Willow Falls Near Hudson, Wisconsin
August 12, 2021
Photographer: Dale Hugo
Summary Author: Dale Hugo
This photo is of the fantastic Willow Falls in the Willow River State Park located near Hudson, Wisconsin. The waterfall is approximately 100 ft wide (30.5 m) and consist of multiple smaller tiers, with the largest being around 15 ft (4.5 m) tall. Part of the wider 62-mile long Wilow River, the riverway serves as a tributary to the St. Croix River that largely defines the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. As you see in the picture, the falls are stepped in between dolomitic limestone cliffs. Geological studies have examined the surrounding limestone formations and concluded the oldest rock samples date back to the Cambrian Period of the Paleozoic Era.
Although the falls consist of several tiered drop offs, the river is very accessible, and many people enjoy walking in the river as well as on the bridge and surrounding trails. We happened to arrive around noon when the sunlight was streaming into the canyon and illuminating the area beautifully. It also helped to visit near the summer solstice because the high Sun angle gave the water a sparkling appearance.