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

Roaring Creek Falls

Roaring Creek Falls in Black River Falls, Wisconsin

Back in 2019 I visited Lost Falls. After returning home and looking at online maps, there was a Google review on Roaring Creek saying there are more falls 1/4 mile upstream in the same area (review now disappeared, strange). So today I returned in search of these other unknown falls that seem to be well-traveled … Read more

Black River Falls – Hwy K Rapids

Black River Falls - Hwy K Rapids - Aerial view of largest drop looking downstream

Time to start making my way slowly towards home on this fantastic Sunday morning in mid-June. While on the road I crossed a bridge and immediately pulled off because I think I spotted something in the river below. Could it be an unknown waterfall? GPS wasn’t working and frankly I was tired so it wasn’t … Read more

Lost Falls

Lost Falls - Black River Falls, WI

Another relatively easy waterfall in the Black River Falls area is Lost Falls. This can be located by following the large “Lost Falls Campground” signs on the main highways. The trail head is found right off Sunnyvale Road. Be sure to park cautiously on the shoulder and be considerate to other drivers & the campground. … Read more

Perry Creek Rapids

Perry Creek Rapids - View below the falls

The area surrounding Black River Falls seem to be abundant with rapids and waterfalls. My next stop at Perry Creek Recreation Area is a unique and smaller park that doesn’t seem to get much traffic. Access to Perry Creek is quite easy on a short and well maintained hiking trail. You will quickly come to … Read more

Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja

Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja

While still in the Black River Falls area I noticed the map was showing a water feature just below the dam in the downtown area labeled “Ni-ho-kha-wa-ne-ey-ja”, a Winnebago name which had me intrigued. Searching online, Google books shows an excerpt of this book giving the translation “where the black water goes over the rocks”. … Read more

Pattison State Park

Pattison State Park - Little Manitou Falls

After taking the scenic route around WIS-13 and getting lost once or twice, I arrived at Pattison State Park where I camped for two nights.  The park was fairly empty due to recent strong storms that caused great damage in this area a few weeks prior, but the campgrounds themselves were in excellent shape.  Most … Read more