The Basswood/Dry Lake Loop is a trail north of Ely, MN, in the Superior National Forest, adjacent to the Boundary Waters, and there’s a lovely waterfall on the trail. It’s neither the state’s biggest, smallest, nor most dramatic, but it’s the combination of the trail and the cascade that makes this one of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota. It’s definitely one of my faves.

You'll find the trail head for the Bass Lake and Dry Lake Trails just off Echo Trail, north of Ely.
Joe Elliott/Google Reviews
You have a few different options in choosing your route. You could do an out and back hike on the Bass Lake Trail, keeping to the west of Bass Lake to Dry Falls. Or, you could hike a loop of either Dry Lake or Bass Lake. Or, you could hike the entire Bass Lake/Dry Lake Loop. If you choose the latter option, though, keep in mind that you'll have to take a short spur along the portage between the two lakes in order to visit Dry Falls.
The trails are well-maintained and moderate in difficulty - regardless of the route you choose.
Eric Jern/AllTrails
You may experience some roots or rocks and have to scramble a bit in the falls area if you want to get down to them.
The two modern lakes occupy the now-dry bed of a larger, ancient lake. Hence the name Dry Lake for one of them.
Deb Leyh/AllTrails
This makes for some fascinating geology along the hike. Those who are less interested in the geology, itself, will certainly appreciate the gorgeous overlooks that the igneous rock formations in the area have created.

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You'll find the falls on the narrow strip of land that separates Dry and Bass Lakes.
Meghan Hueper/AllTrails
Dry Lake sits at a higher elevation than its neighbor, and its outflow into Bass Lake creates Dry Falls.
If you hike the 3.5-mile Dry Lake Loop or just the under two-mile out and back to the waterfall, Dry Falls is the payoff for your efforts.
Qi Moss/AllTrails
On the other hand, those hiking the entire 5.6-mile Bass Lake Trail or 6.3-mile Bass Lake/Dry Lake Loop will appreciate this scenic stop along the way.
The falls are a popular spot for hikers and paddlers, alike, to take a break and cool off.
J Thompson/Google Reviews

The trail is rugged in spots, so you’ll definitely want to wear some sturdy shoes before setting out on this hike. I definitely appreciate this hike’s “choose your own adventure” qualities, and the option for a mood-dependent longer or shorter hike is a big benefit for me and my occasionally-creaky knees. Folks interested in camping will find a few backcountry sites on Bass Lake. They’re available on a first come, first served basis, and since they’re located outside of the Boundary Waters, no fee or permit is required. A map of the trail is available on AllTrails. With an AllTrails Plus subscription, you’ll also enjoy maps that can be used offline, as well as a preview of the hike and additional details about the trail.

Have you hiked the Bass Lake and/or Dry Lake Trail to Dry Falls? Tell us about your experience in the comments, and be sure to clue us in on some of your favorite waterfall hikes in Minnesota.

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Bass Lake Trail, 1548 Echo Trail, Ely, MN 55731, USA