Near Kawishiwi Falls Trail
On the trail to Kawishiwi Falls.
Near Kawishiwi Falls Trail
Kawishiwi Falls
Near Kawishiwi Falls Trail
Kawishiwi Falls
Near Kawishiwi Falls Trail
Kawishiwi Falls
Near Kawishiwi Falls Trail
Map at the start of the trail to the falls

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Kawishiwi Falls Trail

3.0 (1 Rating)
A short hike to a magnificent waterfall near the Boundary Waters.
0.8
mi
Distance
65
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
ViewsWaterfall
Access Issues
The large dirt parking lot for this trail is just north of Fernberg Road (County Road 18, MN Highway 169) about 6 miles east of Ely, MN. There are no fees or permits required to park here or to visit the falls.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.75mi
Distance
65ft
Elevation Gain
67ft
Elevation Loss
15%
Max Grade
1,418ft
High Point
1,341ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The name Kawishiwi in the Ojibwe language means "river full of beaver or muskrat houses". This waterfall is between Garden and Fall Lakes on what was once an important trade route. Native Americans, explorers and voyageurs have portaged around them since time immemorial. The wooded and winding trail down to the falls offers beautiful photo opportunities, as do the falls themselves. The path is relatively easy and can be extended to include the portage trail which is still in use today.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
BK Hope