Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Eagle River Falls
Eagle River Falls is a roadside waterfall on the Eagle River where M-26 enters the village of Eagle River, in Keweenaw County on Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. The river pours over the remains of an old dam built for the Lake Superior Fuse Company, then drops through a gorge toward Lake Superior. The falls are best seen from the pedestrian bridge beside M-26, a former highway bridge.
The Setting
Eagle River Falls sits at 643 feet in the foothills of Michigan. The falls drop 40 feet.
Height: 40 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Upper Falls (50 ft) lies 8.7 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Jacobs Falls (20 ft, 3.0 mi) and Lower Falls (6 ft, 8.8 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Eagle River Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no real hike. A short walk from the parking area off M-26 leads onto the pedestrian bridge, which looks down on the falls. A lower section of the falls can be seen by walking a little farther downriver.
What to Expect
The falls drop 40 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Eagle River Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Eagle River Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit for optimal water flow and beautiful scenery. However, the falls are accessible and enjoyable year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the water, as the rocks can be slippery. In winter, icy conditions may make the area hazardous. Stay on designated paths and viewing areas.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Eagle River hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Eagle River Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Eagle River Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
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 53 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The falls are listed at 40 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 667 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 667 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 53 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Eagle River Falls is located just off Highway M-26 in Eagle River, Michigan. The falls are visible from the road and can be accessed via a short walk from a nearby parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, located just off M-26. Parking is free and typically available, though it may be limited during peak tourist seasons.
Elevation
643 feet above sea level
Coordinates
47.411944° N, -88.295556° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring for the most powerful water flow due to snowmelt. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views. The area can be slippery in winter, so wear appropriate footwear.
Where to Stay
AmericInn by Wyndham Calumet
Magnuson Copper Crown
Daniell Manor
Quality Inn & Suites Houghton Downtown
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Jacob Falls is about 4 miles east on M-26, and Copper Harbor and its waterfalls are farther northeast. The Lake Superior shoreline is just downstream in Eagle River.
Wildlife
The area around the falls may feature local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals.
Nearby Waterfalls
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