24 Best Boundary Waters Waterfalls You Need to Visit

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness region of Minnesota is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls you’ll ever see. We’re going to cover the best Boundary Waters waterfalls to put on your list to visit.

Waterfalls are one of nature’s most beautiful creations. They can be found all over the world, and each one is unique in its own way.

The BWCAW region of Minnesota is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls you’ll ever see. Here are some of the best ones to put on your list.

Best Waterfalls in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area & Wilderness

1. Lake Three Falls

Lake Three Falls is the most accessible waterfall, and it’s a straight shot off the trail from Horseshoe Lake. It falls down to a wide pool with a sandy beach.

You can slip your kayak in at the bottom, or you can leave your boat onshore as you hike up to the top of the falls for a better view.

2. High Falls

This waterfall is located on Rabbit river at Mudro Lake campground #25A. The hike to the footbridge over the falls is a little over a mile.

You really have to hike up in order to get a good view of this waterfall inlet, but it’s well worth it because there are fewer bugs like ticks and horseflies and no mosquitoes.

See Related: Best Hikes near Minneapolis, Minnesota

3. Big Falls

This BWCA waterfall is located at the beginning of the Seagull River near Sulphide Lake campground #36. It’s about a mile hike up to the footbridge where you can get an excellent view of this waterfall.

4. Le Roy Lakes Waterfall

This waterfall is located near Ash River Falls along with many other waterfalls on Sand Lake in the BWCA. This waterfall is just off the side of the trail from Sand Lake to Mink Lake, and it’s a short hike from either loop.

5. Fifty Foot Falls

These BWCA waterfalls can be found near Limekiln Lake campground #38 on the north shore. It’s not far into the canoe country at all, but it is on the more challenging side of things.

Fifty Foot Falls drops about 50 feet into a big deep pool below, and there’s a campsite right at the top for your convenience.

6. Sandy Brook Falls

Sandy Brook Falls is found on the southeast shore of Little Vermilion Lake very near Seagull boundary waterfalls #25. It’s an easy hike, and it only takes about 15 minutes to get to these waterfalls.

You can catch a great view of the falls from up on the ridge above the lake.

7. Grass River Cascade

This waterfall is located at Kekekabic campground #5. It’s just a short hike from the trail to where you can see these amazing BWCAW waterfalls.

It’s a very scenic cascade that is great for photos on Instagram.

See Related: Best Minnesota State Parks

8. Basswood Cataract

Basswood Cataract is located on the Little Basswood River at Bob Lake near North Tea Lake and Caribou Campground #8.

If you’re looking for something that might be more of a challenge, then this waterfall is for you because the portage to reach it is over half a mile long – quite a distance if you’re hauling aluminum canoes.

9. Lake Four Waterfall

The Lake Four Waterfall can be found on Saganaga Lake near Esaagom BWCAW #75. This boundary waters cascade is actually two waterfalls that are connected by a boundary waters catwalk near the lake’s outlet into Saganaga Lake.

It’s just 200 yards off the shore of Lake Four, but you can’t see it from there. You have to hike along the trail over to Deadmans Point to get a view of this incredible waterfall.

See Related: Ideas for Weekend Getaways in Minnesota

Best BWCA Waterfalls by Hiking, Canoeing, or Driving

10. Bridal Veil Falls (Hike to a waterfall on BWCA)

Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the BWCA region of Minnesota. The waterfall is easily accessible from Gunflint Lake, but you’ll have to start your hike near Loon Lake. The hike is about 6 hours total, but it’s well worth it once you see the falls.

Bridal Veil Falls might be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, and it’s definitely worth adding to your bucket list.

11. Winchell Lake (Canoe to a BWCA Waterfall)

Winchell Lake is a secluded and pristine lake located in the region of northeastern Minnesota. The lake is known for its many waterfalls, including a hidden waterfall that can be heard from a small creek that feeds into the lake from Tremble Lake.

Winchell can be accessed from Poplar Lake paddling to Lizz Lake, then paddling through Lizz to Caribou, to Horseshoe, Gaskin, and finally Winchell.

See Related: Best Lakes in Minnesota

12. Johnson Falls (Canoe & Hike to a BWCA Waterfall)

Johnson Falls BWCA is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Northern Minnesota. It’s located in the Pine Wilderness Area and can be easily accessed from Caribou Lake.

The hike to the falls is short but steep, and the view is worth the effort. Be sure to bring your camera.

13. Stairway Portage (Hike)

One of our personal favorite waterfalls to canoe to in BWCA is the Stairway Portage, which is located in the Bearskin Lake area.

This portage is a short walk down some stairs, and once you reach the bottom, you’ll be able to see the beautiful waterfalls before you.

The Rose Falls is also located near this portage, and they are well worth seeing right on Rose Lake.

14. Magnetic Lake and Little Rock Falls (Canoe)

One of the best places to admire the natural wonders of Minnesota’s North Shore is Magnetic Lake, located just north of Gunflint Lake. Here you’ll find Little Rock Falls, a series of graceful cascades that drop over 30 feet.

If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, be sure to add Magnetic Lake and Little Rock Falls to your list of canoeing adventures.

Drive to a waterfall along the North Shore of Lake Superior

The best waterfalls in Minnesota can be found in the Boundary Waters region by hiking, canoeing, and also by driving to the key stretch that is known as the North Shore along Lake Superior.

This is a beautiful area that is home to some of the most impressive falls in the country. If you’re looking for a breathtaking experience, make sure to build a waterfall tour along Lake Superior as well.

15. High Falls

High Falls is located in Tettegouche State Park and is known for its impressive height. The flows plunge nearly 100 feet into a gorge below and are probably the best waterfall overall in Minnesota.

Tettegouche State Park | Things to do & Attractions [4K HD]

Watch this video on YouTube.

Given that it’s located right along Lake Superior, it’s an easy pull-off along Highway 61.

16. Beaver River Falls

Beaver River Falls is a spectacular waterfall located on the North Shore of Minnesota. Beaver River flows and drops 300 meters through cascading and falls to Highway 61 crossing before reaching sedimentary Beaver Bay.

This is just ten yards from the pedestrian path north of Highway 61 in Cook County.

If you have no intention of stopping, I guess you’ll see it through the car window. It’s a waterfall you’ll find on the North Shore and a great spot to stop on your way to Grand Marais or Grand Portage State Park.

See Related: Best Cabins in Minnesota

17. Illgen Falls

This waterfall is located in the Boundary Waters and is known for its powerful flow. It’s definitely one of the most dramatic falls in the area. Illgen Falls is located just outside of Tettegouche State Park and is even upstream from High Falls on the Baptism River.

See Related: Things to Do in Ely, Minnesota

18. Grand Portage Falls

This waterfall is located on the Pigeon River near Grand Portage State Park and Isle Royale National Park near the Canadian border. It’s one of the most powerful falls in Minnesota and can be viewed from a gorgeous hiking trail. This is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota.

This is an excellent spot to visit and you’ll need to be brave enough to go further north than Grand Marais to enjoy it. Grand Portage is also a national monument and a great place to visit.

19. Grassy Plot Falls

This waterfall is located on the Sturgeon River close to Moose Lake on the Gunflint Trail. It’s a smaller fall, but it’s still worth visiting if you’re looking for an adventure along the way.

20. Gooseberry Falls State Park

These falls are located near Two Harbors and make for a great day hike. This is one of the most popular places to visit on the North Shore and along Lake Superior.

Gooseberry Falls State Park | Attractions & Things to Do [4K HD]

Watch this video on YouTube.

But rightfully so, this is an epic spot for camping, hiking, or simply just taking in the layers upon layers of falls from the Gooseberry River.

21. Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls is located along the Superior Hiking Trail along Lake Superior at Cascade River State Park. It’s a gorgeous two-part waterfall as part of the Cascade River that can be seen from an observation platform along the trail.

Cascade Falls is one of our favorite stops on the way to Grand Marais. The iconic Cascade River drains right into Lake Superior. It’s an easy pull-off spot along Highway 61 in Cook County.

22. Basswood River Falls

This BWCAW waterfall is known for its powerful current and stunning surroundings. It’s one of the camping spots that you don’t want to miss out on during your trip to the area.

See Related: Best Vacations for a Group of Friends

23. Poplar River Falls

The Poplar River Falls is a beautiful waterfall that can be found along Highway 61 of Minnesota. It’s located on the north side of the river, and it’s a great place to stop and take pictures. The waterfall is about 15 feet high, and it’s a great place to see in the summertime.

24. Temperance River Falls

Located near the shores of Lake Superior in Minnesota, the Temperance River Falls is a waterfall that’s well worth checking out. It’s one of the most popular waterfalls in the area, and for good reason.

The falls are located on the Temperance River, and they’re absolutely stunning. At nearly 70 feet high, these falls are sure to take your breath away. And, if you’re up for a little adventure, you can even hike behind the falls for an up-close and personal view.

Final Thoughts

From the amazing falls on Lake Superior to the depths of the lakes of the BWCAW visiting these spots is one of the most peaceful things to see and it allows us to be closer to nature than ever before. Take some time out of your busy schedule to go see these beautiful outdoor waterfalls in Minnesota’s BWCAW.

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