Caribou Falls, Minnesota

Another day, another waterfall … It is common place when you are traveling along Minnesota’s Highway 61.  At Mile 70.0, you will find the access and parking for the Caribou State Wayside rest area.  This is where the trail to Caribou Falls is located.

Grand Portage State Park - High Falls

Located one-half mile from the US/Canadian border is Grand Portage State Park.  This park has Minnesota’s highest waterfall aptly named High Falls (estimated to be 120 feet high).

We walk a half mile paved trail thru a mixed hardwood forest.  At first, we can not see the river but we can hear the sounds of rushing water.

Trail to High Falls

We walk up the 30+/- steps to an overlook of the falls.  It may not be raining but the mist from the falls dampens everything (and everyone) in the area.  I think it is nature’s way of welcoming us – we are kissed by the mist.  There are a couple of viewing platforms along the wooden stairway that parallels the river offering slightly different views of the falls.  

High Falls

Pigeon River

We begin our walk back to the parking lot straying from the main trail onto a spur trail that leads to the river's edge.  A series of ferocious looking rapids continues down this stretch too.

Rapids on the Pigeon River

We return to the car having spent almost two hours here.  You could do this trail quicker but we take our time and enjoy nature.

For information on Grand Portage State Park, click on the following link:

Grand Portage State Park

To view a detailed Mile-By-Mile Guide of the North Shore Road (PDF), click on the following link:

North Shore Mile by Mile Guide

Nearby food and lodging in this ares (Minnesota) is limited to the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino. The Lodge was remodeling (half the rooms were not available) when we were there (May 2015).  We did not have a reservation but we did get their last room.  So, I would recommend making a reservation if you plan to stay here.  Once you leave the Indian Reservation, there will be local restaurants and places to stay the night farther down Highway 61 South.

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Minnesota's North Shore

If you are driving Minnesota’s scenic North Shore, a stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park should be on your list of “must see” things.  The park officially opened in 1937 and features a rocky Lake Superior shoreline, five waterfalls, Gooseberry River and gorge, Agate Beach and the ancient lava flow known as the Picnic Flow.

    Middle Falls

    Middle & Lower Falls

There is not an entrance fee for this part of the Gooseberry Falls State Park and the Visitor Center/Gift Shop is a good place to start your visit (it has restrooms!). 

We spent two hours hiking the trails and photographing the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls (a total drop of over 100 feet).  The Falls View Trail is a nice loop trail with a couple of pedestrian bridges crossing the Gooseberry River.  

    Falls View Trail

The bridges offer good views of the waterfalls. 

    Pedestrian bridge over the Gooseberry River

The trail splits – one direction goes up these stairs but the Falls View Trail continues along the river.

Take a few minutes to sit, relax, and enjoy the view – even this chipmunk is taking a break.   Please remember do not feed the animals - no matter how cute and tempting it may be to do it!  

The Falls View Trail continues along the river offering a different view of the waterfalls.  Near the end of the trail is a ped-way that goes under the road bridge.  From here, you get a nice view of the Upper Falls. 

    Ped-Way Bridge under Hwy 61

    Upper Falls

Gooseberry Falls State Park has a picnic area, campground, and lots of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. 

For information on Gooseberry Falls State Park, click on the following link:

Gooseberry Falls SP

For information on the North Shore Mile-By-Mile Guide (PDF), click on the following link

MN North Shore Mile By Mile Guide