Cascade River State Park
Overview
The Cascade River plunges 120 feet through a deep, twisting gorge on its 17-mile journey to meet Lake Superior. The result is a spectacular series of cascades for which the river was named. Stand at one of the viewing spots above the river to feel the vibration of the rushing water as it cuts through ancient basalt lava flows. Smaller water features like Spruce, Indian Camp, and Cutface creeks also move through the park. Trails wind from Lake Superior up to the Sawtooth Mountains with their panoramic view of the North Shore. Pass through the boreal hardwood-conifer forest of aspen, birch, fir, spruce and cedar. You may glimpse moose, wolves, pine martens, bears or numerous birds. Many of the trails and facilities that you see in the park were built by men stationed here at a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s. Cascade River State Park was established in 1957 so that future generations could experience these unique natural and historic features.
- Trails
- 15
- Viewpoints
- 3
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 33
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Playgrounds
Modern play structures for children with rubberized safety surfaces and age-appropriate equipment meeting ASTM safety standards.
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at park office or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- When visiting Cascade River State Park, visitors must adhere to active Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidelines and safety advisories.
- Due to heightened wildfire risks across northern Minnesota, open campfires are strictly prohibited at all remote backpack sites within the park.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hike/Ski (Pioneer Loop Trail)
Hiking/Ski (Cascade Bridge Connector)
Hiking/Ski
Hiking/Ski
Hiking/Ski (Cascade Trail C)
Hiking/Ski (North Shore Mountains Ski Trail)
Superior Hiking Trail – Cascade River Loop
Hiking/Ski
Hike/Ski (Cascade Lookout Mountain Trail)
Hiking/Ski
Hiking/Ski
Hiking/Ski (Cascade Upper Ridge Run)
Hiking/Ski (Cascade River Loop)
Superior Hiking Trail
Snowmobile
Nearby Viewpoints
Overlook (Lookout Mountain)
Overlook
0.4 mi
Waterfall (The Cascades)
Waterfall
0.5 mi
Waterfall (Cascade Falls)
Waterfall
0.6 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Cascade River State Park?
Cascade River State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Cascade River State Park?
The Cascade River plunges 120 feet through a deep, twisting gorge on its 17-mile journey to meet Lake Superior. The result is a spectacular series of cascades for which the river was named.
Where is Cascade River State Park located?
Cascade River State Park is located in Grand Marais, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Cascade River State Park?
Cascade River State Park has 15 mapped trails covering 26.7 miles in total. The longest is Superior Hiking Trail at 3.8 miles.
What is there to see at Cascade River State Park?
Places to see at Cascade River State Park include Overlook (Lookout Mountain), Waterfall (Cascade Falls), Waterfall (The Cascades), Carry-In Access and Trail Center.
What facilities are available at Cascade River State Park?
Facilities at Cascade River State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Playgrounds, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and Visitor / Ranger Station.
Is there parking at Cascade River State Park?
Yes, Cascade River State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Cascade River State Park?
Yes, Cascade River State Park has 8 campsites marked on its map, including Backpack Campsite and Group Camp.
How can I contact Cascade River State Park?
You can contact Cascade River State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Cascade River State Park know?
When visiting Cascade River State Park, visitors must adhere to active Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidelines and safety advisories. Due to heightened wildfire risks across northern Minnesota, open campfires are strictly prohibited at all remote backpack sites within the park. Attended campfires remain limited strictly to established metal fire rings within the main, drive-in campgrounds. Additionally
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