Mex-i-min-e Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Mex-i-min-e Falls
Mex-i-min-e Falls is a waterfall on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River in the Ottawa National Forest near Watersmeet. A short, fairly easy trail leads from Burned Dam Campground down to the river at the falls. The round trip is about a quarter mile.
The Setting
Mex-i-min-e Falls sits at 1,549 feet within Ottawa National Forest, in the hills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Nfst 3960 Y (#T3960-Y), a 0.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
NFST-3960-Y #T3960-Y
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.08 miTrail Description
A short, fairly easy trail of about 1/4 mile round trip leads from Burned Dam Campground down to the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River at the falls.
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 Mex-i-min-e Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed in the Ottawa National Forest; Forest Service rules require pets to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at developed recreation sites.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Mex-i-min-e Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Mex-i-min-e Falls, as the water flow is usually at its peak during these seasons. Fall offers stunning foliage, while summer provides warm weather for a pleasant hike.
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
Exercise caution on the trail, especially after rain, as it may be slippery. Be aware of wildlife and carry insect repellent during warmer months.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Middle Branch Ontonagon River, 3.2 miles away, not on Mex-i-min-e Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
111 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 79 years of record
4.29 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MIDDLE BRANCH ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR PAULDING, MI (5 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
111 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
118 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
126 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
131 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
121 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
117 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
117 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, 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 Watersmeet hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Mex-i-min-e Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast
Mex-i-min-e Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 52°F to 27°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 111 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.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From Watersmeet, take US 45 north about 1 mile from US 2 and turn right onto Old US 2. Go about 7 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 4500, and continue about 1 mile to Burned Dam Campground, where the trail starts.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at Burned Dam Campground, a rustic, first-come first-served Forest Service site with no fee.
Elevation
1,549 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.312580° N, -89.053798° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting after rain, as the trail may be muddy. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Consider visiting during the fall for beautiful foliage or in the spring when water flow is typically higher.
Where to Stay
Boulder Bear Motor Lodge
Phelps Cabin on 26 Acres with Fire Pit!
Two Rivers Motel and Cabins of Kenton, MI
AmericInn by Wyndham Iron River
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
MARION LAKE GROUP SITE
3.4 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The sparkling Marion Lake offers breathtaking and exciting camping for your next family trip. Live it up on the water with your jet skis or wake board, or tone down the pace with a full day of fishing. The Marion Lake Group Site is an ideal way to spend time with friends and family for all the water activities you can imagine. Marion Lake is in the Ottawa National Forest, a protected area in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It stretches from the Lake Superior shoreline to the Wis
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Bond Falls and Agate Falls, also on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Mex-i-min-e Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
LiDAR
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