Bushy Creek Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 16 ft³/s · About average

Bushy Creek Falls

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Photo Credits (1)
1.
david_s_carter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

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.

The Setting

Bushy Creek Falls sits at 741 feet along the East Branch Salmon Trout River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

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

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

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 summer fall

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

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

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

16 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Based on 20 years of record

1.65 ft

Water depth at gauge

53°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 53 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

151 µS/cm

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.

USGS 04043244
8.3 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 10 sq mi
Altitude: 1,025 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR DODGE CITY, MI (13 km away).

Moderate confidence
Moderate right now
16 cfs
→ Holding steady
52526070737373TodayTomorrowSunMonTueWedThu

Today

Moderate

16 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

15 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

18 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

18 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

19 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

19 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

18 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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.

Weather Forecast

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 Maps

Parking

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

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

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