Ogima Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Ogima Falls
Ogima Falls is a quiet, scenic cascade on the Sturgeon River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, prized for its peaceful setting and photogenic rock-and-water contrasts. The falls sit in a relatively remote stretch of river, making them a rewarding destination for hikers seeking solitude and a close-up look at the Sturgeon River system. The trail winds through forested terrain to a viewing point above the falls; expect uneven or muddy footing after rain and bring sturdy footwear and basic navigation essentials for a comfortable visit.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Difficulty: Moderate. The route follows a forested footpath to a designated viewing area for Ogima Falls, with a mix of gentle and steeper sections rather than a flat walk. Trail conditions can be muddy or uneven, particularly after wet weather. No formal USFS trail number or surface/grade/class data are provided for this route in the supplied information.
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 Ogima Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ogima Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall experience, though access could be challenging.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Presque Isle River, 4.8 miles away, not on Ogima Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
94 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 3 years of record
5.50 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PRESQUE ISLE RIVER NEAR CONNORVILLE, MI (8 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
102 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
105 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
105 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
98 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
94 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Wakefield hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Ogima Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Ogima Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 31°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 97 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 58 feet through Ogima Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,085 feet.
The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 88 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. 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
- 1,085 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 58 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
Ogima Falls is located in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Access typically requires navigating forest roads, which may be unpaved and rough in some areas. Visitors should use a reliable map or GPS to locate the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should be prepared for potentially primitive parking conditions.
Elevation
1,086 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.634491° N, -89.929334° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail may be muddy or uneven. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be slippery after rain.
Where to Stay
Snow Otter Haus - 2
Snow Otter Haus - 1
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
Quality Inn Ironwood
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
BLACK RIVER HARBOR CAMPGROUND
6.2 miles away · 40 sites
Overview Planning a trip to the Black River Harbor Campground? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility. Black River Campground is adjacent to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The recreation area includes a pavilion, harbor and a large picnic area. The area provides for many opportunities for fishing, boating, backpacking, hiking, bird watching, photography and beautiful scenery for relaxation in the outdoors. Recreation The campground is adjacent to
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the Ottawa National Forest, such as Sturgeon Falls and Canyon Falls, are worth exploring. The area also offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and take appropriate precautions.
Cities near Ogima Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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