Black River Falls
A steep, wide chute between two swampy sections of Black River. Very easy to access, complete with a clearing for camping, wide paths, and some wooden foot-bridges make Black River Falls a great destination. The waterfall itself is hemmed tight between two large rock outcroppings with a small island downstream granting an excellent direct view of the enclosed chute.
Directions
Drive about eight miles south of Ishpeming on County Road 581. A mile after crossing the bridge over the Escanaba River a dirt road will show up on the right side with a sign for the ‘Island Lake Hunting Club’. Follow the roads in, taking the left fork first (right fork is a private seasonal road) then two right forks (about 1.3 miles from 581). You should end up on the top of a ‘diamond’ if you are looking at a map. Park near the large rocks that block off the parking area and continue on foot for about two hundred yards, following the path in a rough northern direction. To get the best views climb down the leaning wooden pathways to the small island below the falls.
Photographs
Visits
Seen in April and November.
- gushing, a froth of whitewater in a roar of mist
We crossed the first bridge and meandered a bit to look down on the gushing waterfall. It was a froth of whitewater that thundered up at us in a roar of mist. Even Logan was hesitant on walking down the steep last set of stairs to the waiting snowy island below; when I did reach the island I sunk knee-deep into wet slush before hitting the rock below. The direct view over at the roaring chute made up for the awkward passage.
- the walkways icy from the river mist
Getting down to the waterfall was quite difficult. There are two wooden walks down to a small island below the drop, providing a relatively easy route, yet both were steep and icy from the river's mist. I slowly made my way down to the island, holding onto the railings tightly, and took some quick pictures of the waterfall. The white water barely showed up in the dark.
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