My, oh, my! If you didn't know, chasing waterfalls IS a four-season sport. There is something so astonishingly beautiful about the way thousands of gallons of water make their way through incredible rock formations before they flow into the mighty Lake Superior.
We love to help our guests with the perfect itinerary when they stay at UT1 Cabin Rentals and here is a glimpse of one of our favorite waterfall tours leaving from Nine Mile Lake in Finland, MN.
We recommend taking County Road 7 south and first stop and relatively short hike will be at George Crosby Manitou State Park.
Stop 1: George Crosby Manitou State Park
You do need a state park pass at this park which can be purchased online or drop money in the box. The hike to the cascades on the Manitou River is relatively quick .8 hike in on Middle Trail. Check out the falls and return. For a more challenging hike, you can take the Humpback Trail, but this is your warning, it is hilly, and you want to make sure that you have good shoes and water! Check out our friend @Wildlynorth and her trek through George Crosby Manitou State Park on the Benson Lake Loop during her stay at UT1 Cabin Rentals.
Stop 2: Illgen Falls
After leaving George Crosby take a left out onto County Road 7 and then a left onto County Road 1. You will go through the small town of Finland and then just a few miles up, there will be a little rest pull off on the right-hand side. This is Ilgen Falls. Parking here is free and the hike to the falls is quick, easy, and 100% worth it. A good 20-40 minute stop for this one to fully take it in!
Stop 3: Caribou Falls
Now this one...this one is a top 5 favorite. After you leave Illgen Falls, keep heading East toward Lake Superior. When you get to HWY 61 take a left and just a few miles up on your left-hand side there will be a wayside rest area. From the road, you would never believe what you are about to see. Park your car and get ready for a great surprise. The hike itself is absolutely beautiful and it is a very well-groomed trail. There is a large set of stairs as you descend down to the waterfall, but it is totally worth it. We recommend bringing a swimsuit and water shoes and take a swim under the waterfall. 10/10 on this recommendation. Pack a snack for this hike but save your picnic lunch for our last recommendation on your half day waterfall tour!
Stop 4: Temperance River
This is a just a miraculous creation in nature. This river's bed is so wildly unique that it makes it a perfect stop to end your day. This path is the most challenging of the 4 and a walking stick may be beneficial (also, use caution when crossing the highway). Keep children at hand as the gorge is steep but it will leave you speechless if you haven't already been here. Before your hike, take a picnic down to the beach of Lake Superior.
After you leave Temperance River, take the Temperance River Road to Forest Road 166 and take a left to head back to UT1 Cabin Rentals. Forest Road 166 is also one of the most scenic fall drives of the North Shore, in our opinion!
We hope that you enjoy our recommendations and let us know below what your favorite waterfalls of the north shore are!