Oconto County, tucked deep in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, holds stunning natural water features and most people have never heard of them. From a rock formation that doubles as a natural waterslide to a hidden waterfall at the foot of a granite mountain, here’s your guide to four must-see water views that belong on every outdoor lover’s list.
1. Slippery Rock — Nature’s Own Waterpark
Chute Pond County Park, Mountain, WI
Slippery Rock is a natural rock formation along the Oconto River at Chute Pond County Park in Mountain, Wisconsin. Water has carved a smooth, sloping “V” shape into the stone over thousands of years, creating a natural waterslide that drops roughly 10–15 feet into a clear pool below.
The park itself covers 167 acres along the east shore of 433-acre Chute Pond, adjacent to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Beyond the falls, you’ll find a sandy beach, swimming, fishing, jet skiing, and over 74 campsites (17 of which offer direct ATV/UTV trail access to 450 miles of county trails).
Getting there: The trailhead is less than a mile round trip from either the Chute Pond Dam parking area or the campground footbridge. You’ll hear it before you see it.
Best for: Thrill seekers and anyone who wants a reason to get wet.
Learn more and safety precautions: Slide Into Summer Fun
2. Waupee Creek Rapids — The Off-the-Beaten-Path Gem
Near Mountain, WI (Oconto County)
Not every great waterfall makes it onto the tourism brochures, and that’s exactly what makes Waupee Creek Rapids special.
Tucked in the far southern edge of the Nicolet National Forest, Waupee Creek is a small tributary of the North Branch Oconto River and it punches well above its size. The rapids stretch for about a hundred yards through dense forest, with the main falls accessible just off a forest service road bridge. Access requires a bit of bushwhacking downstream, and the forest service roads (crushed granite, not pavement) filter out the casual crowd.
The surrounding landscape is a mix of forest and wetland. It’s quiet, wild, and genuinely off the grid.
Getting there: Forest service roads off County Road W near Mountain provide access. A high-clearance vehicle is helpful, though most cars can manage the crushed granite surface. No groomed trails, follow the creek.
Best for: Adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone who likes discovering places most people miss.
3. Bagley Rapids — Where the River Roars
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest,
Mountain, WI
Set deep within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Bagley Rapids is where the Oconto River truly announces itself.
Millions of gallons of water rush down the North Branch Oconto River here, forming dramatic rapids that you can hike out to and view from a rock ledge. The 36-site campground sits right alongside the river, about a third of sites are riverside, so if you want to fall asleep to the sound of rushing water, this is the place. The campground trail is an easy 3.1-mile out-and-back with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible to most hikers.
Beyond the view, Bagley Rapids is a full outdoor base camp: trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and berry picking are all right out the door. The town of Mountain is just 3 miles away for basic supplies.
Getting there: From Mountain, drive south 2.2 miles on Hwy 32 to Bagley Rapids Road (FR 2111), then turn right (west) and drive 0.6 miles to the campground. Open May through mid-October.
Best for: Campers, paddlers, fly fishers, and families looking for an immersive riverside experience.
4. Baldwin Creek Waterfall — Hagar Mountain’s Hidden Treasure
Hagar Mountain State Natural Area, Mountain, WI
This is the place to linger.
Baldwin Creek Falls sits at the base of Hagar Mountain, one of the most striking geological features in the Nicolet National Forest. Granite bedrock rises up to 300 feet above the surrounding landscape here, and the creek that winds through this wild terrain tumbles over two drops, a smaller first drop followed immediately by a larger plunge, creating a waterfall that’s unique in the region. It’s described as one of the very few waterfalls in the entire Nicolet National Forest.
The 1.4-mile out-and-back Baldwin Creek Trail is marked with orange flagging tape and is accessible in about 30 minutes each way. The falls are only about a half-mile from the small parking area. If you’re feeling ambitious, the trail continues up Hagar Mountain itself, a 2.5-mile loop with 334 feet of elevation gain, where panoramic views from exposed rock outcrops reward the effort. The mountain is also home to one of Wisconsin’s largest turkey vulture roosting sites, and the igneous bedrock supports rare plant communities found almost nowhere else in the state.
Getting there: From the intersection of State Highway 32 and County Highway W in Mountain, drive east on W for 3 miles to Bear Paw Road (FR 2630), then continue 0.5 miles to a small roadside parking area. Look for the orange flagging tape to find the trail.
Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, and waterfall chasers.
Plan Your Trip
All four of these water views are clustered in and around the town of Mountain in Oconto County, making them a perfect multi-stop day trip or weekend adventure. Here’s a suggested order if you’re doing them all in one go:
1. Morning: Baldwin Creek Falls & Hagar Mountain (catch the light early on the granite)
2. Midday: Waupee Creek Rapids (pack a lunch, no amenities)
3. Afternoon: Slippery Rock (cool off in the heat of the day)
4. Evening: Bagley Rapids (set up camp and watch the river glow at sunset)
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest surrounds all of these spots, offering hundreds of miles of additional trails, rivers, and lakes to explore. Oconto County is an ATV paradise too, with over 500 miles of trails if you want to extend the adventure.
Pack your water shoes, leave the crowds behind, and go find something worth sharing.