Facebook GroupUpper Chippewa Falls is a backwoods waterfall that I have never visited. It is a low, long cascade that can be viewed from a portage trail. The total fall is several metres but the falls can rage during the spring freshet. I've been advised that it can be difficult to get a good view of the full falls during high flow.
The falls are located near where the hydroelectric cut makes a grand turn to the left (north). They aren't visible from the road, but are just downstream from this point. Visitors would have to hike in towards the river along the hydro cut, and then turn south. The total distance is less than half a kilometre. There is a portage route along the river.
It can be reached by Mile 38 Rd, which leads northeast from Hwy 17, about 1 km west of Chippewa Falls. The total distance is about 20 km. I've been advised that a small SUV can usually make this trip as long as conditions are good.
This site is coded yellow because the route requires visitors to have the right vehicle and experience to manage these bush roads. There is active logging in the area, and drivers may encounter large trucks coming at speed. Washouts are possible, there are no signs, and cell phone service drops soon after leaving Hwy 17.
| Region | Algoma |
|---|---|
| County | Algoma |
| Near | Chippewa Falls |
| Watercourse | Chippewa River |
| Watershed / % Lakes | 3 / 13% |
| Ownership | Crown Land |
| Landscape | Wilderness |
| Size | Small |
| Type | Cascade |
| Modification | Natural |
| Access | Challenging |
| Top / Bottom | Moderate / Moderate |
| Trail conditions | Weak path |
| Hiking Time | 10 min |
| Coordinates | 47.0269,-84.2648 |
| Parking | 47.0257,-84.2605  |
| Site ID | WOO.ALG.024 |
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