GETAWAYS
Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Park,
April 30-May 1, 2024
If this is your first hike of the season, please register for the season and fill out the mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.
April 30-May 1
2-days
$100.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
6 miles on Day 1, 3.5 miles on Day 2.
Starved Rock was voted the #1 attraction in Illinois. Treat yourself to cascading waterfalls, sandstone canyons, spring flowers, and standing upon cliffs overlooking the Illinois River. At Matthiessen Park, we will get our feet wet as we rock-hop over the stream and admire 3 waterfalls. These parks are absolutely gorgeous with 1,000’s of bluebell wildflowers and spring in full bloom.
Over two days we will explore 10 miles of terrain, see 12 waterfalls, 16 canyons, 1,000s of spring flowers, and countless memories.
We will stay overnight at the historic log-built Starved Rock Lodge. Hot tub, sauna, and large pool included.
What to Bring
Sack trail lunch for each day
2 water bottles for each day
Hiking stick
Poncho
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots.
Water boots or shoes for day 2.
Phone/camera
Tissues
Dress in layers
Backpack
Hotel
Starved Rock Lodge: One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL 61348
(815) 667-4211 or toll-free 1-(800) 868-7625
Rooms are held in the Historic Lodge, with the original knotted pine walls and modern new mattresses.
This great hotel offers a hot tub, 2 saunas, and a large indoor pool.
Rooms include two full-size beds or 1 king.
All rooms include WiFi, mini fridge, micro, TV, hair dryer, iron/board, and toiletries, single serve coffee.
Trailbound is holding a block for rooms for you to reserve under your name and credit card.
Senior rate for a solo room is $124.00 + tax
Regular rate for a solo room is $155.00 + tax
Driving Directions
Starved Rock & Matthiessen parks are off I-80 near Utica, IL.
2678 East 875th Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
Heads toward 355 south to I-55 South.
Exit south on I-55 for 18.5 miles to 80 west (exit 250B).
Travel west on 80 for 45 miles to Rt. 178 (exit 81).
Head left (south) on Rt. 178 for 3.5 miles.
Turn left into Starved Rock’s entrance (the first left after the big bridge).
Park in the visitor center parking lot (NOT at the lodge or the boat ramp).
Drive time and distance one-way from Palatine: About 2 hours and 100 miles
Starved Rock Visitor Center: 815-667-4906
S.R. Lodge: 815-667-4211
Matthiessen: 815-667-4868
After we arrive at the Visitor Center:
To LaSalle Canyon parking from Starved Rock visitor center: (for dropping of a car at 5 mile mark)
Take the park drive back out to Rt. 178 and turn left (south).
Turn left (east) at Rt. 71, which is the first 4-way stop.
Head east on Rt. 71 to the Parkman’s Plain parking, which will be on your left.
To Ottawa Canyon parking from Starved Rock visitor center: (carpooling to end of S.R. State park)
Same as to LaSalle Canyon, only continue further on Rt. 71 until you reach trail parking for Ottawa Canyon and Council Overhang, which will be on your right after the sharp downhill turn.
To Matthiessen Lake from the Starved Rock Lodge:
Head back to Route 178 and head left (south).
At the intersection of Rts. 71 and 178, head right on Rt. 71 about 1 mile to a small road on the left with a sign pointing to Matthiessen Lake. Take this little lane south and curve around the golf course to the shelter
DAY 1
We begin our hike from the Visitor Center by carpooling to a parking lot on the far side of Starved Rock State Park. (please arrive early for the washroom, etc)
The hike through Starved Rock takes us through 12 sandstone canyons whose cliffs tower 100 feet above us. Along the way, we can stand behind an 80-foot cascading waterfall and feel its power. The trail takes us along the Illinois River to see the magnificent migrating White Pelicans, barges crossing through the locks, and signs of resident beavers. Lunch will be along the way at an overlook of the Illinois River. This is a 10-mile hike on a clear path that is hilly and rocky.
We will “stow” a car at the 5-mile mark, in case you need to end your hike early.
Check in to your hotel and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner at the historic Starved Rock lodge. Enjoy a delicious dinner (on your own cost) and the warm camaraderie.
Savor free time to swim, soak tired muscles in a hot tub, join in group games in the great room, or simply relax.
DAY 2
Breakfast on your own. Meals available at Starved Rock Lodge.
Meet at Starved Rock Lodge, leave for Matthiessen State Park via your car, bringing a sack lunch.
This hike may be “the best for last”. This 3-mile path at Matthiessen State Park starts at the upper canyon and winds its way down to the lower canyon. Here we rock-hop back and forth over a stream, past 3 charming waterfalls, and through two 100-foot-high sandstone dells. Bluebell wildflowers and happy frogs abound here!
Water shoes are recommended, or ones you don’t mind getting wet. Tevas, Keens, or rubber boots work well.
Plunging in the water is optional.
Lunch on the trail.
Our final trail to St. Louis Canyon is a short 10-minute walk. Another beautiful canyon with an 80 ft waterfall, at its best in the spring.
Head home—relaxed and with a sense of great accomplishment.
Registration Cost
Included in booking:
2 guides for 2 days of hiking and evening camaraderie
itinerary and areas of interest
Not included:
hotel room
all meals
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of three people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous, ie. lightning or a major storm. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike.