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About Ash River Falls
Ash River Falls is a set of falls on the Ash River in St. Louis County, Minnesota, south of the Ash River community and just outside Voyageurs National Park. USGS lists a historical sampling site named Ash River at Ash River Falls near Ray. We could not find a published trail, trailhead or land-access description for the falls, so check local maps and land ownership before going.
Trail & Hike Details
What to Expect
A set of falls and rapids on the Ash River in boreal forest. We could not confirm viewing spots or how close you can get.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ash River Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ash River Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Ash River Falls, as water flow is typically higher during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique opportunity to see the falls in a frozen state.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls and watch for changing weather conditions. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited in the area.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Orr hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Ash River Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Ash River Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°F to 14°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Minnesota.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The bare-earth surface loses about 56 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,141 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 30 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 13 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,141 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 56 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Elevation
1,132 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.377132° N, -92.819324° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Access to the falls is not documented, so confirm land ownership and a legal approach before visiting. Voyageurs National Park's Ash River Visitor Center to the north is open seasonally, late May to late September.
Where to Stay
Lakeside 1 Bedroom Bear Paw Cabin On Kab
Lakeside 2 Bedroom Pelican Cabin On Kab
2 Bedroom Loon Villa In Voyageurs National Park
2 Bedroom Walleye Villa In Voyageurs National Park
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
ECHO LAKE (MINN)
20.8 miles away · 26 sites
Overview Echo Lake is located on the west end of the Echo Trail, a remote country road that traverses through the heart of the Western Superior National Forest. This quiet campground, where the sounds of birds and the wind are often heard, is a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of the area's resort scene. A variety of campsites, activities and amenities offer a comfortable stay for RV, trailer and tent campers. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead re
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Voyageurs National Park's Ash River Visitor Center, the Ash River boat ramp and Kabetogama Lake lie a few miles to the north. The Minnesota DNR's Ash River Campground in Kabetogama State Forest offers eight primitive first-come sites.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, bald eagles, and loons.
Cities near Ash River Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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