East Branch Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About East Branch Falls
Tucked into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, East Branch Falls is a small, picturesque drop on the East Branch of the Huron River that rewards hikers with a peaceful, forest-framed setting. The falls feel remote and quiet—a great stop for photographers and anyone looking to escape busier parks—yet are reached by a manageable hike rather than a long backcountry approach. Dense stands of northern hardwoods and mixed conifers surround the stream, giving the site a true northern-Michigan woodland atmosphere. The falls and surrounding lands are managed by the SDNR as part of the Baraga State Forest Area and are designated SCA, so visitors should practice leave-no-trace principles and respect any site protections. Because East Branch Falls is not widely publicized, it tends to stay serene even on summer weekends, making it an inviting destination for a reflective afternoon outdoors or a short nature stop while exploring the western U.P.
The Setting
East Branch Falls sits at 784 feet within Baraga State Forest Area, in the foothills of Michigan.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Forty Foot Falls (40 ft) lies 4.4 miles to the east. Also nearby: Big Erick's Falls (10 ft, 1.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The path winds through forested terrain and can include uneven footing and muddy stretches after rain, so bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for short sections of slipperiness or rooty tread. The trail may be lightly marked or unmarked in places; follow obvious game or footpaths toward the river and allow extra time for slower footing on wet days.
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 East Branch Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at East Branch Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit, as the waterfall is usually more robust due to snowmelt. Summer and fall are also good options for pleasant weather and colorful foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 41°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail can become muddy or difficult to navigate after rain.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Salmon Trout River, 9.9 miles away, not on East Branch Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
5 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 21 years of record
0.37 ft
Water depth at gauge
41°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 41 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR BIG BAY, MI (16 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
6 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
6 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
5 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Best window: Mon — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late 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 Skanee hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is East Branch Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
East Branch Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 5 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 52 feet through East Branch Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 781 feet.
The ground changes about 53 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 21 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
- 781 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 50 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
East Branch Falls is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near the Huron River. Access typically requires driving on unpaved forest roads, which may be rough or muddy depending on the season. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited and may consist of roadside pull-offs or small clearings near the trailhead.
Elevation
784 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.849722° N, -88.063333° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring bug spray during the summer months, as mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be uneven or muddy. Consider visiting in the spring when water flow is typically at its peak.
Where to Stay
Independence Stay Hotel and Long term suites
AC4 Northwoods Getaway w Jetted Tub
UP Escape in the Pines
Lakefront Lookout! Private Sand Beach on Superior
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
Other waterfalls in the Huron River area, such as Big Erick's Falls and Lower Silver Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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