Are there fees or permits required for Houghton Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Houghton Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Houghton Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Houghton Falls.

Live Conditions · 13 ft³/s · About average

Houghton Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Houghton Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Houghton Falls.

Michigan • Isle Royale National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

yooperann CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

rharrison CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

attitudeflash CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

rharrison CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Houghton Falls

Douglass Houghton Falls — commonly called Houghton Falls or Douglass Falls — drops about 110 feet from rim to pool, making it Michigan’s tallest waterfall. The cascade sits in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula between the villages of Laurium and Lake Linden just off Highway M‑26, and is noted for its dramatic vertical drop and rugged, rocky gorge. The site was privately owned and had restricted access until 2018 because of hazardous geology; it is now open to visitors and appears in regional park records under Isle Royale National Park. The hike to the falls rewards you with forested scenery and a powerful viewpoint at the brink of the cascade. Because of the site’s unstable rock formations, stay on established routes and heed any signage or closures. The area’s namesake — Douglass Houghton — and the falls’ status as Michigan’s tallest make this a memorable short outing for photographers and hikers who come prepared for rough footing and striking views.

The Setting

Houghton Falls sits at 899 feet within Isle Royale National Park, fed by the Pilgrim River, in the foothills of Michigan.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Upper Falls (50 ft) lies 8.6 miles to the north.

Upper Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

This is an out-and-back route of approximately 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The trail follows a forested path that includes uneven, rocky sections and some steeper bits as you descend toward the gorge; footing can be rough near the waterfall because of the underlying geology. Expect natural trail surface (dirt, roots, and rock); bring sturdy shoes, watch for drop-offs, and follow all posted safety warnings.

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 Houghton Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Houghton Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest after snowmelt or rainfall.

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

The trail may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

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 24 39

Based on 10 years of record

67.74 ft

Water depth at gauge

52°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 52 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.6 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

2.2 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

287 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

PILGRIM RIVER AT PARADISE RD NR DODGEVILLE, MI

USGS 04043016

10.3 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 (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

13 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

13 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

13 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

12 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

12 cfs

9/10

Sat

Moderate

16 cfs

9/10

Sun

Strong

17 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

16 cfs

10/10

Best window: Mon — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).

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 Lake Linden 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 164 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 880 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 93 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 41 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Houghton Falls near Lake Linden, Michigan, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Houghton Falls near Lake Linden, Michigan, showing about 164 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 880 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 164 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Houghton Falls is located near Houghton, Michigan. Visitors can access the falls via local roads, but specific directions should be checked in advance as signage may be limited.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

899 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.207148° N, -88.427339° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include the Keweenaw Peninsula, local hiking trails, and the town of Houghton, which offers dining and lodging options.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes during warmer months.