Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyon Waterfalls (Starved Rock)

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

Hike Length: 1.2 miles
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 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: 41.30872,-88.94296
Waterfall GPS: 41.30472,-88.94514 (Kaskaskia Canyon), 41.30649,-88.94714 (Ottawa Canyon)

Directions:

To visit the falls, head west from Ottawa on IL-71 for about 6 miles and turn left into the small parking area on the left.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, pick up the trail heading east. In about a quarter-mile, the trail passes by Council Overhang and another trail to left turns into the canyons.

Go left and just past Council Overhang, where Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons come together, go left and into Kaskaskia Canyon. You have to the cross the creek, which can be difficult in high water and eventually come out at the waterfall.

Return to the split near Council Overhand and go left into Ottawa Canyon and a short ways to the waterfall.

Blog Entries:

26-May-2019: Starved Rock Waterfalls

External Links:

Illinois State Parks website: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/pages/starvedrock.aspx