Waterfalls Archives - Cascade Vacation Rentals

9 03, 2026

Poplar River Falls
Poplar River Falls

Poplar River Falls

Martha Finley2026-03-09T18:31:04+00:00Lutsen, Waterfalls|

Tucked inland in the hills above Lake Superior in Lutsen, Minnesota, Poplar River Falls is one of the North Shore’s lesser-known waterfalls. The Poplar River begins inland in northeastern Minnesota and flows roughly 21 miles before emptying into Lake Superior. Near the ski hills of Lutsen, where the river narrows, is where the most dramatic cascades occur. During peak flow, water rushes through the canyon with incredible force, creating the powerful roar that makes North Shore waterfalls so memorable. Because this stretch of the river sits farther inland than many North Shore waterfalls, and is not located along a [...]

3 05, 2022

Fall River Waterfall
Fall River Waterfall

Fall River Waterfall

Jaye2022-05-03T19:57:43+00:00Activities & Attractions, Grand Marais, Waterfalls|

On the outskirts of Grand Marais, you will find the Fall River Waterfall. This once-hidden waterfall is located just past Highway 61 about 2 and a half miles from Grand Marais. The Fall River Waterfall cascades down 30 feet just a few feet from the river's mouth flowing into Lake Superior. This waterfall is not found in a State Park and, until recently, was a well-kept secret. Previously visited mostly by locals and Lake Superior kayakers who would often camp at the mouth of the Fall River. As of 2021, this section became a little more well-known and less off-the-beaten-path. [...]

22 03, 2022

North Shore Waterfall Season
North Shore Waterfall Season

North Shore Waterfall Season

Jaye2026-03-09T18:38:37+00:00Activities & Attractions, Waterfalls|

The North Shore Waterfall Season is a short but incredible time of the year when the spring snowmelt suddenly brings once-frozen area waterfalls to life. The North Shore often receives over 100 inches of snow in the winter. As this snow melts in the spring, it finds its way into the rivers and streams traveling to Lake Superior. Along the way, the sudden increase in water flow finds its way over waterfalls, making them burst to life in a truly spectacular way. When the water melts away from established streams, it often forms its path to the Big Lake. [...]

11 03, 2021

North Shore Waterfalls
North Shore Waterfalls

North Shore Waterfalls

Jaye2026-03-13T21:02:53+00:00Nature, Waterfalls|

The North Shore is home to dozens, if not hundreds of waterfalls. Sometimes, especially in the spring, it seems like waterfalls are everywhere along Minnesota’s North Shore. Some are found within one of the area's many state parks. Meanwhile, while others are a bit more off the beaten path. Some waterfalls are always there, even if sometimes in frozen form. Others are temporary and only appear after heavy rains. While we mostly think of visiting waterfalls as Waterfall Season and summertime activity, climbing frozen waterfalls is become a more popular hobby sport. So, no matter what time of the [...]

5 01, 2021

Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake

Martha Finley2024-01-24T16:57:00+00:00Gunflint Trail/BWCA, Waterfalls|

Clearwater Lake is a beautiful lake 33 miles north of Grand Marais, MN up the Gunflint Trail. It is one of the clearest lakes in the area and is also partially in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You can also access three other BWCA lakes from Clearwater. Caribou Lake, West Pike Lake, Mountain Lake can be portaged off of Clearwater and all three offer different ways of completing the Clearwater Main Route. This lake is 1,344 acres in size and approximately 130 feet deep at its deepest point. When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of [...]

2 01, 2020

Root Beer Water
Root Beer Water

Root Beer Water

Martha Finley2025-04-16T16:35:56+00:00Activities & Attractions, Lutsen, Nature, Waterfalls|

Cascade Falls and Root Beer Water The beautiful stair-step waterfalls that cascade down the river are what give this park its name: Cascade River State Park. With a nice waterfall near the footbridge on Highway 61 and additional waterfalls two miles inland, the views make the hike very worthwhile. Whenever we talk about Cascade State Park, one question frequently comes up. Why does the water in the Cascade River look like root beer? If you have explored rivers and lakes along the North Shore, you’ve probably noticed that the water is often the color of root beer. Why? Most [...]

2 01, 2020

Illgen Falls
Illgen Falls

Illgen Falls

Martha Finley2022-04-07T14:14:42+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, Waterfalls|

Illgen Falls may not be the most well-known waterfall on the North Shore, but this waterfall makes the top of our waterfall list. This is because of the great vantage point for viewing the falls. This waterfall is approached and initially viewed from the top. Most area waterfalls are viewed from below. Also, if desired, Illgen Falls visitors are able to walk right up to the river and falls. From this viewpoint, you can experience the power of Illgen Falls. Even during dry periods, you'll likely find water rushing down the falls. Located in Tettegouche State Park, Illgen Falls is [...]

2 01, 2020

The Devil’s Kettle Waterfall
The Devil’s Kettle Waterfall

The Devil’s Kettle Waterfall

Martha Finley2021-02-25T20:26:07+00:00Activities & Attractions, Grand Marais, Waterfalls|

The Devil's Kettle Waterfall. A scary-sounding name for the area's most mysterious waterfall. Located on the Brule River flowing through Judge C.R. Magney State Park near Hovland, MN, 20 miles north of Grand Marais, MN, the Devil's Kettle Waterfall has been baffling visitors for decades. One side of the river rumbles onto a stone embankment and down the rocks. As waterfalls typically do. The other side, however, flows into a geological wonder known as the Devil's Kettle, and… disappears? A Geological Wonder Well, perhaps not. The mystery of the Devil's Kettle Waterfall has been stumping visitors and geologists alike for [...]

2 01, 2020

Cross River Falls
Cross River Falls

Cross River Falls

Martha Finley2026-03-09T18:40:43+00:00Activities & Attractions, Schroeder/Tofte, Waterfalls|

Cross River Falls Cross River Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit along Minnesota's North Shore. It is worth the stop, just off Highway 61, and won't take much time out of your day. In fact, the upper falls can easily be seen from a car while driving along the highway. The real beauty, however, will take a bit more effort to see! Cross River Falls Just southwest of the Temperance River State Park in Schroeder, these falls are part of a wayside park that is actually larger than the nearby state park. The falls are literally [...]

2 01, 2020

Caribou Falls
Caribou Falls

Caribou Falls

Martha Finley2025-03-25T13:19:31+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, Waterfalls|

Caribou Falls Hikes along Lake Superior's North Shore offer an experience unlike any other, but when you add a stunning 35-foot waterfall to the mix, it becomes truly unforgettable. Just 60 miles north of Duluth along the scenic Highway 61, Caribou Falls awaits adventurers looking for a picturesque and peaceful escape. This unique hiking trail and waterfall are part of the Superior Hiking Trail and not found in a State Park. Making this one waterfall you can see even if you do not have a State Park Permit. The Journey to Caribou Falls The journey begins at the Caribou [...]