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About Portage Falls
Portage Falls is a small waterfall on Portage Brook in the Superior National Forest north of Hovland, next to the Arrowhead Trail (Cook County Road 16). Little has been published about the falls, its height, or any trail to it.
The Setting
Portage Falls sits at 1,562 feet within Pigeon River Purchase Unit, in the hills of Minnesota.
Trail & Hike Details
USFS Trail
ARROWHEAD TRAIL-OTTER LAKE #21177
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.39 miWhat to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and natural obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Portage Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Portage Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically more active due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Pigeon River Purchase Unit for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on wet or muddy trails to avoid slipping. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and carry a map or GPS device as cell service may be limited.
Know when to go.
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Is Portage Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Portage Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°F to 19°F.
- Days below freezing
- 1 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
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 Minnesota.
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 71 feet of drop through Portage Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,560 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 33 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 48 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,560 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 71 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
The mapped location is on Portage Brook about 100 yards from the Arrowhead Trail (Cook County Road 16), which runs north from Highway 61 at Hovland. No signed trail or parking area is documented.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
1,562 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.999609° N, -90.035368° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring insect repellent during the summer months as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails may be muddy after rain. Carry water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby.
Where to Stay
Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel & Conference Centre
Lake Superior Retreat Private Wooded Haven with Panoramic Views
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
EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND
16.8 miles away · 32 sites
Overview East Bearskin Lake Campground is located on its namesake lake, at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota. It is a perfect spot for visitors who want the experience found in Boundary Waters and the convenience of car camping. Visitors can reserve standard or walk-in tent sites, or rent small cabins that accommodate up to five or seven people. Canoeing, kayaking and motorized boating is available on East Bearskin Lake. The facility can be conveniently a
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Superior National Forest offers numerous hiking trails, lakes, and scenic spots to explore. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is also nearby for those seeking additional outdoor adventures.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of black bears, which are occasionally spotted in the region.
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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