Buckley Falls

Buckley Falls – Multiple small falls/rapids along the creek

This morning marks day 12 of the trip and things were getting a little weird. Woke up and showered before going out to explore because I just couldn’t stand my own smell any longer. Boots were still wet because humidity was high and they just won’t dry out. Lots of fog on the roads early … Read more

Pattison State Park – Little Manitou Falls (2021)

Pattison State Park – Little Manitou Falls

The first time I visited Pattison State Park in 2018, it was immediately following some huge thunderstorms that destroyed many roads and trails, including the area downstream of Little Manitou Falls. Several years later, the trails are open again and I can now hike to see more of the park. Leaf colors are reaching peak … Read more

Pattison State Park – Big Manitou Falls (2021)

Big Manitou Falls – Long exposure view from far platform on north side of river

I awoke a bit groggy from an unlevel campsite and my boots are still sopping wet from yesterday’s expeditions, but the weather Gods are smiling upon me and it’s perfect fall conditions for hiking today. In the interest of time I drove to the Big Manitou Falls parking area off E County Road B and … Read more

Shale Falls

Shale Falls - Named a "falls" but is in fact a Class I rapids

My final stop today was in Brule, Wisconsin, and the goal was to settle a score and make it to Shale Falls where I had failed in the past. Knowing now there are no formal trails and you just have to bushwhack towards the river, I was as ready as I’d ever be. Will I … Read more

Little Sioux River Falls (2021 Partial Attempt)

Little Sioux River Falls attempt 2021 - Section of large boulders across the river forming a falls/rapids

Weather today started a little bit cranky but thankfully it stopped drizzling, winds calmed, and temperatures remained quite comfortable. I spent the better part of the morning in Washburn drinking coffee and waiting to make a decision on what to try next. The nearest location is known as Little Sioux River Falls but to my … Read more

Bayfield Waterfall

Bayfield Waterfall - View of the main falls from the trail

Strong overnight storms gave way to a colder, windy, and drizzling morning. This was a welcome change compared to the previous unseasonably warm temperatures. First stop of the morning was at a trail just east of the Bayfield Elementary School. There are no signs at this point but I think this is part of the … Read more

White River Falls

White River Park - White River Falls

My boots were soaking wet from water crossings at Spring Brook Lower Rapids, I was nearly out of sunlight for the day, and I had yet to determine where I was sleeping tonight. That’s about par for the course on my trips. As I left the National Forest area, I found myself near the town … Read more

Spring Brook Lower Falls & Rapids

Spring Brook Lower Rapids - The rocky rapids continue and so does the amazing autumn scenery

After visiting the beautiful Spring Brook Falls, I traveled just a short distance back up Spring Brook Road and parked in a wide spot on the shoulder. Thanks to my friend Bob at waterfallswisconsin.com I had been given intel of another possible falls/rapids downstream about a mile in a more remote part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet … Read more

Spring Brook Falls

Spring Brook Falls - Fourth falls (main) direct view long exposure

After my small detour at the Brunsweiler River, I drove just a bit further up Spring Brook Road, parked at a tiny spot that only fits two vehicles, and made my way through the woods to find Spring Brook Falls. Once upon a time there was a sign post at the trail head but the … Read more

Brunsweiler River Rapids at Spring Brook Road

Brunsweiler Rapids - End of the rock garden cascading down

I was having a great time driving through parts of the Nicolet-Chequamegon National Forest and nearing my next destination when I spotted something under a bridge and got sidetracked. The warm temperatures meant I had the windows down for fresh air, and as I crossed a bridge it struck me immediately: “I hear moving water!” … Read more