Caribou Falls, A Quick and Satisfying Hike

Take the Short Hike to Caribou Falls

Take the quick and satisfying hike to the lovely Caribou Falls! Hike .7 miles one way along a wooded trail with views of the river which eventually reveals the beautifully sloping waterfall.

Caribou Falls

Caribou Falls

The beginning of the trail starts out flat and parallels the river. When the river is low this would be a good one to get wet and explore by walking right up the river itself. The river welcomes you to sit along the bank, or on a nearby bench, to pass the time watching the gently flowing river (or strongly rushing river if it’s springtime).

Caribou River
Caribou River

The trail is pretty mellow as it gently heads uphill and away from the river. Admire the flora and fauna along the way, especially in June and July when the wildflowers are blooming. Enjoy spruce trees with wicked roots, fireweed, blue bead, purple aster, and fiddle ferns

Blue bead
Blue bead
Fireweed along the Caribou River
Fireweed
spruce tree roots
Spruce tree roots

It’s about a half-mile to the falls. As you approach you can hear the roar! There is a stairway that assists you from the top of the canyon to the spectacular view of Caribou Falls. The stairs take you right to the base of the falls! During low flow conditions, you can explore the base of the waterfall and maybe even do a little swimming (with extreme caution of course).

How to get to Caribou Falls

Park at the Caribou River Wayside located at mile marker 70.7 on Highway 61. It is on the Lake and Cook County line, just northeast of Sugarloaf Cove.

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North Shore Explorer
Melissa Dressely is the publisher of the popular North Shore Explorer Guide – the Official Guide of the North Shore Scenic Drive. It is a mile-by-mile guide of Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. She shares the best things to see and do in the area based on her 20+ years of living on the North Shore.