LaSalle Falls

Hike to a remote waterfall

Amnicon Falls State Park

The Pine River

LaSalle Falls are in northeastern Wisconsin near the border with Upper Michigan, about 14 miles south of Florence. This scenic waterfall occurs where the Pine River constricts and rushes through a big wavy rapid, then roars through a gap between granite ledges down a twenty-foot slide into a wide pool. The river then flows through a half-mile-long gorge before it calms and enters the Pine River Flowage.

Trail Map

The one-mile hike to the falls is over rolling terrain through a variety of forest types including stands of pines, hardwoods, aspen, and an area where a high canopy of maples shade expansive fern beds.

The trail ends in a short descent onto a ledge covered in balsam fir and cedar. The ledge extends directly over the falls offering a fantastic view looking down the waterfall and into the plunge pool and gorge below. Scenic rock formations covered in birch, cedar, and pine surround the pool and waterfall.

Be sure to check out the rapids above the falls. The south bank is an uneven granite shelf backed by cedars and conifers. The scenery and the sight and sound of the river as it roars through the rapids and disappears over the falls is impressive.

Downstream, the river narrows and runs through a long stretch of rapids through a narrow gorge. Steep granite walls overlook the north bank and a wooded ridge runs along the south shore.

The more adventurous can scramble down a short, steep slope to the rocky shore below the falls. When river levels are at normal summer flows, it’s possible to walk around the pool to get unobstructed views of the falls as well as downriver into the gorge. Be careful, the spill-pool is surrounded by damp rocks and boulders with jagged edges, some are loose and will shift underfoot. There will often be debris of logs and branches along the shoreline.

LaSalle Falls are a ‘slide waterfall’, meaning they’re a few feet longer than they are high. And yet, at 22 feet they are still the highest waterfall in northeastern Wisconsin. Overall, the remote, wild setting of the trail, waterfalls, rapids, and gorge are well worth a visit.

Trail Map
Trail Notes
2.0 Miles
(out-&-back)
Distance
Easy
Difficulty
100 Feet
Elevation Gain
Packed Dirt
Trail Surface

This is one of the most remote waterfall areas in Wisconsin. There are no viewing platforms or fencing so please exercise caution and watch your footing.

After the footbridge on the main trail, a spur leads off to the right (northeast) that is not part of the designated trail. Stay on the main trail. The spur goes to the ridge along the south edge of the gorge below the falls where visibility is extremely limited due to dense understory and trees. Loose, sandy soils and steep slopes make it dangerous to try and climb down into the gorge. Blue waterfall signs on the main trail clearly indicate where to go.

As the trail approaches LaSalle Falls, dense stands of balsam fir become more common. You'll start to hear the roar from the falls and rapids off to your right (north) after the trail crests a small rise. Several footpaths branch off towards the sounds of the river, but they are deceptive. All connect with the spur trail previously mentioned and you won't be able to see anything from the ridge.

Recreation & Attractions

  • Pine River
  • LaSalle Falls
  • Rock formations
  • Scenic forest hike

Facilities

  • Parking
  • Info kiosk

Managing Agency & Info

  • Florence County Forestry and Parks
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  • Wild Rivers Interpretive Center
    5638 Forestry Dr
    Florence, WI 54121
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  • Official Website: Florence County
  • Phone: 715.528.5377
  • Access Fee: No

Local Trails & Places

There are several other waterfalls within an hour's drive of LaSalle Falls, including: Smalley Falls, Long Slide Falls, 12 Foot Falls, 18 Foot Falls, and Piers Gorge (MI). Of these, 12 Foot Falls is probably the most popular and the County Park offers a scenic campground. Piers Gorge is the most impressive. Although the falls aren’t high, the Menominee is a larger river, and a huge volume of water passes through the falls and rapids.