Power Dam Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Power Dam Falls
Power Dam Falls is a small, scenic cascade on the Ocqueoc River that sits at the remnants of a historic dam site. The falls offer a peaceful spot to watch water thread through sculpted rock and trees — a compact, photogenic stop for hikers and photographers. The site lies on city-owned Local Forest land, designated as an LRMA and managed by the city, which helps keep the setting quietly maintained and accessible to the public. Trails in this area are locally maintained rather than part of a federal system, so visitors should come prepared for natural tread, roots, and occasional uneven footing while enjoying the tranquil riverside scenery.
The Setting
Power Dam Falls sits at 883 feet within Local Forest, in the foothills of Michigan.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Power House Falls (15 ft) lies 0.1 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: Out-and-back. Difficulty: Moderate. The route is a locally maintained access trail on city-owned Local Forest land (designation LRMA) and is managed by the city. No USFS trail name or number is listed in the provided data; specific surface, grade, and USFS trail class information were not provided, so expect natural tread and variable footing along the route.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a small waterfall with a historic dam structure nearby. The area is quiet and surrounded by natural beauty, making it a good spot for photography or a peaceful visit.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not well-documented. Visitors with mobility challenges should exercise caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Power Dam Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Power Dam Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as water flow is typically higher during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 41°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious near the dam structure and water's edge, as the terrain may be slippery or uneven. Always supervise children closely.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Falls River, 0.1 miles away, not on Power Dam Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
26 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 12 years of record
4.22 ft
Water depth at gauge
41°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 41 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge FALLS RIVER NEAR L'ANSE, MI (0 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
28 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
31 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
33 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
28 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
24 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 late 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 L'Anse hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Power Dam Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Power Dam Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 26 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 Around Power Dam Falls
High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Power Dam Falls is located near Ocqueoc Falls in Presque Isle County, Michigan. It can be accessed via local roads, and visitors should follow signs for the Ocqueoc River or Power Dam Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the site. Visitors may need to park along the road or in designated areas nearby.
Elevation
883 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.735350° N, -88.442533° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain near the falls may be uneven. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and check local conditions before visiting.
Where to Stay
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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
Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
14.6 miles away · 0 sites
The Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of this wilderness, over the 20 foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls, and through a gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth and a mile in width. Throughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. Except for a few naturally bare slopes, most of the land is
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Ocqueoc Falls, the only universally accessible waterfall in Michigan, is located nearby and is worth a visit.
Wildlife
The area around the falls may feature local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals.
Cities near Power Dam Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
LiDAR
Aerial
Other waterfalls named Power Dam Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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