Bonanza Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Bonanza Falls
Bonanza Falls, also known locally as Greenwood Falls, is a scenic cascade just outside Ontonagon, Michigan. The waterfall tumbles over smooth rock ledges in a series of photogenic drops and shallow pools, making it a popular stop for photographers and anyone looking for a quiet waterside spot. Visitors reach the falls by a moderate hike: the route is a 2.4-mile out-and-back that climbs roughly 350 feet. The approach rewards hikers with close views of the cascades and is best attempted by those comfortable with a moderate effort on uneven trail surfaces; no official USFS trail number was provided in the available information.
The Setting
Bonanza Falls sits at 663 feet along the West Branch Ontonagon River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. Specific USFS trail name/number and detailed surface/grade/class information were not provided in the available data.
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 Bonanza Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bonanza Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Bonanza Falls, as the water flow is usually at its peak. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen cascades.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially when wet or icy. Exercise caution and supervise children closely. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 16 miles away
32 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
1.19 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WEST BRANCH ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR BERGLAND, MI (26 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
32 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
32 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
35 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
34 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
35 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
36 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
36 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 White Pine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 23 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Bonanza Falls. Elevation at the pin is about 665 feet.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 665 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 23 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bonanza Falls is located just off M-64, near the town of Silver City, Michigan. It is easily accessible by car and requires only a short walk from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, which is free to use.
Elevation
663 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.818001° N, -89.569318° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the rocks near the falls can be slippery. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography. Be cautious during wet or icy conditions.
Where to Stay
Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins
Bergland Bay Bungalow
Pet-Friendly Michigan Getaway with Porch and Kayaks!
Walk to Lake Superior: Ontonagon Home w/ Fire Pit!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Ontonagon Ranger District
12.5 miles away · 0 sites
Ontonagon Ranger District is on the shores of Lake Superior, largest of the Great Lakes, and the mouth of the Ontonagon River. There are numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and ATV riding are available in the summer and fall months. In the winter downhill, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are available.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Lake Superior shoreline, and the town of Ontonagon.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of mosquitoes and other insects during warmer months.
Cities near Bonanza Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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