Is swimming allowed at Copper Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Copper Falls.

Live Conditions · 13 ft³/s · About average

Copper Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Copper Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Copper Falls.

Michigan • Isle Royale National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Copper Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

Mike Sherman Michigan Artist CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Peter Ciro Photography CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

joeldinda CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Loop

About Copper Falls

Copper Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan. It is part of the Presque Isle River system and is known for its picturesque surroundings, including dense forests and rugged terrain. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Copper Falls sits at 1,001 feet within Isle Royale National Park, fed by the Pilgrim River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Eagle River Falls (40 ft) lies 4.8 miles to the west. Also nearby: Jacobs Falls (20 ft, 1.9 mi).

Eagle River Falls Jacobs Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Copper Falls is a well-maintained loop that follows the Presque Isle River. It features wooden boardwalks, bridges, and scenic overlooks, making it accessible for most visitors. The trail offers stunning views of the river and surrounding forest.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Copper Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $9.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Copper Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, while fall offers stunning foliage. Winter visits may require snowshoes or winter gear.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Isle Royale National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the river and waterfall edges, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of wildlife and follow park guidelines.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 25 minutes ago Moderate

Based on a USGS gauge 29.2 miles away

13 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

11 12 18 19

Based on 10 years of record

67.74 ft

Water depth at gauge

55°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 55 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

12.3 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

1.4 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

283 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

PILGRIM RIVER AT PARADISE RD NR DODGEVILLE, MI

USGS 04043016

29.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 20 sq mi

Altitude: 600 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge PILGRIM RIVER AT PARADISE RD NR DODGEVILLE, MI (47 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

13 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

13 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

13 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

13 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

12 cfs

5/10

Tue

Low

13 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

13 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

12 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, 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 Eagle Harbor 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 64 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 991 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 46 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 31 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Copper Falls near Eagle Harbor, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Copper Falls near Eagle Harbor, Michigan, showing about 64 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 991 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 64 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Copper Falls is located within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Visitors can access the falls via the Presque Isle River area, which is well-marked within the park.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Presque Isle River area within the state park. The parking lot is typically well-maintained and provides access to several trails leading to the falls.

Elevation

1,001 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.430556° N, -88.195833° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience.