Sambaa Deh Falls. We visited in July, 2016 and the plan was to feature these images on the site shortly after. You go on a trip for a week or more (in this case, closer to four weeks) and take so many photos and see so many things. At the time, you can’t wait to get home and feature them.
And you do. But, you can’t put up everything all at once. So, you start with some of the best stuff, even though all of it was the ‘best stuff’. Then, time goes by and you experience other things and get more content that you want to feature. Soon, you find that some of those great places you experienced get thrown on the back burner. Some get forgotten.
Sambaa Deh Falls does not deserve to get put on the back burner and definitely will never be forgotten once experienced. This is a majestic gauntlet of shear force that will simultaneously impress you and scare the shit out of you. Even though its right off the MacKenzie Highway, the fact that there are very, very few other humans within hundreds of kilometres becomes a very loud noise in your head – nearly as loud as the massive rushing volume of water. This is some hardcore nature and if you’re not careful it can be quite unforgiving. Take note of the cross in more than one picture in the gallery.
Sambaa Deh Falls Image Gallery
The images in the gallery were taken both north and south of the MacKenzie Highway. The image above shows that the MacKenzie Highway is nothing more than a gravel road at this point. These conditions stretch in both directions for a quite a distance.
For full-size, high resolution versions for any of the images in the gallery, simply click on the individual photos.
Sambaa Deh Falls
Sambaa Deh Falls means Trout River Falls in the Slavey language. It is the waters of the Trout River that form both Sambaa Deh Falls and Coral Falls, another waterfall located just upstream. The roadway seen crossing the Trout River is the MacKenzie Highway. The Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park is located just off the highway between Fort Providence and Fort Simpson.
The campground has 20 non-powered campsites that are set a bit away from the river, nestled in the trees. The park was created in 1992 and when we were there in July, 2016 it was run by an incredibly friendly family that lived locally. By locally, I mean their town was about a two hour drive away, although they had living quarters on site.
The river above Sambaa Deh Falls and below Coral Falls is much more peaceful than the gauntlet shown in the image gallery. A trail runs up the side of the river for views of the shorter, horseshoe shaped Coral Falls. Again, as you walk through the dense growth along the side of the river, you will come to the realization that there is not a single soul around, other than yourself. It’s something that’s both liberating and frightening.
We took a closer look at the upper falls already and you can check that out here: Coral Falls NWT. Other great stops on the Waterfall Route of the Northwest Territories include Alexandra Falls, Louise Falls and Lady Evelyn Falls.
Sambaa Deh Falls Video
The following HD video was taken at the same time as the images above. It truly shows the powerful forces involved in Sambaa Deh Falls. If you like what you see, please give it a ‘Thumb’s Up’ in YouTube and maybe add a comment. If you love what you see, please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more great travel related videos.
