Are there fees or permits required for Silver Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Silver Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Silver Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Silver Falls.

Nearby gauge (Silver River) · 45 ft³/s · About average

Silver Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Silver Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Silver Falls.

Michigan

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

3D terrain

Also For 16 other waterfalls also named Silver Falls, see below

L'Anse Reservation TRIBL · DESG

Photo Credits (5)

daveumich CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Billy Wilson Photography CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Silver Falls

Silver Falls is a picturesque waterfall on the Silver River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a short drive from the town of Baraga. Cascading through a quiet, forested canyon, the falls are a favorite for photographers and hikers who appreciate a peaceful, scenic stop amid northern hardwoods. The falls sit within the L'Anse Reservation — owned by DESG and managed by TRIB — so visitors should be mindful that this is tribal land and follow any posted rules or access guidance. There are no developed campgrounds immediately nearby; the closest listed campground is Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, roughly 33.8 km away, so most visitors plan Silver Falls as a day hike.

The Setting

Silver Falls sits at 696 feet within L'Anse Reservation, in the foothills of Michigan.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The route follows a forest footpath that winds to the falls; official surface, grade, and trail class data are not specified. Expect natural tread that can be muddy or slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear and steady footing are recommended.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Silver Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Silver Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Silver Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in the fall and winter.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Silver River, 1.2 miles away, not on Silver Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

45 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

26 35 92 166

Based on 25 years of record

6.68 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

SILVER RIVER NEAR L'ANSE, MI

USGS 04043150

1.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 65 sq mi

Altitude: 616 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SILVER RIVER NEAR L'ANSE, MI (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

45 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

49 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Low

56 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

68 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

67 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

60 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

56 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

53 cfs

5/10

Best 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 Zeba hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Silver Falls Frozen?

Updated about 6 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Silver Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 37°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 48 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 Silver 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.

Aerial view of the ground around Silver Falls near Zeba, Michigan

The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Silver Falls is located approximately 8 miles east of Baraga, Michigan. Visitors can access the falls via Skanee Road, followed by a short drive on a gravel road leading to the trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but space may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

696 feet above sea level

Coordinates

46.792709° N, -88.336517° W

Land Management

L'Anse Reservation TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit in the spring or after heavy rains for the most impressive water flow. Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy. Bug spray is recommended during the summer months.

Where to Stay

Independence Stay Hotel and Long term suites

9.6 54 reviews

Trailside Furnished Apartment

9.0 7 reviews

AC4 Northwoods Getaway w Jetted Tub

UP Escape in the Pines

10.0 1 reviews

See all hotels near Iron River

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness

21 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.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Baraga State Park, Mount Arvon (Michigan's highest point), and the Keweenaw Bay.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of mosquitoes and other insects during warmer months.