“Whoa! Look behind us!” I exclaimed as my husband and I stood near the base of Caribou Falls, just off Highway 61 along Minnesota’s North Shore. “It feels like we’re in a snow globe,” I said as we looked back toward Lake Superior. The sun was beginning to break through the overcast sky, causing the spruce and balsam firs, covered in a fresh layer of snow, to sparkle like glitter. Intermittent wind gusts pushed their way through the valley, picking up fresh, dry snow and swirling it around like a perfectly choreographed ballet of white, making it feel like we were part of a magical, real-life snow globe.
Although it’s relatively easy to access, Caribou Falls doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. Perhaps its small stature, compared to the High Falls of the Baptism and Pigeon Rivers, makes it easy to bypass. Or maybe it’s the limited signage along Highway 61. Whatever the reason, I’ve never found this North Shore gem to be crowded.
Hiking to Caribou Falls
The trailhead to Caribou Falls is located near the wayside rest just off Scenic Highway 61, which hugs the North Shore of Lake Superior near mile marker 70, approximately 70 miles north of Duluth. The trail to Caribou Falls is a spur trail to the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Although there is a large parking lot and a vault toilet, overnight parking is not allowed for backpackers. If you’d like to spend the night near the rushing Caribou River, the closest trailheads that allow overnight parking are at George Crosby Manitou State Park or the Sugarloaf Road Trailhead.
The trail starts near the Superior Hiking Trail sign just to the left of the vault toilet. The main SHT is marked with blue blazes (vertical blue hashes painted on trees), and spur trails are marked with white blazes. Aside from some unofficial “social” trails near the river, I find it easy to follow the trail, keeping my sights on the white blazes.
At just about one mile round trip, Caribou Falls makes for an easy day hike or a quick stop to stretch your legs during long drives up the North Shore. The grade of the trail starts gently with a relaxing stroll along the Caribou River. As you get closer to the falls and begin to hear the water rushing down the cliffs, you’ll feel the climb in both your lungs and your calves, but it’s still very manageable for all ages and skill levels.
Around the half-mile mark, you’ll come to a set of 155 stairs that lead you to the base of the waterfall. While the first part of the trail is accessible, the stairs make this hike unsuitable for strollers or wheelchairs. I’ve found the stairs to be navigable year-round, but you may want to come prepared during spring and winter with traction devices and trekking poles. If they look too slippery to tackle on the day of your visit, they probably are. It’s better to be safe than sorry and come back another time when you’re certain you can safely get to the bottom and back out again.
During high water, you’ll feel the mist kiss your face on a warm summer day. Low water offers opportunities to move around the base of the falls more safely, allowing ample opportunities for photographing the majestic falls. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in total solitude here. I’ve visited Caribou Falls countless times and have only encountered another party near the falls a couple of times.
But the real magic is in winter. Early winter brings dustings of snow that make this special spot feel like something out of a fairy tale. And during the longest and coldest of winters, the falls can freeze over, showcasing magical ice sculptures only Mother Nature could form.
If you choose to explore the frozen river and falls, please use extreme caution, as ice is never 100% safe. If you plan to explore the ice, please brush up on ice safety at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
For those up for a longer trek, hang a left after you ascend the stairs and head toward the main SHT. You’ll know you’ve hit it when the white blazes transition to blue. If you head left, back toward Duluth, you’ll be heading toward one of the most challenging sections of trail through George Crosby Manitou State Park. Taking a right, toward the Canadian border, will lead you along the Caribou River past smaller sets of waterfalls and other hidden gems, like Crystal Creek. I recommend heading in that direction.
How to Find Caribou Falls
The wayside rest, parking, and trailhead to Caribou Falls are directly off Highway 61 between Little Marais and Schroeder near mile marker 70. From Duluth, travel approximately 70 miles. After Little Marais, look for signs for the wayside rest. The parking lot will be on your left.
When to Visit Caribou Falls
Any day is a great day to visit Caribou Falls. While I’ve mostly highlighted the magic of the winter months, there’s beauty to be found year-round. Spring produces April showers and melting snow that brings with it the smell of the earth coming back to life and the dramatic, awe-inspiring roar of the waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore. Just like winter, you’ll want to be prepared for lingering ice on the trail.
Summer brings the sound of curious chickadees, an array of wildflowers, and fabulous foraging. Remember to never eat anything unless you’re certain you’ve identified it correctly. For added fun, bring a field guide or download an app and spend the afternoon identifying the diverse flowers and plants you encounter on the trail.
Who doesn’t love fall? The crisp air. The smell of the earth preparing for a long winter’s nap. The trail and trees covered in every shade of crimson and gold. Fall is one of the busiest times to visit the North Shore, however, so I always recommend hiking in the morning and on weekdays.
Please note that during the winter season, the Caribou Falls Wayside Rest (mile marker 70) is closed, and the gates to the parking lot are locked. Do not park on the shoulder of Highway 61, as this is dangerous and interferes with snowplows.
Whether you’re looking for a spot to stretch your legs or a quiet spot to disappear from the world and enjoy a bit of solitude, Caribou Falls might be just what you’re looking for. This easy trail offers breathtaking scenic vistas, fewer crowds, and is decidedly easy to access. The next time you’re headed to Minnesota’s North Shore, be sure to set aside an hour or so to visit this majestic hidden gem. If you’re lucky, you might discover your own snow globe moment.
