Rose Falls (East)
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Rose Falls (East)
Rose Falls (East) is a quiet, lesser-known cascade tucked into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offering a peaceful spot for hikers who prefer solitude to crowds. The falls are best enjoyed in the calm of the surrounding forest, where the steady sound of falling water provides a scenic reward at the end of a short hike. Its tucked-away character makes it a lovely choice for photography, contemplative visits, or a casual half-day outing. The setting is forested and well-shaded, making it pleasant on warm days; overall the route is rated moderate and suits hikers comfortable with some uphill walking and a steady but manageable elevation gain.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail runs through well-shaded, forested terrain and provides occasional glimpses of the surrounding woods on the approach to the falls. Surface, grade, and official trail class information from the USFS are not provided; expect a short hike with steady uphill sections on the way to the waterfall and an easy return on the out-and-back route.
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 Rose Falls (East)?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rose Falls (East)?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall view.
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 of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Escanaba River, 4.7 miles away, not on Rose Falls (East)'s own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
426 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 86 years of record
1.55 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 about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 41 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ESCANABA RIVER AT CORNELL, MI (8 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
460 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
451 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
470 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
447 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
418 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
426 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
432 cfs
5/10Best window: Mon — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Rock hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Rose Falls (East) Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Rose Falls (East) is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 57°F to 32°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 426 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 measures about 39 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Rose Falls (East). The ground at the falls is roughly 826 feet above sea level.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 826 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 39 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Rose Falls (East) is located in a remote area of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Access typically involves driving on unpaved roads, and visitors should consult local maps or GPS for precise directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but it may be limited and unpaved.
Elevation
827 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.973056° N, -87.245833° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or uneven in places. 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
Cornell Home w/ Fire Pit & Hunting Access!
Terrace Bay Hotel - Lakefront
#7 Kipling Cottages Last Resort on Lake Michigan
Hillcrest Motel
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
West Zone
13.4 miles away · 0 sites
The West Unit is located in the central of the Upper Peninsula, bordering two of the Great Lakes - Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The western portion of the Hiawatha extends from the towns of Rapid River and Manistique, along Lake Michigan, to the town of Munising on the Lake Superior shore. For information about free educational campground programs on these three Ranger Districts, visit the Events page.
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, such as Laughing Whitefish Falls and Munising Falls, are within driving distance.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Rose Falls (East)
Nearby Waterfalls
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