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Cascade River
Overview
Cascade River State Park offers a quintessential North Shore experience for RV travelers seeking a deep connection with nature. The park is named for the river that drops 900 feet in its final three miles, creating a spectacular series of cascading waterfalls that are the centerpiece of the property. This destination serves as a tranquil basecamp where the ambient sound of rushing water and the scent of cedar forests define the atmosphere, providing a rugged yet accessible retreat from the more commercialized stretches of the coast.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Lutsen, MN, the park is perfectly positioned along the scenic Highway 61. It is nestled between the rolling peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains and the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior. The surrounding landscape is a thick boreal forest, home to diverse wildlife and dramatic geological formations. Travelers will find themselves located conveniently between the recreational hub of Lutsen and the charming harbor village of Grand Marais, offering the perfect balance of secluded wilderness and regional convenience.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is designed to accommodate RVers who appreciate a rustic setting without sacrificing essential comforts. Several sites are equipped with electric hookups, making it easier to manage power during your stay in the woods. The park features well-maintained picnic areas and seasonal facilities including showers and flush toilets. For those who enjoy exploring on foot, the park offers an extensive network of groomed hiking trails that lead directly from the camping loops to the river’s edge and various scenic overlooks.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for visitors to this region. The park provides direct access to the Superior Hiking Trail, which is a premier destination for long-distance trekkers and casual day hikers alike. Fishing is another popular pastime, as the river is a well-known spot for catching trout and salmon during their seasonal runs. Nearby, the Lutsen Mountains resort area offers summer gondola rides and alpine slides, while the historic Split Rock Lighthouse is an easy drive to the south.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an excellent fit for active adventurers and nature photographers who want to be steps away from some of Minnesota's most beautiful water features. It is ideal for RVers who prefer a quiet, natural environment over a high-density resort experience. Because of its central location on the North Shore, it is also a great choice for road trippers looking for a scenic mid-point to park their rig while they explore the various state parks and coastal towns along the Lake Superior shoreline.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kelsey Kersting
A beautiful park with sights, fresh pine scent and very well kept. We have enjoyed the many spots along the river to see the cascades, and the trails are all great. Not a difficult hike and could come back time and time again. Lots of great loops and spur trails with access to incredible sights! And a big shout out to the gift shop—lots of great souvenirs and guide books there.
greenthor3
One of the most beautiful parks in MN. Come for the river and stay for the view of Lake Superior. Some of the best trails I've seen in a state park. You can follow the river for miles or you can make a climb up one of the peaks.
Brooke Fischels
Great short trail from either the parking lot from Hwy 61 or if you go into the park. The trails connect. Multiple overlooks. Cascade Falls is appropriately named with several connected falls. Trail is beginner level and has stairs. If you go into the park by car, you will pay $7 for a permit that is good all day at all state parks. The trail from inside the park is longer and has more stairs, but a better hiking experience.
Brandon K
This trail is amazing. We stopped on a whim between leaving Grand marais and headed to two harbors. We just stopped to explore something new as we had time before our check in. Wow, is all I can say. We have done gooseberry and baptism fall annually and this trail was way above for active water. It was July of 2025, there was a lot of water this year so it made for very active falls. The river was flowing through deep carved out rocks with no way to get near the river itself like you can at the other 2 trails. However the beauty and peace of this hike was amazing. I am not sure if this one has a s much traffic as others as it was Monday afternoon. We did a loop that was I think about 2 miles total. Kids stopped into the ranger station and got scavenger hunt sheets and at 9 and 12 were engaged the entire trail. We were there for over 2 hours walking and hiking and looking for scavenger hunt items. They even offer small prizes, posters and postcard of mn animal. The hike as we got away from the river was beautiful. The trail was fairly easy as ypu got away from the river it was a pretty steady incline and declines. The sad part for me was no lady slipper. I was told by park attendant that they were in bloom and had 4 off the trail. I have always wanted to see one in real life in its natural habitat as a orchid lover and living in MN all my life. The worker said someone dug them up in the last 24 hrs... this being super disappointing. To have the boldness and selfishness to dig up a beautiful flower that is protected by law in MN state grounds for yourself. People need to stop destroying the state parks and start repeating the environment around you. We do not want to see your initials on a tree or look at bark you peeled off that kills these beautiful trees. Sorry soap box moment. This is a great trail well worth the journey we will definitely make the trip to it next time we are up.
Wyatt W. Penke
This park is excellent, almost a secret quiet gem. It's probably my second favorite park on the North Shore. Great views really throughout of the lake and river. Great trails that connect with Superior National Forest. Awesome day use area and campground. One of the best hikes on both sides of the river to see the falls, rapids, and cliffs. It is on the smaller side and gets overlooked being farther north. So you get the all the North Shore experiences with none of the crowds of Gooseberry or Tettegouche.