Kawishiwi Falls Trail Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Kawishiwi Falls lies just outside Ely. It may be the easiest waterfall hike around. The trail loops through quiet forest before reaching a 70-foot cascade. No technical skills are needed here. Most visitors finish the loop in under an hour. Here's everything you need to plan your visit.

Kawishiwi Falls Trail Map

The trail map lays out the whole route in clear detail. It starts at the Fernberg Road parking lot. From there, a 0.25-mile stretch leads to a junction near a small pond. At that junction, the loop splits into a one-way section.

Signs direct hikers to keep right along this 0.3-mile stretch. That path curves past the power plant and leads to Kawishiwi Falls itself. Arrows on the map confirm the one-way direction around this loop. 

The map also shows a green dotted portage path nearby. This portage runs 0.4 miles along the shore of Garden Lake. It connects toward Fall Lake to the north, passing near an old dam. Paddlers use this route to move between the two lakes directly.

A scale bar in feet helps hikers judge distances at a glance. It's especially useful near the falls, where the trail narrows and curves. Knowing the layout ahead of time makes the one-way sections easy to follow. It also helps hikers plan how much time the full loop will take.

How Long Is the Kawishiwi Falls Trail?

The Kawishiwi Falls Trail runs about 0.8 to 1 mile as a loop. Some hikers stretch that further. Adding extended portage paths nearby brings the total closer to 1.5 miles. Most visitors finish the main loop in 30 to 90 minutes. Pace and time spent at the falls both affect that range.

Trail Details

Length runs about 0.8 to 1 mile for the loop. Time to complete runs between 30 and 90 minutes. Difficulty falls in the easy to moderate range. Expect rocks, roots, and a few slopes along the way. The trail is located near Ely, inside Superior National Forest.

Kawishiwi Falls Trail Directions

Getting there from Ely stays simple. Head northeast out of town on Highway 169. Continue through Winton and cross the large bridge. A couple of miles past that bridge, look north. Turn into the parking lot at 444 Fernberg Rd. That lot offers plenty of space. Porta-potties are available for visitors too.

From the parking area, cross the access road to the trailhead. Follow the wooded loop for roughly a mile. At the halfway fork, signs point you right. That right turn leads onto the one-way loop to the waterfall. Expect exposed roots and scattered rocks as you go. A few short slopes round out the terrain.

How Difficult Is the Kawishiwi Falls Trail?

This trail earns an easy to moderate rating. That makes it approachable for most fitness levels. The full loop covers about 0.8 to 1 mile. Most hikers finish in 20 to 40 minutes at a steady pace. Elevation change stays minimal throughout, ranging from roughly 24 to 52 feet.

What to Expect on the Trail

The path runs mostly dirt, with a few gentle slopes. Watch your footing over exposed tree roots and rocky patches. Several sections include boardwalks, which help across wetter areas. After recent rain, conditions can turn muddy and slippery in spots.

No hard climbing or scrambling comes up on this route. Still, uneven natural ground can challenge hikers with mobility limits. Sturdy shoes make a real difference here, especially near the falls.

Kawishiwi Falls Trail Parking

Parking is located in a large dirt lot. It is located on the north side of Fernberg Road, or County Road 18. This lot lies about 6 miles east of Ely.

Parking Details

The address is 444 Fernberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731. Parking is completely free here. No fees or permits are required to visit the falls. Portable toilets are typically available right at the lot. The full loop trail begins directly from this parking area. There's no extra walk just to reach the trailhead.

Turn Your Kawishiwi Falls Hike Into a Full Ely Adventure

Explore More Than One Ely Trail

Kawishiwi Falls makes a great start to your trip. It doesn't have to be the only trail you hike. There are several other options. These include the Prospector Trail, Bass Lake Trail, and Kekekabic Trail. Stacking a second hike onto your day is easy. You're already out exploring the Superior National Forest anyway.

Discover the Kawishiwi Triangle

Ely has a calmer corner known as the Kawishiwi Triangle. Timber Trail Lodge marks one edge, and Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge marks the other. Spruce, pine, aspen, and birch shade its back roads and trails. In places, state forest runs up against the Superior National Forest. It isn't a single, polished park. Instead, it's woods, lakes, and routes pieced together. Bring a good map and let your curiosity lead.

This country has deep roots. Glaciers and ancient geology carved its lakes and bare rock. Long before logging, Dakota, Lakota, and Anishinaabe peoples lived and traveled here. Logging later reshaped large parts of these woods. These days, Bear Island State Forest balances clean water, timber, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Part of the area's appeal is how untamed land and a working-forest past come together.

Winter changes the mood here. Dogsled teams run through the area. Snowy woodland routes also draw Nordic skiers. Fat-tire biking works in spots where bikes are allowed and snow conditions cooperate. Some outings are more about exploring than following groomed tracks. One day a route may be packed and firm. The next, you may wade through thick, loose snow. Skiers who want dependable groomed tracks for classic or skate skiing have nearby options. The Hidden Valley and Trezona trail systems in Ely offer exactly that.

Spend the Rest of the Day on the Water

Hiking is only part of what makes this area special. Timber Trail Lodge is located on Farm Lake. Guests get access to a connected system of four lakes. That system includes both motorized and non-motorized BWCA areas. After a morning on the trail, an afternoon paddle rounds out the day well. The lodge's lake maps make it easy to see what's within reach.

Try a BWCA Day Trip

For some visitors, a Boundary Waters day trip feels intimidating. That's especially true without much wilderness experience. Timber Trail Lodge's day trips and experiences include guided hikes, canoe skills sessions, fishing techniques, and guided hikes. These options help first-time visitors feel more confident preparing for the BWCA. No outdoor background is required to give it a try.

Return to a Comfortable Base

After a day of hiking and paddling, a warm cabin makes a difference. Timber Trail Lodge offers direct BWCA access for guests. A BWCA shuttle service and an on-site permit station keep logistics simple. Canoe and kayak rentals are available right at the lodge. A natural sand beach rounds out the amenities for relaxing afterward.

FAQs

Is the Kawishiwi Falls Trail good for kids?

Yes, this trail suits most families well. The loop stays short, at around 0.8 to 1 mile. Elevation change is minor throughout the route. Younger kids should still watch their footing near roots and rocks.

Do I need a permit to hike Kawishiwi Falls Trail?

No permit is required for this hike. Parking is free at the trailhead lot. This trail is located outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. No BWCA entry permit applies here.

What should I bring for the Kawishiwi Falls hike?

Sturdy shoes work best on this trail. Roots, rocks, and occasional mud make footing tricky. Bring water for the walk as well. Bug spray helps too, especially in summer months.

Can I visit Kawishiwi Falls Trail in one afternoon from Timber Trail Lodge?

Yes, easily. The trailhead is a short drive from the lodge. Most hikers finish the loop within 30 to 90 minutes. That leaves plenty of time for other activities that same day.