Slate River Falls
As the Slate River empties out of a deep gorge it has one final, impressive setting to flow through. Slate River Falls is an idyllic tumble into a deep pool surrounded by steep banks and towering trees. The waterfall itself is a bit odd, two angled streams of waters plunging down a layered tilt of rock, but the view is quite striking. Getting past this drop to the upstream waterfalls is a bit difficult and involves a tough climb either up the side of the falls or all the way up the east bank.
Directions
Park on either side of the bridge over Slate River, about 11 miles east of L’Anse on Skanee Road. Follow the river upstream past to Slate River Falls. Three more named drops sit upstream, Ecstasy, Slide, and Kukuck’s, that are well worth the tough and wet hike along Slate River.
Photographs
Visits
Seen in March, April, June, August and November.
- the chutes completely flooded, bank to bank
There was no way we could ford the springtime river safely, so we took the alternative path far up on the eastern bank. I could barely make out a wide splash of white below. The usual jagged chutes were completely flooded by a huge gush of water that spanned from bank to bank.
- the climb beside the falls covered with snow and ice
When we reached the first waterfall our trail was at an end. There is only two ways past this point. I prefer climbing the side of the waterfall and continuing up the river, usually a mild eight-foot climb up rock that is just barely too much for Logan to handle. That route was covered with snow and ice and was not passable today. With a deep sigh I led Logan up the hundred-plus climb to the top of the gorge.
- a full river, in almost-freezing sleeting drizzle
Slate River Falls is always an impressive sight, whatever the flow or time of year. We gazed across the wide pool, surrounded by soaring rock walls and pines, admiring the jagged drop across the way and ignoring our wet jeans. The best way over this waterfall is climbing a tough wall of rock and earth next to the falls, close enough for the water to splash up on you, and heft yourself over the crest.
2 earlier visits
- lackluster flow after a few dry weeks
Steele was really impressed by the waterfall and lower pool. I was more focused on the bright sun above and lackluster flow to enjoy the view too much, as the misty rain and rain-heavy river of my last visit had made for a stunning view. The riverbed was dry and rocky, relatively easy to walk on, with a few ankle deep wades as we got closer.
- misty rain
The first waterfall was a scenic drop into a deep, clear pool. The gorge, which had risen up as soon as I left Skanee Road, sharpened to mossy slate walls with tall pines perched on the rim above. It was an incredible sight to behold, straight out of some fantasy scene, especially with the misty rain drifting down and lightly peppering the surface of the pond.
Comments
1 comment
Neither bank is really a good option. I entered the river just above Slate Falls and walked the river all the way up to the last falls,Kakuck's, at least 3 more un-named falls were there, for a total of 7-8. You can then climb to the east bank trail for a relatively easy walk out of the area.
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