LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Beartrap Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Beartrap Falls
Beartrap Falls is a small, scenic cascade tucked into the forested landscape of the Menominee Reservation in northeastern Wisconsin. Located on tribal land (land owner: DESG; designation: TRIB) and managed by Menominee tribal authorities, the falls are a quiet, lesser-known spot where dappled sunlight and the sound of water reward hikers who make the short trek in. The approach to the falls follows a moderate out-and-back route that climbs through mixed woods, offering a peaceful half-day outing for those seeking solitude rather than crowds. There is no listed USFS trail name or number for this route; visitors should respect tribal land regulations and leave no trace while enjoying the natural setting.
The Setting
Beartrap Falls sits at 869 feet within Menominee Reservation, in the foothills of Wisconsin.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Difficulty: moderate. The route follows a natural footpath across forested terrain on the Menominee Reservation (land owner: DESG; manager: tribal authorities). Specific USFS trail surface/grade/class data and a trail number are not published for this route, so expect natural, uneven footing and seasonal trail conditions—sturdy footwear, water, and good navigation practices are recommended.
What to Expect
Expect a serene and quiet environment with a small waterfall surrounded by natural vegetation. The area may be less developed, offering a more rustic experience.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Beartrap Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Beartrap Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious of slippery rocks and uneven terrain near the waterfall. Cell service may be limited, so inform someone of your plans before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Red River, 8.8 miles away, not on Beartrap Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
125 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 34 years of record
5.92 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge RED RIVER AT MORGAN ROAD NEAR MORGAN, WI (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
135 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
132 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
124 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
128 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
122 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
124 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
121 cfs
5/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid June, peaking in April.
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 Middle Village hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Beartrap Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Beartrap Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 61°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 125 ft³/s
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 Wisconsin.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 25 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Beartrap Falls. Elevation at the pin is about 873 feet.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 873 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 25 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Beartrap Falls is located in a remote area of Wisconsin. Visitors typically access it via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on the starting point. It is recommended to use a GPS or consult local maps for precise navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at a designated area if available.
Elevation
869 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.939147° N, -88.674272° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the area may not be well-marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails could be muddy or slippery after rain.
Where to Stay
Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels - Shawano
Lakefront Cabin w/ Shared Beach in Cecil!
Haven Hotel Shawano WI
AmeriVu Inn and Suites Shawano WI
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
BOULDER LAKE
13.9 miles away · 99 sites
Overview Boulder Lake Campground is located on the shores of Boulder Lake in northern Wisconsin. It is the forest's largest campground but campsites fill up fast. The campground is home to individual and group sites, making it an ideal location to relax with friends or family. Recreational opportunities abound. Recreation Boulder Lake provides ample opportunities for power boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. Anglers might catch walleye, northern pike, bass or panfish. Ice fishing is also
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other natural attractions in Wisconsin, such as state parks and hiking trails, may be nearby.
Wildlife
The area may host a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Beartrap Falls
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