LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Pewabeck Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Pewabeck Falls
Pewabeck Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the Keweenaw Peninsula. The falls tumble over rocky ledges into a tranquil pocket of forest, offering a quiet, photogenic stop for hikers exploring this rugged part of northern Michigan. The nearest U.S. Forest Service facility is the Ontonagon Ranger District, about 21.6 km away, so visitors should plan logistics accordingly and come prepared for a somewhat remote outing.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Difficulty: Moderate. USFS surface/grade/class: not specified in the available data. The approach is not extensively documented; visitors may encounter short unmarked sections or need to walk along the roadside to reach viewpoints. Expect uneven, rocky footing in places and bring sturdy footwear and basic navigation tools.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful, natural setting with a small waterfall cascading over rocks. The area is surrounded by forest, offering opportunities for photography and quiet reflection.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The terrain may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pewabeck Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Pewabeck Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. The area may have uneven ground and limited signage. Always stay on safe, stable surfaces.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West Branch Ontonagon River, 15.4 miles away, not on Pewabeck Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
44 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
1.44 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WEST BRANCH ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR BERGLAND, MI (25 km away).
Today
Moderate
44 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
44 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
40 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
42 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early May, 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 White Pine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Pewabeck Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Pewabeck Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 43 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 35 feet of drop through Pewabeck Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 665 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 32 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 12 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 665 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 35 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Pewabeck Falls is located near the town of Eagle River in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. It can be accessed via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on the starting point. Visitors are advised to use GPS or consult local maps for the most accurate route.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available nearby, but it may be limited. Visitors should plan to park along the roadside or in designated areas if available.
Elevation
673 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.807446° N, -89.587097° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain may be uneven. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, as mosquitoes and other insects are common in the area. Check local weather conditions before visiting.
Where to Stay
Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins
Bergland Bay Bungalow
Pet-Friendly Michigan Getaway with Porch and Kayaks!
Walk to Lake Superior: Ontonagon Home w/ Fire Pit!
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
Ontonagon Ranger District
13.4 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
Nearby attractions include Eagle River Falls, the historic town of Eagle River, and other natural sites in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Pewabeck Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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