About Portage Falls
Portage Falls is a named waterfall in Cook County, Minnesota, located about 22 miles northeast of Grand Marais. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Tom Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 47°59′59″ N, 90°02′07″ W (47.99961, -90.03537). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Beaverdam Creek (stream, 0.7 mi), Lower Stump River (stream, 1.2 mi), and Otter Lake (lake, 1.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Partridge Falls, 8.8 miles to the east.
Weather at Portage Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Portage Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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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.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Portage Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Portage Falls holds a 5.0 average from 2 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Portage Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Beaverdam Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Lower Stump River — stream, 1.2 mi
- Otter Lake — lake, 1.5 mi
- Loft Lake — lake, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 47.99961, -90.03537. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Portage Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Portage Falls located?
Portage Falls is in Cook County, Minnesota, about 22 miles northeast of Grand Marais. Its coordinates are 47.99961, -90.03537 (47°59′59″ N, 90°02′07″ W).
What town is closest to Portage Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Grand Marais, MN, about 22 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Portage Falls?
The closest is Partridge Falls (8.8 mi east). Others within reach include Johnson Falls (11 mi), Middle Falls (19 mi), and Pigeon Falls (20 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Portage Falls?
Portage Falls appears on the USGS Tom Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.