The largest in a series of cascades where the Cascade River drops through a rocky gorge toward Lake Superior in Cascade River State Park, Minnesota.
Cascade Falls is the largest drop in a series the park calls the Cascades, where the Cascade River tumbles through a steep, rocky gorge toward Lake Superior inside Cascade River State Park on Minnesota's North Shore. The park's own description groups Cascade Falls with several smaller cascades along the same short stretch of river, within view of Highway 61 near Lutsen.
The Minnesota DNR lists the hike to the falls as a half-mile walk on the Cascade River Lower Loop, reachable from parking about a half-mile west of the main entrance; the park itself is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required and can be bought online, by QR code at the trailhead, or at the ranger station. The park asks visitors not to bring in outside firewood, to slow the spread of tree-killing insects, and sells approved firewood on site instead. Check the DNR's park page for current trail and river conditions before a visit.
Know before you go
Cascade River State Park, Cook County, on Highway 61 near Lutsen, on Minnesota's North Shore.
Open daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; check current trail and river conditions before visiting.
Cascade River Lower Loop: about 0.5 miles to Cascade Falls.
Minnesota state park vehicle permit required; buy online, by QR code on-site, or at the ranger station.
Not detailed on the park's overview page; verify before visiting.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
