About Breakwater Falls
Breakwater Falls is a named waterfall in Florence County, Wisconsin, located about 6.4 miles south of Florence. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Florence SE 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 45°49′46″ N, 88°15′12″ W (45.82945, -88.25335). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Pine River Flowage 543 (reservoir, 0.1 mi), Pine River Flowage (reservoir, 0.8 mi), and Halls Creek (stream, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Ford Dam Falls, 6.6 miles to the east.
USGS gazetteer description: Sixth largest fall in the State of Wisconsin.
Name history: USGS Professional Paper 184: PRE-CAMBRIAN ROCKS OF THE LAKE SUPERIOR REGION (C. K. LEITH, RICHARD J. LUND, AND ANDREW LEITH), pg. 4
Weather at Breakwater Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Breakwater Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Breakwater Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Breakwater Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Pine River Flowage 543 — reservoir, 0.1 mi
- Pine River Flowage — reservoir, 0.8 mi
- Halls Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- 0.82 Reservoir — reservoir, 1.6 mi
- Pine Rapids — rapids, 1.7 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 45.82945, -88.25335. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Breakwater Falls
- Sand Portage Falls, MI15 mi east
- Piers Gorge Falls, MI16 mi east
- Glidden Rapids, MI17 mi north
- Bull Falls, WI17 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Breakwater Falls located?
Breakwater Falls is in Florence County, Wisconsin, about 6.4 miles south of Florence. Its coordinates are 45.82945, -88.25335 (45°49′46″ N, 88°15′12″ W).
What town is closest to Breakwater Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Florence, WI, about 6.4 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Breakwater Falls?
The closest is Ford Dam Falls (6.6 mi east). Others within reach include Horse Race Rapids (10.0 mi), Big Quinnesec Falls (historical) (11 mi), and Hydraulic Dam Falls (11 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Breakwater Falls?
Breakwater Falls appears on the USGS Florence SE 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.