LaSalle Canyon
- Height
- 25 ft
- Hike
- 4 mi round trip
- Dogs
- Allowed
LaSalle Canyon only runs after rain or snowmelt. LaSalle Canyon is a 25 ft waterfall in LaSalle County, Illinois. Reaching it is a 4 mi hike round trip.
Closures and warnings
Throughout 2026 some Starved Rock trails may be closed or limited for a major trail improvement project. Check current trail status before visiting. Wading and swimming in the canyons is prohibited. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 25 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow | Only after rain or snowmelt |
| Flows | March through June |
| Flow note | Seasonal canyon falls fed by snowmelt and rain; often strongest March through June and may dry mid-summer. |
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|
Access
| Hike | 4 mi round trip |
|---|---|
| Parking | Starved Rock State Park day-use lots near Utica; LaSalle Canyon has a dedicated approach from park trailheads. |
| Fee | No Illinois state park entrance fee stated on the park page |
| Hours | Park trails 7 a.m. until sunset; visitor center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily |
| Managed by | Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Starved Rock State Park) |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is LaSalle Canyon open?
Throughout 2026 some Starved Rock trails may be closed or limited for a major trail improvement project. Check current trail status before visiting. Wading and swimming in the canyons is prohibited. As of September 28, 2026. Hours: Park trails 7 a.m. until sunset; visitor center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
How tall is LaSalle Canyon?
LaSalle Canyon drops about 25 ft.
Can you swim at LaSalle Canyon?
No, swimming is not allowed at LaSalle Canyon.
How long is the hike to LaSalle Canyon?
It's a 4 mi hike round trip. Parking: Starved Rock State Park day-use lots near Utica; LaSalle Canyon has a dedicated approach from park trailheads.
Is there a fee at LaSalle Canyon?
The fee is No Illinois state park entrance fee stated on the park page.
When is LaSalle Canyon flowing?
It only runs after rain or snowmelt, so it is often dry. It flows March through June. Seasonal canyon falls fed by snowmelt and rain; often strongest March through June and may dry mid-summer.
What are the rules at LaSalle Canyon?
Dogs are allowed.
Nearby
Public land
LaSalle Canyon is inside Starved Rock State Park .
Sources
3
- https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager, access.hours, access.fee, access.parking, hazardNote)
- https://waterfallhero.blogspot.com/p/lasalle-canyon-and-tonti-canyon.html (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.hikeDistanceMi, access.hikeDistanceBasis, waterfall.heightFt)
- https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Park-Questions-and-Answers-Booklet.pdf (accessed September 30, 2026; backs hazardNote, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed, waterfall.ephemeral / flowNote, rules.dogs, waterfall.flowMonths)
More: Illinois waterfalls