Chipmunk Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Chipmunk Falls
Chipmunk Falls is a named waterfall on the Net River about 6 miles northwest of Amasa in Iron County, on state forest land in the Crystal Falls area. We found no published description, photos or trail information for these falls, so check a current topographic map before going.
The Setting
Chipmunk Falls sits at 1,440 feet within Crystal Falls State Forest Area, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to uneven terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chipmunk Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chipmunk Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water 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
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls, 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 Iron River, 16.4 miles away, not on Chipmunk Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
61 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 54 years of record
4.16 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 IRON RIVER AT CASPIAN, MI (26 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
61 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
67 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
74 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
71 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
68 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
66 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
65 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid June, 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 Amasa hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Chipmunk Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Chipmunk Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 27°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 64 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 39 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,445 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 35 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 50 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,445 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 39 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are on the Net River northwest of Amasa. Net River Road passes about two-thirds of a mile away, but we found no trail or trailhead to the falls; use a topographic map or GPS.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
1,440 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.291615° N, -88.563192° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven or muddy, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitoes and other insects are common in the area.
Where to Stay
AmericInn by Wyndham Iron River
Lakeshore Motel Ice Lake
Phelps Cabin on 26 Acres with Fire Pit!
Two Rivers Motel and Cabins of Kenton, 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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Nearby Campground
Perch Lake Campground
7.3 miles away · 20 sites
Overview Perch Lake Campground is located 10 miles south of Sidnaw on the Kenton Ranger District. This one loop campground provides 20 drive-in campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers and motor homes. This location provides visitors with excellent fishing, and a unique camping experience, with many of the spacious sites having lake access. Recreation Besides fishing, canoeing and kayaking is popular on this lake and an excellent way to experience the beauty of this area. Facilities This on
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Amasa and Crystal Falls are the nearest towns. The Iron County chamber's waterfall guide lists other Iron County falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Chipmunk Falls
Other waterfalls named Chipmunk Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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