Lower Basswood Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Hard
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Lower Basswood Falls
Lower Basswood Falls is a scenic waterfall located along the U.S.-Canada border in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in Minnesota. It is part of the Basswood River and features cascading rapids and falls surrounded by pristine wilderness. The area is popular among canoeists and hikers for its natural beauty and remote setting.
The Setting
Lower Basswood Falls sits at 1,257 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 Lower Basswood Falls involves paddling through interconnected lakes and completing portages between them. The portages can be rugged and require carrying gear and canoes over uneven terrain. The falls themselves are located in a remote wilderness area, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. 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 Lower 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 reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, and quotas are in place to limit the number of visitors.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Basswood Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the weather is mild, and the waterways are accessible. Summer is the most popular season, but fall offers stunning foliage and fewer bugs.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be prepared for wilderness conditions, including unpredictable weather, potential wildlife encounters, and the physical demands of portaging. Always carry a first aid kit and inform someone of your travel plans.
Current Water Conditions
203 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
2.26 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 (6 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
203 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
203 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
219 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
210 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
231 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
235 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
231 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 25 feet of drop through Lower Basswood Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,253 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face north and 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
- 1,253 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 25 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
Getting There
Lower 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 through a series of lakes and portages to reach the falls. Hiking access is limited and challenging due to the remote location.
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 and secure permits in advance.
Elevation
1,257 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.113505° N, -91.711515° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Plan your trip carefully, including securing the required BWCAW permits. Bring a detailed map and compass or GPS, as cell service is unreliable. Be prepared for portages and pack light but with all necessary gear. Bug spray is essential during summer months.
Where to Stay
Paddle Inn
Stay Inn Ely
Adventure Inn
Grand Ely Lodge
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
11.1 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 Crooked Lake, Curtain Falls, and the many interconnected lakes and rivers that make up the wilderness area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, beavers, loons, and bald eagles.
Cities near Lower Basswood Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Lower Basswood Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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