Buttermilk Falls [Suggest Edits]

Description

This is a 40 foot cascade where a spring-fed stream tumbles over many small ledges on its way to the St. Croix River. This tumbling makes the water appear frothy and white - hence the "buttermilk" name. In winter, there can also be a large curtain of ice hanging on the cliff above the walls.

Long Walk: The trailhead for this walk is at the Standing Cedars kiosk on 55th Avenue (Draw Bridge Drive). From there, it is a 0.4 mi walk on the gentle Buffalo Skull Loop Trail to an unsigned junction to the spur trail leading to the falls. Seeing the falls from above requires walking out along a rock fin with one narrow spot. Seeing the falls from below requires descending a moderately steep slope to one side of the falls. There are a lot of trees roots on this descent to act as hand holds and there is also a rope for extra support. Nonetheless, this decent is easiest (and safest) in the summer months when the trail is dry and free of snow or ice.

Gem Type: Waterfall