Bushy Creek Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
About Bushy Creek Falls
Bushy Creek Falls is a lesser-known waterfall located in Michigan, offering a serene and picturesque setting. It is surrounded by lush forest, making it a peaceful destination for nature enthusiasts.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Bushy Creek Falls may be unmarked and could involve navigating through forested terrain. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and potential overgrowth.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in Michigan.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bushy Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bushy Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt and rainfall.
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.
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven terrain on the trail. Cell phone reception may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Branch Salmon Trout River, 8.3 miles away, not on Bushy Creek 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 (13 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 Bushy Creek Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Bushy Creek Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 35°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 44 feet of drop through Bushy Creek Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 744 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 57 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 22 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 744 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 44 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bushy Creek Falls is located in a remote area of Michigan. Access may require navigating unpaved roads, so a reliable map or GPS is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along the roadside or at a nearby trailhead.
Elevation
741 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.734722° N, -87.693611° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy footwear and a map or GPS device, as the trail may not be well-marked. Be prepared for limited facilities in the area.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other natural attractions in the area may include hiking trails and scenic forested areas.
Wildlife
The area is home to typical Michigan wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Bushy Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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