I know some readers of the blog will be heading to Starved Rock State Park soon, so here are some more images from this wet spring. The closest canyon to the Lodge is French, which has some challenging steps cut into the rock to get down to the canyon entrance and then you hike up the stream to get into the canyon.
French Canyon, Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
At the east end of the park, is the flat trail into Kaskaskia and Ottawa Canyons. You’ll get your feet wet crossing the streams, and likely muddy if the rains continue. The walls of Kaskaskia rise straight up from the valley floor.
Kaskaskia Canyon
At the head of Kaskaskia is a lovely little waterfall that always seems to have logs leaning in the pool.
Kaskaskia Canyon waterfall
The other branch of the canyon trail leads to the higher Ottawa waterfall. After consistent rains, there is usually a second waterfall. You can walk behind the fall for a view up canyon.
Ottawa Canyon falls
Behind Ottawa falls