Jumbo Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Jumbo Falls
Jumbo Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, known for its serene surroundings and cascading waters. It is a hidden gem, offering visitors a peaceful and scenic experience.
The Setting
Jumbo Falls sits at 1,230 feet within Ottawa National Forest, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Jumbo Falls (#60056), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
JUMBO FALLS #60056
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.08 miTrail Description
The trail to Jumbo Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a forested area and leads directly to the waterfall. The path may be uneven or muddy, especially after rain.
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 Jumbo Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Jumbo Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Ottawa National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Middle Branch Ontonagon River, 10.5 miles away, not on Jumbo Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
106 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 79 years of record
4.25 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
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 MIDDLE BRANCH ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR PAULDING, MI (17 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
115 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
122 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
127 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
118 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
114 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
114 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
110 cfs
5/10Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Bruce Crossing hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Jumbo Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Jumbo Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°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
- 107 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 33 feet through Jumbo Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,234 feet.
The ground changes about 25 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 13 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,234 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 33 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Jumbo Falls is located near the Jumbo River in Baraga County, Michigan. It can be accessed via forest roads, but the exact route may require a map or GPS as signage is limited.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but it may be limited and unpaved.
Elevation
1,230 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.457708° N, -88.911539° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or uneven. Bring bug spray during warmer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Check road conditions before visiting, especially in winter or after heavy rains.
Where to Stay
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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Nearby Campground
Kenton Ranger District
2.2 miles away · 0 sites
The Kenton Ranger District is the largest and oldest district on the Ottawa, dating back to 1931, when the forest had only one district. The recreation program includes a wide variety of dispersed activities including hunting, fishing, remote camping and hiking including two wildernesses, snowmobiling on numerous maintained trails, recreational driving with a variety of potential destinations including lakes, waterfalls and other scenic attractions. Developed recreation includes 7 campgrounds (3
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, such as Canyon Falls and Bond Falls, are within driving distance.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of bears in the region.
Cities near Jumbo Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Jumbo Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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