LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Pipestone Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Pipestone Falls
Pipestone Falls is a quietly scenic cascade tucked within the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation in northern Wisconsin. Set against a backdrop of rocky ledges and mixed woods, the falls offer a peaceful spot for nature lovers and photographers seeking a less-crowded outing. The site lies on land owned by DESG and is designated and managed by the tribal authorities (TRIB), so visitors should treat the area with respect and follow any local guidelines. The hike to the falls makes for a pleasant half-day outing: an out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail threads through wooded terrain and opens to a viewing point near the cascades, making it a rewarding moderate hike for those comfortable with uneven footing and some climbing. Because the route sits on reservation land, check local resources or contact tribal management before visiting to confirm access details and any seasonal advisories.
The Setting
Pipestone Falls sits at 1,444 feet within Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation, fed by the Chippewa River, in the foothills of Wisconsin.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back, distance: 2.4 miles round-trip, elevation gain: ~350 feet, difficulty: moderate. The route follows a wooded trail through mixed forest and rises gradually toward the falls, ending at a viewpoint close to the cascade. The trail surface and technical classification are managed locally by the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation (manager: TRIB); visitors should expect natural trail conditions and pack appropriate footwear and water. No USFS trail number or surface/grade/class data is provided for this route.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene environment with the sound of cascading water and a picturesque view of the falls. The area is surrounded by forest, providing a tranquil atmosphere.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pipestone Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Pipestone Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks may be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and potential wildlife encounters.
Current Water Conditions
204 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 114 years of record
4.20 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
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 CHIPPEWA RIVER AT BISHOPS BRIDGE NEAR WINTER, WI (12 km away).
Today
Strong
220 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
212 cfs
9/10Tue
Strong
220 cfs
8/10Wed
Roaring
229 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
229 cfs
6/10Fri
Strong
212 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
220 cfs
8/10Best window: Fri — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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 New Post 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 52 feet of drop through Pipestone Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,448 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 32 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 37 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest 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
- 1,448 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 52 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- 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 northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Pipestone Falls is located near the town of Florence, Wisconsin. It can be accessed via local roads, but specific directions should be confirmed using a reliable map or GPS.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There may be a small parking area near the trailhead, but details are unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited parking availability.
Elevation
1,444 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.855236° N, -91.236833° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in places. Bring insect repellent during warmer months. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become muddy after rain.
Where to Stay
Hayward Retreat on the Chippewa Flowage w/ Dock!
AmericInn by Wyndham Hayward
Riverside Motel
The Bear Den
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
MOOSE LAKE
15.2 miles away · 15 sites
Overview Moose Lake Campground sits along its namesake lake in the Chequamegon National Forest of northern Wisconsin. The serene lake and surrounding forest offer a spectacular location for families to enjoy nature.Recreation The location provides access to a variety of activities, including miles of off-road vehicle, hiking and mountain biking trails. Anglers will find an abundance of musky, walleye, bass and pan fish in the lake, and the clear water is ideal for kayaking, canoeing and swimming.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Florence County offers other natural attractions, including hiking trails and scenic views.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Pipestone Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Pipestone Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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