |
| Run | 244 metres (801 ft) |
| Watercourse | Helmet Creek |
| Average flow rate |
1 m3/s (35 cu ft/s) |
Helmet Falls is an amazing tiered waterfall. You can find it in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, Canada. It's super tall, dropping about 352 metres (1,155 ft)! That makes it one of the tallest waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. It's also one of the most important waterfalls in British Columbia. This is because of both its height and the amount of water that flows over it.
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What Makes Helmet Falls Special?
Helmet Falls drops from a high area called a "hanging valley." This valley is on the northeast side of Helmet Mountain. The water then flows down a huge cliff that looks like a giant natural theater.
How Many Drops Does It Have?
The waterfall has several drops, or "tiers." The top part is the biggest. It plunges between 250–300 metres (820–980 ft) into a narrow canyon. Inside this canyon, you'll find a smaller middle drop. After the creek leaves the canyon, it falls another 40–50 metres (130–160 ft) to the valley floor.
Where Does the Water Come From?
The water for Helmet Falls comes from Helmet Creek. This creek gets its water from the melting ice of the West Washmawapta Glacier. This glacier sits high up in the hanging valley. Helmet Creek eventually flows into the Vermilion River.
How Can You Visit Helmet Falls?
You can reach Helmet Falls by hiking! It's a 15 km (9.3 mi) trail. The hike is considered moderately difficult, so it's a good challenge.
Where Does the Trail Start?
The hiking trail begins at the Painted Pots parking lot. You can find this parking lot right off Highway 93. It's a great adventure for those who love nature and hiking!
