Waterfall Hero Hikes: LaSalle Canyon and Tonti Canyon Waterfalls (Starved Rock)

LaSalle Canyon and Tonti Canyon each have scenic waterfalls flowing through them in LaSalle County. The waterfalls are located in Starved Rock State Park.

Hike Length: 4.6 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Starved Rock State Park
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 41.31743,-88.99382
Waterfall GPS: 41.31115,-88.97121 (LaSalle Canyon), 41.31150,-88.97396 (Tonti Canyon)

Directions:

From Ottawa, head west on IL-71 for about 9 miles and turn right on E 875th Street to enter Starved Rock State Park. The parking area for the lodge is on the right in about 0.1 miles.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, take the Bluff Trail heading east towards Wildcat Canyon. After passing French Canyon and Pontiac Canyon, the trail will cross over the top of Wildcat Canyon. In about another mile, Bluff Trail ends at River Trail. Turn right and go about a quarter-mile to the LaSalle Canyon Trail to the right just after crossing a bridge. Follow this trail to LaSalle Canyon Falls.

It's a very nice waterfall and the trail continues behind the falls. It's about another quarter-mile to the end at Tonti Canyon Falls. There are two 60-foot drops here but its hard to see the smaller falls.