Fernberg Road CR 18
A stunning waterfall accessible via a short, rugged hike along a historic portage route. Experience nature's power and beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximum waterfall flow
Fernberg Road CR 18
Best Time
Maximum waterfall flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning waterfall accessible via a short, rugged hike along a historic portage route. Experience nature's power and beauty.
"Wow, Kawishiwi Falls blew me away! The hike was short and easy, but the view at the end was incredible."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Roots and rocks make the trail tricky. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes for a safe and enjoyable hike. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Go After Rain for Power
The falls are most impressive when the Kawishiwi River is flowing strongly. Visit after a good rainfall for the best show. :droplet:
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kawishiwi Falls
End of the trail
A spectacular, roaring waterfall with a short, rewarding hike. Incredible views and a rich history.
Historic Portage Route
The trail itself
Hike along an old portage route, imagining the echoes of voyageurs and their journeys.
Rocky Vantage Points
Near the falls
Climb amongst the rocks for unique perspectives and to get closer to the powerful water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Best Time for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Looking for a waterfall/swimming hole...
You cannot swim in Kawishiwi Falls. It's a large waterfall that provides hydroelectricity and has huge currents. Absolutely not safe to swim. I live in Ely and spend lots of time in the woods. The pictures were taken at Dry Falls on the Bass Lake Trail about 5 miles outside of…
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Roots and rocks make the trail tricky. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes for a safe and enjoyable hike. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Go After Rain for Power
The falls are most impressive when the Kawishiwi River is flowing strongly. Visit after a good rainfall for the best show. :droplet:
Good day trip options Ely side?
I have to head up for a friend's birthday on Sunday and I figured I'd take my partner out on the water for their first time. Anyone have any preferred routes or loops? I figure we'll put in around 10AM, and don't mind paddling until sunset.
Lodge Trip Recommendations
We are heading up to Ely at the end of June and staying on Burntside Lake. I am bringing my 11-month old daughter and my parents (70s). Just curious if folks have any recommendations for low key activities in Ely or in the region. We are thinking of doing some hikes, visiting…
📸 Capture the Roar
Bring your camera! The views are incredible, especially from the rocky areas near the water. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Trail is Well-Marked
The .8-mile round trip trail is clearly marked, making it easy to navigate even for beginners. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Roots and rocks make the trail tricky. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes for a safe and enjoyable hike. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Go After Rain for Power
The falls are most impressive when the Kawishiwi River is flowing strongly. Visit after a good rainfall for the best show. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Roar
Bring your camera! The views are incredible, especially from the rocky areas near the water. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Trail is Well-Marked
The .8-mile round trip trail is clearly marked, making it easy to navigate even for beginners. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kawishiwi Falls for its stunning beauty and the rewarding nature of the short hike. Many are surprised by the waterfall's power and the scenic views available from the rocky areas. While the trail is described as moderately challenging due to roots and rocks, most agree it's well worth the effort for the spectacular payoff.
"What a great waterfall! I loved the hike back on the fall leaf lined trail! It’s very well marked and the .8 mile marked for round trip on the map is correct. Definitely swing in if you’re in the area to see this beautiful water fall!!"
Denai C
"A short trail with a bit of attitude — roots snake across the path, rocks lie in wait, and your toes will need their wits about them. Much of the way follows an old portage route, and you can almost hear the echoes of paddles and footsteps from long ago. But then… the trees part, the air cools, and the falls appear — roaring, shimmering, worth every step."
Teri Haselius
"My wife and I visited Kiwishiwi Falls and were pleasantly surprised by the spectacular view of the falls. The trail is a moderately difficult walk, with rocks, tree roots and some inclines. There are great vantage points in which to view the falls, which were raging when we visited them. Kiwishiwi River falls is rich in history."
Merlin Petron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kawishiwi Falls is located off the Fernberg Road (CR 18) near Ely, Minnesota. The trailhead is well-marked and accessible by car. It's a popular stop for those exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Fernberg Road (CR 18) is a paved county road, making it easily accessible for most vehicles. It's a scenic drive leading to various entry points for outdoor adventures.
The closest town to Kawishiwi Falls is Ely, Minnesota. Ely is a gateway to the Boundary Waters and offers amenities like lodging, dining, and outdoor gear outfitters.
While the Kawishiwi River flows through the area, the most common access to Kawishiwi Falls is via the hiking trail from Fernberg Road. Paddling directly to the falls might be challenging due to rapids or portages.
Fernberg Road CR 18 is a main route east of Ely. Follow signs for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points; the trailhead for Kawishiwi Falls is typically well-signed along this road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to visit Kawishiwi Falls. It's a publicly accessible natural attraction.
Kawishiwi Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times for the natural site.
Typically, there is no parking fee for the Kawishiwi Falls trailhead. However, if you plan to venture further into the Boundary Waters, permits may be required.
Yes, you can visit Kawishiwi Falls in winter, but be prepared for icy conditions on the trail. The falls may be partially or fully frozen, offering a different kind of beauty.
No reservations are needed for the Kawishiwi Falls trail. It's a first-come, first-served access point for a short hike.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Kawishiwi Falls is approximately 0.8 miles round trip, making it a short and manageable walk for most visitors.
The trail is considered moderately difficult due to roots, rocks, and some inclines. It's not a paved path, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Absolutely! The falls offer stunning photographic opportunities. There are great vantage points from the trail and rocky areas near the water.
Swimming directly at the base of the falls is generally not recommended due to strong currents and slippery rocks. However, there might be calmer areas along the Kawishiwi River further downstream.
The trail can be challenging for very young children due to the uneven terrain. Parents should exercise caution and consider carrying younger kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food services directly at the Kawishiwi Falls trailhead. You'll need to pack your own snacks or plan to eat in Ely, which has various dining options.
Picnicking is allowed, but there are no designated picnic tables. It's best to pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Ely offers a range of dining, from casual pubs to cafes. Popular spots often include places serving local fare or hearty meals suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.
Food options are scarce directly along Fernberg Road. It's advisable to stock up on supplies before heading out from Ely.
Pack easy-to-carry snacks like trail mix, sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water. Consider a small cooler if you have a vehicle nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. Golden hour can create beautiful shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light.
Yes, climbing on the rocks near the base of the falls offers dynamic angles. The trail itself also provides framed views through the trees.
Use a slower shutter speed to create a silky, blurred effect for the water. Experiment with different settings on your camera.
Check current regulations regarding drone usage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Restrictions may apply to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit