LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Eightfoot Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Eightfoot Falls
Eightfoot Falls is a small, scenic drop on the Pike River in Marinette County, Wisconsin, tucked into the county-managed Marinette County Forest (designated LCA). Framed by mature forest, the falls offer a tranquil spot for a quick nature stop or a relaxed photography session and are featured on the local Marinette County Waterfall Tour that highlights the area’s accessible cascades. The site is very accessible: a short, family-friendly hike brings you right to the water. The route and surrounding land are managed by Marinette County, so visitors can expect a peaceful, locally stewarded setting. There aren’t developed campgrounds within 10 km of the falls; the nearest developed campground is Bear Lake Campground in the Chequamegon–Nicolet National Forest, about 30.5 km away.
The Setting
Eightfoot Falls sits at 994 feet within Marinette County Forest, fed by the Pike River, in the foothills of Wisconsin.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
0.4 miles out-and-back on a dirt path with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain (easy). The trail is short and well‑shaded by trees, with a gentle average grade of roughly 2.4%, minimal technical obstacles, and no special equipment required—ideal for families and casual hikers. Access and parking are on Marinette County Forest lands (county-managed).
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Eightfoot Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Eightfoot Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt. Summer and fall are also great times to visit, with fall offering beautiful foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of ticks and mosquitoes in the area.
Current Water Conditions
91 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 83 years of record
2.17 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 PIKE RIVER AT AMBERG, WI (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
89 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
88 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
85 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
90 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
97 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
93 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
101 cfs
4/10Best window: Fri — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late 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 Dunbar 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 48 feet of drop through Eightfoot Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,011 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
- 1,011 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 48 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
Eightfoot Falls is located near the town of Dunbar in Marinette County, Wisconsin. It can be accessed via Eight Foot Falls Road, which is a short drive from Highway 8. The falls are part of a county park and are well-marked with signs.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, which is free to use.
Elevation
994 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.579406° N, -88.134285° W
Land Management
Managed by CNTY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be present. Consider visiting other nearby waterfalls as part of the Marinette County Waterfall Tour.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Pine Mountain Resort
Comfort Inn Iron Mountain North
Four Seasons Island Resort
Mountain Host Motor Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Bear Lake Campground (Chequamegon-Nicolet NF, WI)
18.9 miles away · 27 sites
Overview If you are interested in a quiet campground and excellent pike fishing, Bear Lake Campground is for you. Campsites are situated along the wooded shore and ridge with outstanding views of the lake.Recreation The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Those most enjoyed at Bear Lake are fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The Rat River trail is a good nearby hiking opportunity.Facilities Bear Lake Campground has 27 sites. A majority
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls on the Marinette County Waterfall Tour, including Twelve Foot Falls and Long Slide Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to various birds, deer, and other small forest animals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Eightfoot Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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