Basswood Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Hard
About Basswood Falls
Basswood Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls located along the Basswood River in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in Minnesota. The falls are surrounded by pristine wilderness, offering a serene and remote experience for visitors. The area is popular among paddlers and hikers exploring the BWCAW.
The Setting
Basswood Falls sits at 1,306 feet within Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, fed by the Basswood River, in the foothills of Minnesota.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The journey to Basswood Falls typically involves paddling through interconnected lakes and rivers, with occasional portages. For hikers, the trails are rugged and may require navigation skills. The area is remote and requires careful planning.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Basswood Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
A BWCAW permit is required for all visitors. Permits must be obtained in advance and are limited to protect the wilderness.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Basswood Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the weather is mild, and the water levels are ideal for paddling.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be prepared for remote wilderness conditions. Carry a first aid kit, and be aware of potential hazards such as strong currents, slippery rocks, and wildlife encounters. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
Current Water Conditions
150 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 95 years of record
2.10 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BASSWOOD RIVER NEAR WINTON, MN (3 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
150 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
156 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
167 cfs
3/10Sun
Barely Flowing
160 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
151 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
161 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
165 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to late July, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Winton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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 37 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,305 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 31 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 4 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,305 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 37 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Basswood Falls is accessible primarily by canoe or kayak as it is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Visitors typically launch from entry points such as Moose Lake or Fall Lake and paddle to the falls. Hiking access is limited and requires navigating through wilderness trails.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated BWCAW entry points, such as Moose Lake or Fall Lake. Visitors must plan their route carefully as parking areas are often far from the falls.
Elevation
1,306 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.105727° N, -91.648456° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Plan your trip carefully and obtain the necessary permits in advance. Bring a detailed map, compass, or GPS device. Be prepared for portages and rugged terrain. Pack out all trash to preserve the wilderness.
Where to Stay
Stay Inn Ely
Garden Lake Resort
Grand Ely Lodge
Adventure Inn
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
FALL LAKE
11 miles away · 66 sites
Overview Fall Lake Campground is located on the shores of Fall Lake and provides direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The campground opens in early May in time for walleye fishing season, making it a popular place for anglers. Others are drawn to Fall Lake for its birding, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region, is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other notable features in the BWCAW include Knife Lake, Crooked Lake, and the many interconnected waterways and campsites.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, bald eagles, loons, and beavers.
Cities near Basswood Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Basswood Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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