LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Big Pup Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Big Pup Falls
Big Pup Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is part of the Big Pup Creek and is known for its serene, forested surroundings. The waterfall is relatively small but offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for visitors.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Big Pup Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a forested area and leads directly to the waterfall. The path may be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Pup Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Pup Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Big Pup Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 43°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall, especially after rain. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Branch Salmon Trout River, 8.7 miles away, not on Big Pup Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
16 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 21 years of record
1.64 ft
Water depth at gauge
43°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 43 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR DODGE CITY, MI (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
16 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
22 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
21 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
21 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
16 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Big Bay hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Big Pup Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Big Pup Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 50°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 16 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Michigan.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 98 feet of drop through Big Pup Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,129 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,129 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 98 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Big Pup Falls is located near the town of Watersmeet, Michigan, within the Ottawa National Forest. Visitors can access the falls via forest roads, but the exact route may require checking local maps or GPS for accuracy.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it may be unpaved and limited in size.
Elevation
1,119 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.711667° N, -87.703889° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or after heavy rains for the best water flow. Bring insect repellent during summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.
Where to Stay
Days Inn by Wyndham Marquette
Comfort Suites Marquette
Holiday Inn Marquette by IHG
My Place Hotel-Marquette, MI
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Bond Falls, Agate Falls, and the Sylvania Wilderness are located nearby and offer additional outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Big Pup Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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