It's impossible to visit Starved Rock State Park without a quick hike through the dells of nearby Mattiessen State Park. Lake Falls, a manmade waterfall at the head of the upper dells, is a popular spot to visit. It's a quick hike along a fairly level trail, but you need to head down about 100 stairs total - generally not a problem for most people, it's the way back up that may be taxing.
More scenic routes lead to the same waterfall, one includes walking along the floor of the canyon through the shallow stream, and the other require a bit of trail and a bit of traversing across the stream. Of course, this all depends on the water levels, and on this visit, the level was a bit higher than normal, so waling from one waterfall to another required getting wet or doubling back and taking another route.
In anticipation of cold days when the waterfalls and the stream are frozen, I took note of the areas of the stream that were deep, and where they are shallow. Using this knowledge, I can remain dry (and safe) when I return to the frozen canyon - knowing where the deep areas are now, can help me avoid a cold fall through the ice later. None of the areas are very deep, but waling back to the parking lot soaked to the waist is no fun in zero degree weather - ask me how I know!
Unlike last year, with any luck, the weather will turn cold enough to freeze the waterfalls this winter, and I'll be standing by.
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