Ravine Hiking and Spectacular Views at Dayton Bluffs Preserve in Ottawa, Illinois

 

Dayton Bluffs Preserve in Ottawa, Illinois offers a nature adventure full of deep ravines, Fox River views, wide open prairie, and magical woodlands. With its proximity to Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park, the preserve can easily be overlooked. However, Dayton Bluffs' trails present avenues for remarkable and inspiring nature adventures of their own.

We arrived at the main gravel parking lot where there is space to picnic and port-a -potties. After orienting ourselves, we began our journey. The prairie is still a bit quiet this time of year, so we headed directly for the woodlands. 

Dutchmen''s breeches carpeted sections of
 the forest floor at Dayton Bluffs Forest Preserve.

Exploring Woodlands Full of Ravines and Wildflowers

 I had heard fabulous things about Dayton Bluffs but I was in no way prepared for the amazing afternoon that we would have hiking in the preserve. Immediately upon entering the woodlands, we noted that wildflowers had popped spotting spring beauties, cutleaf toothwort, Dutchman's breeches, and bloodroot almost immediately. Later, we would discover a grove of Virginia bluebells. 

Wandering through woodlands virtually alone, we savored peace and quiet -- well, except for the joyful woodpeckers. The terrain became a bit rolling and we soon saw the deep cuts of ravines. The late afternoon sun and young buds on trees highlighted the ravines with almost a glow.

A creek meanders through a rolling landscape.

Soon, we could see the Fox River through the woodlands. The drop off from the bluff we were hiking upon to the valley and floodplain below was incredible. Between the views of the river and the sloping sides of the ravine, the landscape delighted us with beautiful views.

Glistening under the spring sun, the Fox River comes into view through the forest trees.

A Sacred Journey

For a stretch of our adventure, we hiked on a trail that hugged the edge of a bluff. which not only yielded views but led us through a particularly meaningful portion of the preserve. Dayton Bluffs provides a home to a sacred place. Native Americans once called the preserve home and burial mounds remain today. This sacred portion of the preserve is designated, so we were able to hike quietly in respect. The peaceful and sacred portion of the preserve has remarkable views of the river down below.

Descending Down the Bluff

We hiked down a steep bluff with the aid of a rope.

We eventually reached a point with a bit of a challenging choice -- either go back or head down the steep bluff with the help of a rope. The day was beautiful and the trail was not muddy, so we descended down the bluff and, yes, needed the aid of the rope. We were treated after our descent with a field of Virginia bluebells and river views.

Virginia bluebells created a beautiful nature carpet leading to the Fox River.

After hiking down the side of a bluff, we enjoyed a view of the Fox River.

At this point, we noted a ravine. When the ravine is not flooded, you can hike along it. We loved hiking through the rocking terrain and crossing the creek in several spots. Sometimes the crossings were a bit challenging and you had to think it through. But. the views and peace were worth it.

Hiking along the rocky ravine at Dayton Bluffs added an additional challenge to our hikes
 with beautiful creek and woodland views.

Remarkable Efforts by Volunteers

Dayton Bluffs Preserve includes about 253 acres of prairie and woodlands. There are two small cascades that we did not see on this visit since we hiked a different set of trails. The preserve is maintained by volunteers and their amazing efforts make it possible to enjoy incredible natural treasures at Dayton Bluffs Preserve. We will be returning to take on the trails we missed in the future!