Dead River Falls
The Dead River Falls is easily one of the best waterfall adventures that the Upper Peninsula has to offer. A set of sudden plunges in a rocky gorge about a half mile in length sits just outside of Marquette, dropping close to a hundred feet in total, making a destination that is accessible and incredibly scenic. Even with a large dam upstream diverting some of the water for power, there is plenty of flow over the falls throughout the year.
The lower drops are all small cascades surrounded by dramatic rock cuts and outcroppings. Dirt paths network along the path, providing plenty of vantage points for these drops before heading up a steep bank before the first main drop (also known as Stoney Mill), a split set of blocky cascades over well-worn volcanic rock. A tall, direct plunge is a short distance upstream, forcing the river into a narrow chute before emptying it into a deep canyon. One more drop waits beyond deep, calm pools, a jagged cascade squeezed between two large mounds of rock.
Directions
Turn north onto County Road 492 (Wright Street) from US-41 on the west side of Marquette.Head left on Forestville Road (should be marked with some recreational signs) about .6 miles after leaving 41. Keep on Forestville Road, over the one-lane bridge, for about 2 miles. Stop at the parking area within view of the old power station, near the outhouse.
Head up the hill on the wide trail past the stump that says ‘Dead River Falls’. Turn left at the trail marker and follow the footpath down to the riverside. Lower rapids are downstream a short distance. Head upstream to view the main waterfalls. The worst part of the trail is just past the tiny creek and up a steep hill. Also, if you want to view the uppermost waterfall, continue past the tall ‘bridal veil’ plunge, past the deep calm pools that bend the river sharply to the south. Total hike from parking area is less than a mile along well-traveled, but rugged, footpaths.
Photographs
Visits
Seen in September and November.
- flowing at pre-dam levels, the McClure penstock out of commission
The McClure penstock was still out of commission letting the Dead River flow at its normal, pre-dam levels. The powerful flow did an effective job at pushing back the ice to give us unobstructed views of the different drops. The taller cascades had mist rising from them in the cool air, coating the surrounding rocks and branches in thick shells of uneven ice.
I wasn't sure how many drops there was or even how to reach them without bluntly following the river upstream. Thankfully, Emily knew the way and we headed up the steep hill before circling back down to the river. The first obstacle we bumped into, a deep and stagnant pool that slowly drained into the River with a narrow log over, was too much for Logan and I had to carry him across. When I was eyeing up the drop ahead, trying to decide how to photograph it, Kyle attempted to come down another way and fell.
Comments
8 comments
Thank you for posting directions to the falls!!
Dead river falls were so AMAZINGLY-AWESOME I could be there all day every day!
I went to see this falls last year Mem day weekend- I wish I knew there was more upstream as I viewed the lower falls and was VERY disappointed. now I will have to return to see "the rest of the story"
Beautiful walk especially in fall surrounded by the changing colors. Close to campus, easy parking and trail well marked. Highlight of our day!
Not marked at all and its longer than a mile. Almost two miles.
Tamara, making me not want to go, yet you posted this after you walked it? Hummm
Best waterfall experience in my life. Very thrilling and beautiful. A very challenging hike, but was the best waterfall hike of the trip. A must do hike if your able.
Incredibly peaceful. A place to relax and enjoy what nature has to offer.
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