Waterfall Season in Cook County

After the snow melts, experience the raw power of North Shore waterfall season – a fleeting yet unforgettable spring wonder. Hundreds of thousands of acres of melted snowfall finds its way into Lake Superior and on the way, creates quite the show. The roaring rage of waterfalls in Minnesota is certainly a sight to be seen, heard and felt.

While they are at their peak in the spring season, waterfalls can be enjoyed all year long. In the winter time, the waterfalls freeze and create scenic ice sculptures. In the summer, the rivers are warm enough to take a hike through. Using caution, you can find hidden falls that can’t be seen by a hiking trail. In the fall, the blue rush of water is the perfect contrast to the fall colors.

From the smaller, pop-up falls all along Highway 61 to the North Shore’s most dramatic drops, Cook County has the most diverse range of waterfalls in Minnesota. Some of the more dramatic include Devil’s Kettle Falls in Judge C.R. Magney State Park, the ephemeral “phantom falls” that pour from the cliffs lining Highway 61, and the High Falls of the Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park. At 120 feet, High Falls is the highest waterfall in Minnesota, and also serves as the border to Canada. No wonder it is sometimes called “Minnesota’s Niagara.” Viewing this waterfall is a bucket list item to cross off.

Other local favorites include Cascade River State Park in Lutsen, Cross River in Schroeder, and the Kadunce River just north of Grand Marais.

Download the Cook County Waterfall Map Guide below and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for spring updates on waterfalls.

Download the Cook County Waterfall Map Guide

North Shore Scenic Drive

221 West First Street
(218) 529-7529

In a league of its own, the 154-mile North Shore Scenic Drive is Minnesota’s only designated “All-American Road." The route parallels the inland coast of the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Superior, bisecting ancient rock formations and thousands of acres of forests rising…

Brule River

4051 Highway 61

Eight miles up the road from Grand Marais, at Judge C.R. Magney State Park you’ll meet the Brule River. Best known for the Devil’s Kettle waterfall where the river splits and half the river enters a cauldron, the Devil’s Kettle, and disappears to places unknown.... Enter Judge…

Caribou River

7232 Highway 61

A short gradual climb along the river will bring you to the spur trail of the Superior Hiking Trail to the base of the waterfall. Park at Caribou State Wayside rest; off of Highway 61

Cascade River

3650 W. Highway 61

A breathtaking series of large cascading waterfalls; this location includes parking and a walking path, which makes hiking along multiple waterfalls possible. The Cascade River flows from one ledge after another for a total drop of 900 feet during the last three miles to Lake…

Cross River

Highway 61

Best falls seen right from the highway at the wayside rest in Schroeder. Just eight miles north of the county line, you will find easy access and parking. Bring a raincoat. The view from the bridge on scenic Highway 61 is one of the best, and the spray might ruin your hair.

Devil Track River

Highway 61

The Devil Track River is located 3.5 miles northeast of Grand Marais on Highway 61. Follow the Superior Hiking Trail on County Rd. 58 (Lindscog Rd.) for a view of the Devil Track River Gorge. In the winter, the falls are more easily accessible by snowshoe with caution.

Fall River

Highway 61

This waterfall can be found just two miles west of Grand Marais along Highway 61. The main waterfall is on the lakeshore side of Highway 61 and plunges into Lake Superior. Follow the Gitchi-Gami State Trail to the bridge that offers incredible views of the falls.

Flute Reed River

5059 Highway 61

The Flute Reed River empties into Lake Superior at Hovland, 18 miles northeast of Grand Marais, MN. It is designated a trout stream by the state. The river is 9.2 miles long, with an unnamed waterfall on the lakeside of Highway 61.

Granite River

Saganaga Lake

The Granite River is a favorite route for many people who visit the Gunflint Trail. The river flows north from Gunflint Lake along the border of Minnesota and Canada up to Saganaga Lake. The river is approximately 25 miles long with around 13 portages around rapids and small…

Kadunce River

Highway 61

Just 12.7 miles east of Grand Marais, the Kadunce has easy access, up-top viewing, with a hike on the Superior Hiking Trail. Feeling adventurous? Hike up the shallow river for a different vantage point. Parking is available in the lot off of Highway 61.

Onion River

6355 W Highway 61

Newly reconstructed trail from Highway 61 will bring you along the river for a canyon view. Legend has it that the river was created when Paul Bunyan shed tears while cutting the wild onions that grew in the woods nearby. Park at the Ray Berglund Memorial Wayside rest right off…

Pigeon River

9393 Highway 61

In Grand Portage State Park at 120’ the High Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Minnesota. Handicap accessible trail is about 1 mile long. During peak waterfall season, find a nearly permanent rainbow at the base of the High Falls. Parking is available in the Grand…

Poplar River

Ski Hill Road

Hike inland to roaring fall, cascades and canyons. You’ll find multiple waterfalls and rapids that are easily accessible from multiple locations. Upper Falls above Lutsen Mountains Ski Hill – park at the end of Ski Hill Road at the start of the connector trail for the…

Stairway Portage Falls

Duncan & Rose Lake

Between Duncan and Rose Lake in the Central Gunflint Trail region. Must use a canoe to reach this area.

Temperance River

7620 West Highway 61

Temperance River State Park there is a short hiking trail loop that will bring you around the falls. Deep narrow river gorge with about 10-15 drops. According to the state parks section of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website: It is said that the Temperance got…