Canyon Creek Cascade
Illinois • 3 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Canyon Creek Cascade
Canyon Creek Cascade is a small cascade, about 3 feet high, on the East Branch of Canyon Creek in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve near Darien and Lemont, run by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Its name was approved by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names in 2014, together with nearby Canyon Creek Falls, an 8-foot natural fall in the same creek system. Both lie southwest of Argonne National Laboratory, off the main trails, and flow best after rain. The better-known tiered falls at Rocky Glen in the same preserve were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
The Setting
Canyon Creek Cascade sits at 702 feet within Waterfall Glen, in the foothills of Illinois. The falls drop 3 feet.
Height: 3 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Canyon Creek Falls (8 ft) lies 0.0 miles to the southwest.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Waterfall Glen has almost 11 miles of mapped limestone and turf trails. The cascade is not on a signed trail, and the district does not publish its exact location, so expect muddy, unmarked footing near the creek. There is no reliable distance or elevation figure for reaching it.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 3 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and natural obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Canyon Creek Cascade?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed in Waterfall Glen on a leash shorter than 10 feet.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Canyon Creek Cascade?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit, as the waterfall is most likely to be flowing due to snowmelt and seasonal rains. Early summer after rain is also a good option.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery or muddy after rain. Watch for loose rocks and tree roots. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be unreliable.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Des Plaines River, 1.9 miles away, not on Canyon Creek Cascade's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
814 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 15 years of record
6.70 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DES PLAINES RIVER NEAR LEMONT, IL (3 km away).
Today
Moderate
879 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
960 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
694 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
864 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
1189 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
864 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
899 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, patchy frost then sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late April, 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 Lemont 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 72 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The falls are listed at 3 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 651 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 50 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 36 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 651 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 72 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve surrounds Argonne National Laboratory near Darien. The main entrance is on the north side of Northgate Road, 0.25 mile west of Cass Avenue. The cascade is in the southwest part of the preserve.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The preserve has three lots: the main entrance on Northgate Road west of Cass Avenue, the Waterfall lot on the south side of Bluff Road 0.3 mile east of Cass Avenue, and a lot on the east side of Lemont Road at 101st Street.
Elevation
702 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.690500° N, -88.001900° W
Land Management
Managed by REG
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy or slippery. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and check weather conditions before visiting. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Where to Stay
Home2 Suites By Hilton Bolingbrook Chicago
Extended Stay America Select Suites - Chicago - Darien
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bolingbrook-Romeoville, I-55
Aloft Bolingbrook
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Rocky Glen tiered falls on Sawmill Creek, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are in the same preserve and reached from the Bluff Road lot.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Canyon Creek Cascade
Nearby Waterfalls
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