Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

Oglesby, Illinois

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Distance

3.9 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael

Waterfalls... Canyons... Bald Eagles oh my!

This canyon is not as popular as some of the others in this park but it is my favorite by far. You can either hike the full 3.9 miles from the visitor center or you can jump in your car and head over to one of the parking lots on the east side for a shorter hike. Either way you will not be disappointed.

Starved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore. The valley was formed by a series of floods as glacial melt waters broke through moraines, sending torrents of flood water surging across the land that eventually eroded the sandstone and sedimentary rock

If you arrive in winter you will get to experience ice falls and bald eagles feeding in the Illinois River from December to early March.

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Features

Fitness

Chillin

Camping

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Running

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

River

Waterfall

Wildlife

Reviews

Brandyn Murray

Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

04/26/16

I can't believe the amount of times ive visited Starved rock i have no been to this canyon. I did the trek to La Salle and just never though to visit Ottawa. Thanks for writing about this. Definitely putting this on my list.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

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Starting off right from the parking lot at Matthiessen State Park, follow the trail markers through the forest, across beautiful bridges, and find your way to one of the many stunning waterfalls. Depending on when you go, the water level will vary greatly. During the summer months the water level is fairly low so getting across river crossings is fairly easy, during the spring/fall months howev...

Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Starved Rock's French Canyon

Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

Hike to Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock SP

Hike to St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

Hike the Matthiessen State Park Loop

Hike the Lower Dells at Matthiessen State Park

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