LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Middle East Jumbo River Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Middle East Jumbo River Falls
Middle East Jumbo River Falls is tucked into Michigan's Ottawa National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls provide a peaceful, photogenic cascade set among mature forest, making it a popular short outing for nature lovers and photographers. Access to the waterfall is via USFS trail NFST-T3653-E3 (Trail #T3653-E3). The approach is part of a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back route with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, suitable for hikers looking for a half‑day adventure without a long backcountry commitment. If you want to make a weekend of it, the Kenton Ranger District campground lies about 7.98 km from the falls and is the nearest option for overnight camping.
The Setting
Middle East Jumbo River Falls sits at 1,401 feet within Ottawa National Forest, fed by the Middle Branch Ontonagon River, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Nfst T3653 E3 (#T3653-E3), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
NFST-T3653-E3 #T3653-E3
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.11 miTrail Description
USFS Trail: NFST-T3653-E3 (Trail #T3653-E3). Trail type: out-and-back. Total route length: 2.4 miles with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. USFS-recorded trail characteristics: Class 3, Surface: NATIVE MATERIAL, Typical grade: 0-5%, GIS miles: 0.11. Expect a natural forest floor surface and generally gentle grades (0–5%), with the trail class noted as 3 in USFS data. Suitable for hikers prepared for moderate terrain on native-surface trails.
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 Middle East Jumbo River Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Middle East Jumbo River 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
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be mindful of changing weather conditions and stay on marked trails.
Current Water Conditions
88 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 78 years of record
4.08 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 (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
88 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
87 cfs
4/10Tue
Low
93 cfs
4/10Wed
Low
94 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
94 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
88 cfs
6/10Sat
Low
93 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 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.
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 measures about 19 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Middle East Jumbo River Falls. Elevation at the pin is about 1,401 feet.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,401 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 19 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, accessible via local roads. Specific directions may vary depending on your starting point, so it is recommended to use a GPS or consult local maps.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,401 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.415278° N, -88.908611° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or uneven in some areas. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes.
Where to Stay
Two Rivers Motel and Cabins of Kenton, MI
AmericInn by Wyndham Iron River
Phelps Cabin on 26 Acres with Fire Pit!
Lakeshore Motel Ice Lake
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
Kenton Ranger District
5 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 and hiking trails in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as well as local parks and scenic drives.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious and respectful of the natural habitat.
Cities near Middle East Jumbo River Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Writing about Middle East Jumbo River Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.