houghton falls nature preserve

This place was closed to the public for awhile and I missed going there terribly when I visited from Denver. It has been 'redeveloped' with a gravel parking lot, and marked trails to the point. A magnificent way to really feel like you are in the middle of Chequamegon Bay but standing on dry land.

While visiting northern Wisconsin, I had driven by the Hougton Falls Rd several times on my way to Bayfield. One morning I decided to take a look. I drove down the road all the way to the end finding only private homes. I turned around and headed back to the main highway to see that I had missed the "park entrance" which is really a trail head. I hiked through the beautiful autumn foliage all the way to Lake Superior. Some how I had missed the Falls ..again! Upon returning to the trail I came back to a stone formation with a culvert pipe passing through it. I guess this was the main falls...but not which water passing through it and a lot of debris like to-go containers in the water! More carefully I returned to a area called Echo Dells and found some interesting rock formations and, yes, water falling! I was very peaceful and beautiful as the ground and water was sprinkled with autumn leaves.

We loved the serene walk to the fslls and mini Dells. Easy access for people with walking issues. No fencing, which is a good thang. Nice natural experience!

Neat caves and dells to explore. A beautiful lagoon and piece of Lake Superior shoreline. Some old growth red and white pines down by the lake.

Beautiful shaded walk along river that empties into Lake Superior. Walk along edge of river gorge. Boardwalks smooth out the path which could get muddy. Along with dog enjoyed this spot immensely.

Even tho the falls were dried up, we enjoyed walking the bottom of the falls. At the end of the trail the kids enjoyed 'cliff diving' into Lake Superior (local kids showed them how to do it) :)

You can actually bike on a lovely trail from Memorial Campgrounds to this lovely spot on the water. We witnessed some brave young girls taking some plunges off the cliff this weekend. Beautiful place to sit and view the beauty!

This is a small, but lovely, forested area with easy hiking paths that follow a water-carved ravine. In season, the water cascades down some pretty little falls. The trail ends at Lake Superior, where the view is very pretty. This is a very pleasant outdoor experience that can comfortably be done in a couple of hours.

Houghton Falls used to be a destination for many of my friends in the 1980's by taking the long walk down the defunct railroad grade/snowmobile trail from Washburn. It was THE destination on a sunny, warm summer's day. Privately owned, with a simple sign which read:" Pack out what you pack in! Enjoy!" Then, for many years, it was closed to "the public". I believe thanks to the Bayfield County Conservatory, the incredible beauty of Houghton Falls with the addition of a lovely walking trail and convenient walking trail, is once again available to all!If you enjoy natural beauty, then take some time to walk the trail, sit by majestic Lake Superior, take pictures, breathe in the wonder of the woods, pack out what you packed in, and drop a donation in the box on your way back to the car!

You have to know where to find this place, but it is worth the effort to get directions!! Lovely walk to see limestone formations, waterfalls, and Lake Superior!

This is an easy walk from the parking area. Houghton Point is a prominent lookout from which one can see much of Chequamegon Bay. It's a natural area for anyone who loves Lake Superior.

Any hike that ends at Lake Superior is worth it. As long as the Mosquitos aren't bad, this is a lovely little walk...about 25 min each way, I think.

We came upon this falls while Geocaching in the Washburn area. You must go to the official parking area, however, the trail is fairly easy...there are some hils. The view/area of the falls is quite lovely and one ought to continue on. It always amazes me to see how water can leave behind such beauty!

Beautiful place, very accessible, few people when we were there. Took lots of nice photos. Don't forget your bug spray!

If you drive slow and pay attention when you drive north on highway 13 north of washburn wis. you will see a sign for houghton road on your right about 1.5 miles from town. take the right turn down a gravel road for 1/2 a mile and you come to a small parking area on your right. this is where your adventure begins. walk a 1/2 mile into the woods on the marked trail and you find the creek bed cut out of sand stone and granite. during low water the bed is nearly dry and you walk from one elevation to the next and see the caves and overhangs throughout this great little hike. it works its way through about 3/4 of a mile of woods then dumps into the north shore of Superior where it mixes with the cold main lake. there are 2 locations where you can jump off the rocks and swim back to shore if you are looking for some heart stopping cold water to wake up your system. Bring a back pack with the following-bottled water,bug spray, sun screen and snacks if desired.