Power Dam Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
10 ft
About Power Dam Falls
Power Dam Falls is a small but scenic waterfall located near Norway, Michigan. It is part of the Menominee River and is situated near a hydroelectric dam, which influences the water flow. The falls are surrounded by forested areas, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Sand Portage Falls (5 ft) lies 9.0 miles to the west.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Power Dam Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
The trail to Power Dam Falls is short and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It leads through a wooded area to a viewing spot near the falls. The trail may be uneven in some places, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Power Dam Falls?
✅ Dogs are 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 levels are typically higher due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery and currents may be strong. Stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the dam.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sturgeon River, 2.4 miles away, not on Power Dam Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
133 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 15 years of record
1.72 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge STURGEON RIVER AT US HWY-2 AT LORETTO, MI (4 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
144 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
152 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
148 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
128 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
120 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
118 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
117 cfs
5/10Best window: Sat — 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 Norway 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 60°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
- 134 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 97 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 884 feet.
The ground changes about 68 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 27 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 884 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 97 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Power Dam Falls is located approximately 6 miles from Norway, Michigan. The falls can be accessed via Power Dam Road, which leads to the vicinity of the hydroelectric dam. Visitors should follow signs for the dam and park in designated areas nearby.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the dam. Visitors should ensure they park in designated areas and avoid blocking access roads.
Elevation
883 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.790000° N, -87.783333° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during spring or after heavy rains for the best water flow. Bring insect repellent during summer months, as mosquitoes may be present. Be cautious near the water, as rocks can be slippery.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Pine Mountain Resort
Mountain Host Motor Inn
Comfort Inn Iron Mountain North
Motel 6 Norway MI
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Piers Gorge, a popular spot for hiking and whitewater rafting, and the town of Norway, which offers dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish in the river.
Cities near Power Dam Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Power Dam Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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