O Kun de Kun Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
3.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About O Kun de Kun Falls
O Kun de Kun Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is known for its wide cascade and serene surroundings, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
O Kun de Kun Falls sits at 919 feet within Ottawa National Forest, in the foothills of Michigan.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Gleason Creek Falls (10 ft) lies 8.9 miles to the west.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows North Country National Scenic (#60014), a 3.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC #60014
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
48.18 miTrail Description
The trail to O Kun de Kun Falls is a relatively flat and well-maintained path that follows the Baltimore River. It features scenic views of the forest and river, with occasional muddy sections depending on recent weather conditions.
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 O Kun de Kun Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at O Kun de Kun Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, but the trail is enjoyable year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Ottawa National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the falls, as the rocks can be slippery. During winter, the trail may be icy, so proper footwear is essential.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Ontonagon River, 5.6 miles away, not on O Kun de Kun Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
614 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
5.56 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 ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR ROCKLAND, MI (9 km away).
Today
Low
663 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
736 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
751 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
710 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
657 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
651 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
670 cfs
5/10Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early 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 Rockland hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is O Kun de Kun Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
O Kun de Kun Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 614 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 58 feet of drop through O Kun de Kun Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 924 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 66 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 61 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 924 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 58 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
O Kun de Kun Falls is located off US-45, approximately 8 miles north of Bruce Crossing, Michigan. The trailhead is well-marked and accessible by car.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area available at the trailhead, which is free to use.
Elevation
919 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.648922° N, -89.150339° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy in spots. Bug spray is recommended during the summer months. Winter visitors should be prepared for snow and icy conditions.
Where to Stay
Two Rivers Motel and Cabins of Kenton, MI
Bergland Bay Bungalow
Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins
Pet-Friendly Michigan Getaway with Porch and Kayaks!
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
Ontonagon Ranger District
16.3 miles away · 0 sites
Ontonagon Ranger District is on the shores of Lake Superior, largest of the Great Lakes, and the mouth of the Ontonagon River. There are numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and ATV riding are available in the summer and fall months. In the winter downhill, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are available.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include Bond Falls and Agate Falls, both located within a short drive.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near O Kun de Kun Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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