Hike to Two Step Falls and High Falls on the Baptism River

The North Shore of Lake Superior is full of surprises.  I've lived near this Great Lake for over 17 years, and still find many hidden treasures.

I have been visiting Tettegouche State Park for longer than I have lived here, but always went to see either the mouth of the Baptism River, or Palisade Head (both of which I highly recommend).  This summer, on a whim, I changed from walking to the river mouth to taking the hiking trail inland to see the High Falls on the Baptism River.  Upon arriving at this gorgeous waterfall, I had to ask myself why I had never come before, and why I left my camera in the car.

A few weeks ago, I decided to take my boxer Ellie for a walk to both the Two Step Falls, and the High Falls.  I parked in a small lot just beyond the Tettegouche State Park Visitor's Center, grabbed the dog and the camera, and hiked the relatively long, muddy trail to each of the falls.

The first falls I came to was Two Step Falls.  There  are a lot of stairs to traverse to get down to the river at that point, but it was worth it.

Two Step Falls on the Baptism River

Ellie the Boxer Enjoying Two Step Falls

After viewing the Two Step Falls, we climbed back up to the main trail.  The two people who ascended the stairs before us were sprawled out on the bench at the top.  In my life as a naturalist, I am blessed with plenty of exercise on hills, so the climb didn't really bother me.  However, if you live a sedentary life, you might want to skip the Two Step Falls, and go right for the High Falls.

A short hike brought us to the High Falls on the Baptism River.  It is 70-feet tall, and is the tallest waterfall fully in Minnesota.  The High Falls on the Pigeon River is taller, but half of it is in Ontario, Canada.

High Falls on the Baptism River

Frozen Spray from the Waterfall

High Falls on the Baptism River

The path I took to these falls was a little over 3-miles round trip, and by many standards, it was a strenuous hike.  If you are looking for a shorter hike, you can park at the trailhead parking lot closer to the campground.

I am sure the hike looks different from a few weeks ago.  We are in the midst of a snowstorm in Northern Minnesota, which has already given us at least 6 inches of snow on the ground, with more coming down.