Starved Rock’s frozen waterfalls attract ice climbers

As the temperatures have dropped, Starved Rock State Park’s waterfalls have begun to freeze into stunning ice formations, creating a winter wonderland for properly equipped hikers.

Every year, hundreds of experienced climbers journey to Starved Rock to spend a day scaling frozen waterfalls with little more than an anchor line, an ice ax and a helmet.

For seasoned climbers, Starved Rock offers thrilling ice-climbing opportunities, but people should review safety guidelines and conditions before attempting this activity.

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Jared Betcher (top) climbs down an 80-foot frozen waterfall as Gerry Voelliger (bottom) assists inside Wildcat Canyon on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at Starved Rock State Park. The waterfalls tend to freeze in January at Matthiessen and Starved Rock state parks. Climbers need to sign in and out at the front of the Park Maintenance Building across from the Visitor Center. Climbing is only allowed in four canyons at the park. (Scott Anderson)

People also should review the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ice-climbing fact sheet for more information on the check-in protocol (the brochure can be found at tinyurl.com/3tzud4na). Although only experienced climbers should attempt such an activity, all guests with proper footwear (crampons or Yaktrax) are encouraged to make the icy hike down to the falls to spectate the climbing.

The falls include:

• La Salle Canyon – A long curtain-style fall, offering a milder climbing experience.
• Ottawa Canyon – Often one of the widest falls in the park, it also is one of the first to form in the winter.
• Wildcat Canyon – Easily the tallest fall permitted for climbing, a true highlight of the park for climbing enthusiasts.

Climbers are required to bring their own equipment and have previous experience with ice climbing or have a chartered, experienced guide. All ice climbing is done at the climber’s risk. They are required to sign in at the park’s self-service check-in station before their climb and once again upon exit to ensure all parties are accounted for. Because of safety and liability concerns, ice climbers are prohibited from providing lessons to the public on park premises.

The self-serve check-in sheet is located outside the park’s maintenance building across the road from the visitors center. Sign-in sheets, as well as rules and regulations, will be posted on the wall near the entrance to the maintenance building.