Wawa Off the Beaten Path Tips by Stephen-KarenConn

We expected Magpie Scenic High Falls to be an impressive sight, and it even exceeded our expectations. These roaring falls, 75 feet high and 125 feet wide, plunge into a rugged gorge that slices at an angle from the base of the falls. The scene is an enormous display of power and beauty. The spray is so great that it shoots out for a long distance into the adjacent park.

In front of the falls is an open-sided shelter, picnic tables, BBQ grill, accessible restrooms, and a large parking area. A short walking trail climbs to a viewing platform at the top of the falls, and a longer hiking trail traces the path of the river. There are also displays which provide an informative look at the history of power generation in the Michipicoten area.

Magpie Scenic High Falls are about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) south of Wawa. On the west side of Hwy. 17 is a small sign pointing down a gravel road which leads another 1.5 miles to the falls.

The season for viewing the falls is from Canada's Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving.

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Website: http://www.gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/high.shtml

Silver Falls is located a few miles south of Scenic High Falls on the Magpie River. A wooden bridge crosses the river on Michipicoten Harbor Road at the end of a small natural lake below the falls. An easy 100m trail leads around the lake to the edge of Silver Falls along the Magpie River.

Michipicoten River Village (First Nation) is south of Wawa off Michipicoten River Village Road. Turn right at the fork and follow the road over the bridge to a park and turn left. Follow to the wooden bridge overlooking the falls. There is a small parking area just before the bridge.

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After viewing the Upper Falls, take the short steep narrow trail downstream from the bridge and you will find the lower falls. This impressive cascade empties into a very wide area on the Magpie River where we saw loons and other waterfowl. Just below this spot the Magpie River flows into the Michipicoten River, which in turn empties into Lake Superior. From the lower falls you may be able to catch a glimpse of the Municipal Marina at the junctions of the Michipicoten and the Magie.

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