Shadow Falls is a waterfall in Ramsey County, Minnesota, about 3.7 miles southwest of Falcon Heights. This guide covers what to check, bring and expect before you go, using visitor ratings, official USGS records and live conditions for this exact location.
At a glance
- Location
- Ramsey County, MN
- Nearest town
- Falcon Heights (3.7 mi)
- Visitor rating
- 4.6 from 29 reviews
- Crowds
- Quieter
- Coordinates
- 44.94219, -93.19717
- USGS topo
- Saint Paul West quad
Weather at Shadow Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Shadow Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
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- Sunset
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- Daylight
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- Golden hour
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Getting there
Shadow Falls sits about 3.7 miles southwest of Falcon Heights in Ramsey County. Google lists the address as St Paul, MN 55105.
Open directions in Google Maps or Apple Maps, or view the map on the Shadow Falls listing. Navigation apps sometimes route onto seasonal forest roads, so check road status if you are heading into the mountains.
Most of Minnesota's falls are on public land. The North Shore falls are largely protected by state parks and waysides, Minneapolis falls are in city and regional parks, and falls around Ely lie in or near the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters, where some require canoe travel. State parks require a vehicle permit, and popular lots at places such as Gooseberry Falls fill on summer and autumn weekends. North Shore rivers drop through narrow gorges with steep, wet rock; slipping into the river above a falls is a recurring cause of serious accidents, and spring flows are powerful. Lake Superior's water stays cold all year. In winter, ice-covered rocks and frozen spray are hazardous.
What to bring
This checklist is tailored to Shadow Falls based on what visitors report and the conditions typical of Minnesota. For the complete list, see our waterfall hike packing guide.
- Offline map and coordinates. Save 44.94219, -93.19717 and download offline maps; cell service is often weak near waterfalls.
- Shoes with real grip. Rock near falling water stays wet and slick even in dry weather.
- Water and a snack. More than you think you need, even for a short walk.
- A light rain layer. Spray from the falls and quick-moving showers can soak you.
- Warm layers. Northern and mountain weather changes quickly; spring and fall mornings can be near freezing.
- Headlamp. In case your visit runs later than planned; check sunset time in the conditions panel above.
How to prepare
Timing
Spring snowmelt drives Minnesota's peak season. On the North Shore, rivers typically surge from mid-April through May as the snowpack melts, and the falls can be thunderous then before thinning considerably by late summer. Heavy summer rains can refill them briefly. In the south, Minnehaha and Minneopa are fullest in spring and after storms, and Minnehaha can slow to a trickle during summer droughts. Late September to early October brings vivid fall color to the North Shore, along with heavy weekend traffic on Highway 61. Winter is long and cold: many falls freeze into ice columns, and some parks keep paths open for winter viewing, but icy stairs and ledges demand traction devices. With 29 reviews, it sees fewer visitors than the region's headline falls, so you may have it to yourself on a weekday.
Safety
Stay behind railings and off wet rock, never climb on the falls, and keep children within arm's reach near the water. Check the weather panel above for flood or storm alerts before you set out; water levels can rise fast after upstream rain. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
Respect the place
Pack out everything you bring, stay on established paths to limit erosion, and leave rocks and plants where they are. See Leave No Trace at waterfalls.
What visitors say
Shadow Falls holds a 4.6-star average across 29 Google reviews, and 76% of reviewers give it five stars. That makes it the most reviewed waterfall in Ramsey County. Visitors have shared 116 photos.
See the rating breakdown or read reviews on Google.
History of the area
Shadow Falls was entered in the Geographic Names Information System on January 11, 1980, and it appears on the USGS Saint Paul West 7.5-minute topographic map.
Its neighbors on the map tell the story of the surrounding land: Pool 1 (reservoir, 1.2 mi).
Twin Cities and the Kettle River. Minneapolis holds two of the state's most famous falls. Minnehaha Falls, in its namesake regional park, drops over a limestone ledge just above the Mississippi and is the most reviewed waterfall in Minnesota in our directory. Saint Anthony Falls, the only major natural falls on the Mississippi, has been reshaped by dams, a lock system and an engineered apron, and is now the centerpiece of a riverfront heritage trail. North of the metro area, Pine County's Kettle River country near Sandstone offers a wilder setting, with Big Spring Falls and Wolf Creek Falls in rocky gorges surrounded by forest.
Nearby waterfalls to add to your trip
More around here: waterfalls near Falcon Heights · Ramsey County waterfalls · all Minnesota waterfalls · 8 Best Waterfalls Near Me In Saint Paul Minnesota
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shadow Falls?
Shadow Falls is in Ramsey County, Minnesota, about 3.7 miles southwest of Falcon Heights. Its coordinates are 44.94219, -93.19717.
Is Shadow Falls crowded?
With 29 reviews, it sees fewer visitors than the region's headline falls, so you may have it to yourself on a weekday.
What should I bring to Shadow Falls?
At minimum: offline map and coordinates, shoes with real grip, water and a snack, and a light rain layer. See the full checklist above, which is tailored to what visitors report about this waterfall.
When is the best time to visit Shadow Falls?
Spring snowmelt drives Minnesota's peak season. On the North Shore, rivers typically surge from mid-April through May as the snowpack melts, and the falls can be thunderous then before thinning considerably by late summer.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to visit Shadow Falls?
Fees and permits depend on who manages the land. Check with the managing agency before you go. Our Minnesota waterfalls page covers access in the state.
Summary
Shadow Falls about 3.7 miles southwest of Falcon Heights is rated 4.6 out of 5 by 29 visitors. Check the live forecast and stream gauge above, save the coordinates for offline use, and pack for wet, uneven ground. Ratings, hours and access can change, so confirm conditions with the land manager before you drive out.
See the full Shadow Falls listing for the map, photos and nearby landmarks.