Beaver Bay Wayside - Silver Bay, MN
Beaver Bay Wayside Dog-Friendly Area in Silver Bay, Minnesota
Located on Lax Lake Road, Beaver Bay Wayside is a convenient and dog-friendly stop perfect for travelers and local pet owners alike. This park features grassy spaces where dogs can stretch their legs and walk, along with informal, highly-trafficked hiking and scrambling trails that lead down to beautiful rocks and cascading falls. The pet-friendly trails here offer an adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience, including moderate paths along the river – a unique highlight for those seeking dog-friendly hiking in Silver Bay, MN.
While amenities are minimal, the site is praised for its clean restrooms and open grassy areas, making it popular for a short break or a more extended nature excursion with your pup. Keep in mind that there are no fenced-in areas or official dog park amenities, so leashes and caution are recommended near the river and rocks. The walkable falls area is also an exciting spot for both pets and kids to explore and even cool their paws in shallow pools during warmer weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are informal pet-friendly trails and rock scrambles leading to falls.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, the park has restroom facilities.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There are some shaded areas from trees along the trails and grassy area.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available at the Beaver Bay Wayside rest stop.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There are shallow pools and a stream where dogs can wade and cool off.
Reviews
Clean pitstop if you need a bathroom. Very cool stream running through.
This is a great short break from driving or a more adventurous hike along the falls.
From the Beaver Bay Wayside, there is a small trail for about 100 yards to the cascading falls area. The trail is narrow enough that your legs will swipe a few plants. The beginning of the trail has a few large steps down, each step about 18 inches, so kids and seniors might need a stable hand for support. The trail features raspberries is early August, depending on the weather.
The falls are walkable flat rocks, much like Gooseberry Falls. You can wade or sit in the deeper water holes with water running through.
Fun stop. You can make it whatever you want. We usually scramble up the rocks in the river. You can go up the river for a long ways. Good spot for kids to climb around.
Fun place to stop and go exploring “off the beaten path”. Moderate to intermediate level ” goat paths ” to get to the rapids. It’s a nice rest stop with bathrooms and a grassy area for pups or kids to play.
Great little stop to stretch your legs. There are some trails (looks like they are not “official” trails, but highly trafficked), that you can get down to the rocks and falls and walk back up to the different falls you can see from the bridge. Depending on the flow of the falls and how much rain or snow melt will depend on how much water is going over the falls. Use your discretion as to how much scrambling you do as there are no fences, ropes, or signage telling you where you should or shouldn’t go. Caution at any time should be advised! Have fun, know your limits, and be safe!