The Waterfalls of Wisconsin

At some ancient point in Wisconsin history, so says the informational brochures put out by the State Parks system, there was a massive earthquake that caused a portion of the geology in what now is the north lands to drop suddenly, forming a perfect channel for water to naturally follow. Thus, several of the waterfalls of Wisconsin were formed. The most interesting thing I noticed while here was the color of the water. It is a dark brown orangish, what they were calling root-beer colored. This is perfectly natural for this area, due to abundant vegetation in the upper headwaters that stain the water with their tannins. But it did look wierd!

Amnicon Falls, where I camped, is really a series of somewhat smallish falls that twist through the park. Normally swimming is allowed, but the river is high right now, making that activity unsafe.

Look at the suds!! Who dumped detergent into the river?? Actually, no one. The force and churning of the water was frothing it up, making substantial accumulations of foam.

After leaving Amnicon I drove south-west, and visited Pattison State Park. This is the location of Big Manitou Falls, and Little Manitou Falls. Big Manitou is the largest in Wisconsin, and according to the State Parks, the fourth highest east of the Rockies. It was rather impressive! Be sure to click on the picture for an enlarged view. It will bring subtle details into better focus.

Big Manitou Falls

At the other end of the lake that forms the two falls is Little Manitou Falls. Not as steep, but much wider! Again, all the water here is a dark brown-orange color. None are as pretty as what I saw in Oregon . . . . but still beautiful!