When people think of the highest falls in Minnesota, they think High Falls of the Pigeon River at Grand Portage State Park. But, have you ever been to the highest falls that fall fully within Minnesota’s border? That waterfall is nestled within Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay, Minnesota. That would be High Falls of the Baptism River and the water falls a total of 63 feet.
Let me tell you, this one and a half mile hike is not for the faint of heart. It’s not the hardest hike I’ve been on, but it’s also not the easiest. Especially in 86 degree dry heat. I did the hike Saturday, July 3rd and let me tell you, I had to take about three breaks along the way. But the end result, was worth it.
When I got to the falls, the water was so low that people were swimming! I wasn’t sure what to do, so I sat on a rock and contemplated. Now I learned from the previous year, always bring extra clothes whether there is rain in the forecast or not. Since I had to the change of clothes, I went swimming.
I packed my DSLR away and started into the water with my phone. Well I almost fell in with it so, I waded my way back and put it away too. As I was wading in once more, I saw something move underwater. It just abruptly stopped. Could you imagine what it was? It was a crayfish!
I wanted a picture of the crayfish, but I didn’t want to take my DSLR out in the water because, well you know, water, and I didn’t want to drop it. I did bring my GoPro though! What did I do next? If you’re thinking I waded back out and got my GoPro, you're correct! By the time I got back into the water the crayfish was gone, so I sat on a rock for a while just people watching.
As I was sitting there, the minnows would come up and start sucking on my feet. It’s hard to explain what it felt like. It wasn’t quite a tickle, but it was a strong suction for having a little mouth. It wasn’t really painful either. When I think about the experience, I think back to when I was younger and my sister and I would take wide mouth water bottles and try to suction are lips inside. Do you remember doing that as a kid?
Anyway, I am still sitting on the rock, just taking everything in and still people watching. Can you imagine what happened next? More crayfish! I’m not sure why I am so excited, but I am! They didn’t want to bite me or anything. The crayfish would see me and stop. I think they were more scared of me than anything. I feel like the crayfish were people watching too.
Don’t worry, my infatuation ended with the crayfish when I finally decided to fully get in the water. I swam around getting different images and video footage of the waterfall. I swam past where I couldn’t touch to get closer, but the video I got was really shaky. I’m still learning how to use my GoPro. There isn’t a manual, so it’s a definitely a learn by doing experience. Good thing 4-H prepared me for that.
Swimming was a great reprieve to the 86 degree heat. Yes, it was 86 and dry up in Silver Bay. But let me tell you, on the hike in, I had to stop three times. Normally when I do that I hike, I don’t have to stop. I’m hoping to get up there again this year and when I do, I am going to wear my swimsuit and Keens, or water shoes. I want to swim up to the waterfall and stand underneath it. I’ve never stood underneath a waterfall, but I’ve heard it’s amazing!
