Cascade

The Cascade is one of the premier steep creeks on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Numerous engaging Class IV and V ledge drops will keep kayakers on their toes. 

Like many North Shore creeks, the run is relatively short, starting at the Cook County Rd 45 bridge and taking out above US Hwy 61. For the unfamiliar, it may be worth pre-scouting the take out to identify the last chance eddy required to avoid unintentionally washing into the Cascades of the Cascade (higher eddies are safer options). A half-mile hike on an established trail avoids this Class V-V+ terrain just above Hwy 61. While the Cascades are runnable, their ideal flow window is lower than the window for the main run.

The upstream, river left side of the Hwy 61 bridge serves as an informal gauge. The concrete footing of the bridge on the upstream river left side is “Zero” on the gauge. Measure from there - good levels run from -3 to -9 or so. It has been run at at least +2, which still falls short of the Cascade’s peak during many spring runoff events. Expect V+ conditions at +2. At -9 the run is a little scrapey but still enjoyable. At -3 expect pushy conditions and serious holes in the ledge drops. 

After putting in at the Cook County Hwy 45 bridge, note the Superior Hiking Trail runs along the river on river left. While it is not always immediately alongside the river, it provides scouting and bail-out options. You can also hike it down about a third of a mile from the takeout to view Hidden Falls, a long, roller coaster of a Class V sliding drop that ends in a significant hole. Discretion Drop, another significant Class IV-V drop, is 100 yards downstream. It harbors a significant pin spot. 

The river continues through more Class IV and V terrain, including Moose Rock Drop, Hanna’s Hole, 7 Foot Falls, Long John, and a few additional ledge drops. Scouting is often prudent, as a log i

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