Lake County

Split Rock Falls #5, Minnesota

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Split Rock River is an interesting river on the North Shore of Minnesota. I guess I will admit, though, that I didn’t find it to be the *most* interesting river there. There are a number of drops along the river, and a few of them are pretty big…but they’re hard to see. The drops that are easy to see are smaller and less significant. I walked about 2 miles or so to see a few different drops, but really can’t say that any one of the stood out in my head. I will mention that every time I see one of the pictures, I think of the intensely red rock around the falls. If you’re in the area, and you have a lot of time to kill, this might be a good choice to see a few unique drops…Otherwise, I would skip it for other falls.

Directions:

  1. Heading north on MN-61 along the Lake Superior shoreline, you’ll enter Split Rock State Park. The Split Rock River is very close to the southern boundary, and so you’ll see the parking area.
  2. A sign indicating the Split Rock River is your best bet at identifying the parking lot for the falls. It is a smaller parking lot used frequently by fisherman. At the start of the trail head, you’ll see a sign indicating the trail.
  3. After about 0.5 miles, you’ll come to a fork in the trail. Head along the right fork, where you’ll soon come to West Split Rock River Falls. Keep heading along that trail, which goes on for a considerable distance. I only traveled about 2 miles along the trail (one-way).

Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate)
Height: 20′
Distance of hike: 0.5 to 2.0 miles one-way, depending on how far you’d like to go…and it keeps going.

A waterfall along the Split Rock River

Where in the World is Split Rock Falls #5?

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Split Rock Falls #7, Minnesota

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The Split Rock River is a beautiful hike near Minnesota’s North Shore. At the time, it wasn’t a favorite, and I do still believe there are other more interesting waterfalls in the area. But after a period of time, I do believe the photographs of the falls along the river are more beautiful than I remember. The red rock in the area really stands out with this set of falls.

I think I might have been tired at the time. Some of the more interesting falls along this river are also the more difficult to view and photograph because of trees along with the natural curve of the river. I wouldn’t necessarily trust the numbering, but I think this was the 7th waterfall I was able to visit along the path. It is also the last that I viewed before turning around. The trail along the river continues on for a considerable distance. This falls actually seems to be two separate rivers/creeks that meet. It is interesting, but I wasn’t very close the falls.

Directions:

  1. Heading north on MN-61 along the Lake Superior shoreline, you’ll enter Split Rock State Park. The Split Rock River is very close to the southern boundary, and so you’ll see the parking area.
  2. A sign indicating the Split Rock River is your best bet at identifying the parking lot for the falls. It is a smaller parking lot used frequently by fisherman. At the start of the trail head, you’ll see a sign indicating the trail.
  3. After about 0.5 miles, you’ll come to a fork in the trail. Head along the right fork, where you’ll soon come to West Split Rock River Falls. Keep heading along that trail, which goes on for a considerable distance. I only traveled about 2 miles along the trail (one-way).

Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate)
Height: 30′
Distance of hike: 0.5 to 2.0 miles one-way, depending on how far you’d like to go…and it keeps going.

Split Rock River Falls #7 in May 2010

Where in the World is Split Rock Falls #7?

Beaver River Falls, Minnesota

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I visited Beaver River Falls over two years ago, so when I started trying to think back, I couldn’t seem to remember a whole lot about the falls. And then it came to me, glimpses of the falls…

I do distinctly remember it was very easy to visit Beaver River Falls. It is essentially a roadside waterfall, found along the Beaver River in Beaver Bay. There is a large, circular parking area directly adjacent to the river and falls, though there weren’t many people there. As I got out of my car, I remember thinking that this was a really beautiful waterfall, and yet it was equally….frustrating? There were a number of different segments to the falls, and it wasn’t simple to try and photograph the whole falls. So what you end up with is a number of pictures showing what would be interesting waterfalls by themselves, but you lose the totality of the impressive whole. And yet, it is fun to explore both upstream and downstream, trying to find the best vantage point to capture at least part of the falls. I ended up with at least two different views of the falls, and there may have been even more that I did not post.

An update from August 2015:  Looking back, I guess I’m not sure why I found Beaver River Falls so “frustrating”, though I guess I do agree that you can’t take a photo of the whole falls easily. The drops are close enough to classify it as one falls and yet far enough away to capture the whole thing. When I visited the park, it had been recently redone, and there was some very weak fencing (1′ or so high) that people had climbed over to see the falls. The trails are pretty obvious, though be careful during rainy weather, as the rocks near the falls can become very slippery. In August, there isn’t nearly as much water flowing over the falls (which is to be expected). (There may be a viewpoint from the bridge that allows for a complete view of the falls, but if so, it’s not obvious that there is…)

Directions:

  1. This is a very easy waterfall found directly off of MN-61. If you’ve headed northeast from Duluth, you’ll be driving along MN-61.
  2. In the town of Beaver Bay, you’ll find a large circular parking area directly next to the Beaver River. You’ll know you’ve gone too far if you go over the Beaver River bridge on MN-61. Turn around if you do, or visit on your return.
  3. From the parking area, it’s just a short hike downhill to the falls. (As mentioned above, there may be a good view from the bridge, but there’s not an obvious path to the bridge. I may have been distracted by the other trails.)

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Length of Hike: 0.1 mile round-trip
Height: ~50-60′

A lower portion of Beaver River Falls

An upper portion of Beaver River Falls

The upper portion of Beaver River Falls in August 2015

Where in the World is Beaver River Falls?

Middle Gooseberry Falls, Minnesota

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When I think about waterfalls, I don’t often think about individual favorites, but often groups of falls within proximity to each other. And Gooseberry Falls State Park is a perfect example of this. It might not be my favorite set of falls, but there are a number of them on the Gooseberry River, AND they are surrounded by a number of other beautiful waterfalls along the North Shore of Minnesota.

Middle Gooseberry Falls is somewhat difficult to separate from its relative, Lower Falls. I believe there might be a way to “hike” down to the base of Middle Falls to get a better view, but I’m not 100% sure. Instead, you can get a pretty complete view of both Middle and Lower Falls together from a viewpoint further downstream. I don’t remember if the view was from the north bank of the river or while crossing the river on one of the bridges. Both falls together are impressive. Gooseberry Falls State Park is pretty popular, though, so choose your visit wisely. In early May, it was bustling, so I can’t imagine the summer months! (Trying to visit a few years later in August, we couldn’t find a parking spot…)

Directions:

  1. From MN-61, turn into the entrance for Gooseberry Falls State Park.
  2. Head to the parking area for the visitor’s center, where you will be able to easily access the falls. There does not appear to be a fee to enter this park.
  3. Follow the trail down to the first group of falls, which includes Lower and Middle Falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 25′
Length of Hike: 1 mile round-trip

Both Middle and Lower Gooseberry Falls in May 2010

Where in the World is Middle Gooseberry Falls?

Caribou Falls, Minnesota

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Caribou Falls in May 2010

I haven’t posted about any waterfalls in a while, and I figured I’d decide to post one of my favorite waterfalls in Minnesota. I visited this waterfall in May 2010, and really did find it to be impressive. I hadn’t posted on this falls because I choose waterfalls randomly. One or two other waterfall enthusiasts had mentioned that I should visit this falls, and I completely agree that if you haven’t seen Caribou Falls, go and visit it.

The hike to the falls deals with some uphill and downhill portions, followed by a set of stairs. I don’t think anybody realizes what a treat they’re in for. The falls are partially hidden from view until you pass this one corner, and then boom!

When I visited, I was almost all by myself, but it was extremely peaceful! There were two other people there, and I thought it was so cool that they had brought their lawn chairs, and were sitting at the end of the stairs just enjoying the falls. I just had such fun exploring all of the different view of the falls. I’m under the impression that the falls are taller than they appear. There is a second drop that is visible in this picture, but I believe that it may go back even further. I also think that the falls has such a unique drop pattern. It almost falls at a diagonal.

I don’t think I’m being very poetic here, and I should be in order to express the beauty of Caribou Falls…but oh well, just go and visit this spectacular waterfall!

Directions:

  1. As you’re driving along MN-61, look for the Caribou River and the Caribou State Wayside. If you’re headed north, the parking area will be off the road on your left.
  2. As you park, follow the pretty obvious trail to the falls.

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 40′
Length of Hike: 1 mile round-trip

Where in the World is Caribou Falls?

Split Rock Falls #3, Minnesota

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Split Rock State Park is most widely known for the amazing Split Rock Lighthouse. Inside the park, though, is the Split Rock River. Along the river, there are a number of drops. As a whole, the set of waterfalls are not extremely exciting. The hike is very beautiful, but some of the drops are blocked by trees, while others are smaller. The red rock along the river is the one thing that makes the waterfalls more memorable.

This is really the first waterfall along the river that a clear view can be obtained. There are one or two other large drops before this that are tricky to photograph, even in early spring when the trees really hadn’t started getting leaves. The 3rd falls is wider but rather nondescript.

Directions:

  1. Heading north on MN-61 along the Lake Superior shoreline, you’ll enter Split Rock State Park. The Split Rock River is very close to the southern boundary, and so you’ll see the parking area.
  2. A sign indicating the Split Rock River is your best bet at identifying the parking lot for the falls. It is a smaller parking lot used frequently by fisherman. At the start of the trailhead, you’ll see a sign indicating the trail.
  3. After about 0.5 miles, you’ll come to a fork in the trail. Head along the right fork, where you’ll soon come to West Split Rock River Falls. Keep heading along that trail, which goes on for a considerable distance. I only traveled about 2 miles along the trail (one-way).

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 30′
Length of Hike: 2 miles round-trip the many falls

The 3rd drop on the Split Rock River (May 2010)

Where in the World is Split Rock Falls #3?

Upper Gooseberry Falls, Minnesota

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Gooseberry Falls State Park is one of the more popular state parks along the North Shore of Minnesota, and you’ll definitely want to stop and take the hike to see the falls. There are 4 great falls in the park, all very photogenic and three that are easy to visit. Only Fifth Falls requires a longer hike to view. I first visited Lower and Middle Falls and then started on the loop trail that led me to Fifth Falls. I was on the north side of the river, and did not see Upper Falls on the hike to Fifth Falls. Hiking along back on the south side of the river afforded a really great view of the falls.

You actually have to be pretty careful when viewing Upper Gooseberry Falls, as I don’t remember there being any guard rails anywhere near the falls.  In one way, that can be nice, as it doesn’t prohibit your view, and yet you still do have to be aware that there is a significant drop to the river below.

Directions:

  1. From MN-61, turn into the entrance for Gooseberry Falls State Park.
  2. Head to the parking area for the visitor’s center, where you will be able to easily access the falls. There does not appear to be a fee to enter this park.
  3. Head west on the south side of the river, pass under the bridge, and you’ll shortly arrive at Upper Falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 30′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Upper Falls in Gooseberry Falls State Park in May 2010

Where in the World is Upper Gooseberry Falls?

Illgen Falls, Minnesota

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Illgen Falls is the upstream relative of High Falls on the Baptism River. While it is not as interesting as High Falls, it is much easier to visit, and that’s a good reason to stop and visit the falls.

High Falls requires a hike that is of moderately easy difficulty. It’s not really long, but it still does take some time to get to the falls. When you are there, though, you can get an absolutely great view from the base of the falls. Illgen Falls, on the other hand, requires very little hiking. It’s about 0.15 miles from the road right down a trail. When you get there, though, you will be at the crest of the falls, not the base.  This viewpoint of the falls isn’t the greatest, and in pictures, it leads to the perception that the falls aren’t really that large…when in fact Illgen Falls is taller than it appears.  There might be a way to get down the base, but I really didn’t care enough to hunt that option down. Sometimes you just have to enjoy what’s in front of you!

Directions:

  1. From MN-61 heading north or south, you will turn onto MN-1. If you’re heading north, it will be a left turn.
  2. Head 1.6 miles on MN-1 to the gravel pulloff that will be on your left. I wasn’t sure if I was at the pulloff, so I ended up passing it, and then turning around. There is a sign indicating Illgen Falls, but I’m not sure that it’s very obvious at first. I think it was rather small.
  3. From the parking area, head down toward the river. You’ll be able to tell which direction it is because you can definitely hear it!
  4. Along the way, you will pass a house, but stay on the designated trail to the base of the falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 35′
Length of Hike: 0.3 miles round-trip

Illgen Falls in May 2010

Where in the World is Illgen Falls?

West Split Rock River Falls, Minnesota

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West Split Rock River Falls in May 2010

In searching for waterfalls to visit during my trip along the North Shore of Minnesota, I found the waterfalls on the Split Rock River. They sounded very interesting and all. I found the parking area for the trail that leads to the falls, which is not as apparent as it should be.

I started hiking along, and after about 0.5 miles, West Split Rock River is the first waterfall you stumble upon. I have a hunch that it is not on the same river as the others, considering that the volume going over the falls is considerably different than that on the Split Rock River. I was pleasantly surprised to find this fall, and you can get very close to it.

Oddly enough, this is probably the only waterfall I would ever consider visiting again along the trail that leads to the other falls. After this trail, I felt like I was walking along forever and not really getting great views of any of the waterfalls. There may be a few waterfalls that could be impressive if there weren’t trees blocking them while simultaneously being 100+ feet above them. They just weren’t that impressive, while this little gem stood out.

An Update from August 2015:  Well, it ends up that this is a seasonal waterfall. While many of the waterfalls in Minnesota are still flowing fairly well in August, West Split Rock River Falls is reduced to barely a trickle.

Directions:

  1. Heading north on MN-61 along the Lake Superior shoreline, you’ll enter Split Rock State Park. The Split Rock River is very close to the southern boundary, and so you’ll see the parking area.
  2. A sign indicating the Split Rock River is your best bet at identifying the parking lot for the falls. It is a smaller parking lot used frequently by fisherman. At the start of the trail head, you’ll see a sign indicating the trail.
  3. After about 0.5 miles, you’ll come to a fork in the trail. Head along the right fork, where you’ll soon come to West Split Rock River Falls.

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate, a little steep at the beginning, but still doable)
Height: 20′
Length of Hike: 1 mile round-trip

DSC_0102

The falls reduced to barely a trickle in August 2015

Where in the World is West Split Rock River Falls?

Lower Gooseberry Falls, Minnesota

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One portion of Lower Falls in May 2010

Lower Falls is the furthest downstream of the large drops on the Gooseberry River. I saw pictures to suggest there might be smaller falls further downstream, which would not surprise me. The river drops numerous times along its journey to Lake Superior.

Lower Falls has two different parts that could even be considered two different falls separated by rock. The photo here shows what I believe is the right side, though I might be wrong about that. Other pictures show different viewpoints. Whatever viewpoint this is at, the falls at Gooseberry Falls State Park are really great and VERY easily accessible.

Directions:

  1. From MN-61, turn into the entrance for Gooseberry Falls State Park.
  2. Head to the parking area for the visitor’s center, where you will be able to easily access the falls. There does not appear to be a fee to enter this park.
  3. Follow the trail down to the first group of falls, which includes Lower Falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 40′
Length of Hike: 1 mile round-trip

Where in the World is Lower Gooseberry Falls?