High Falls
Pigeon River, Grand Portage State Park

This park is located at the eastern most tip of Minnesota along the international border between the United States and Canada. The "High Falls" has the claim of being the highest waterfall in Minnesota. The signage in the park states there hasn't been an official measurement, but the estimate is the falls are between 100 and 130 feet high. An average of 3,200 gallons of water go over the falls every second.

I decided to visit this park first on my trek to the border. While on a detour by the shore of the river, I encountered a small patch of mud. Not realizing this was probably the slipperiest mud known to mankind, I slipped on a rock and broke a small clamp on one of the legs to my tripod. Fortunately, I had the presence to sacrifice the tripod before the Sinar Bron view camera. "Beware the mud!" is my new motto.

There is another waterfall located in this park called "Middle Falls". It's a little harder to get to, a 3.5 mile hike. This will be a destination on my next visit.

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Upper Falls
Brule River, Judge CR Magney State Park

On my return from Grand Portage, I decided to stop at the park just south, Judge CR Magney state park. This was a complete adventure. The hike started out innocently enough, a nice level walk, a small bridge going over a quaint stream, a couple of trout fishermen working the river. Then I noticed the trail taking an upward angle. No problem, I said to myself. Then after a about 1 mile of climbing, I came to this scenic overlook of the Upper Falls.

While I was resting up a bit, I ran into a couple who I met previously at The Grand Portage park. They had already taken the trek down to the falls. Freely providing me with specifics, notably the stair count on the trip down (176 steps), then 50 up to Devil's Kettle, I figured it won't be that much of chore. What they didn't tell me was the steps down are at an incredibly steep angle. Once again, wondering what I've gotten myself into, I started down...

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Upper Falls - detail
Brule River, Judge CR Magney State Park

I finally made it to the base of the first staircase. After the long trek downwards, the mist kicked up by the falls was refreshing. I was particularity impressed with the sound rushing/falling/churning water makes.

Time to turn my attention upwards. The park system realizes that you've come too far to turn back now, mockingly, there's a distance sign; 700 ft to Devil's Kettle.

Devil's Kettle
Brule River, Judge CR Magney State Park

Once again, feeling betrayed by reality, I noticed the "50" steps upwards weren't really steps at all, but rather notches chiseled out of the side of a cliff. I guess that's what an adventure is all about, experiencing things beyond your expectations.

Of course, it was definitely worth it. Once at the top, there is a 2' x2' viewing platform, hanging over the edge. Not for the faint-hearted. I will be going back. This ravine is deep and narrow, with direct sun shining on the falls for a short time. By the time I got here, it had passed. I'd like to capture a little more detail of the rock formations defining the falls.

This was a fun little trip. A great way to spend a day.