Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

Oglesby, Illinois

5.0/5

based on 2 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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Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park Reviews

Jane Osak

Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

01/01/24

Cold but manageable if you dress prepared. No bugs

5.0

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!

Nearby

Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

This out-and-back trail is one of the parks longest trails. Starting from the visitors center it is 2.2 mile hike one way and 4.4 miles if you go out and back. The trail is very much worth the long trek. You enjoy the views and fresh air of the Illinois river. You will also walk past the Illinois Dam. This trail is mostly walking a long the river. On the way to the canyon you will pass by many ...

Hike to Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock SP

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Hike Starved Rock's French Canyon

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Hike to St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

Hike the Matthiessen State Park Loop

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Hike the Upper Dells of Matthiessen State Park

From the start of the parking lot you will cross a picnic area to your left where you can have a bite to eat before or after your hike. The trailhead starts off with a couple flights of stair leading you down to the bridge. After taking in the spectacular views at the top of the waterfall you will cross the bridge and turn right to go down, taking the stairs to the upper dells. Depending on whe...

Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

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Download the Outbound mobile app

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Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

Hike to Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock SP

Hike Starved Rock's French Canyon

Hike to St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

Hike the Matthiessen State Park Loop

Hike the Upper Dells of Matthiessen State Park

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