Upper Silver Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper Silver Falls
Upper Silver Falls is a peaceful cascade on the Silver River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, set within the L'Anse Reservation. The falls sit on land owned by DESG and are managed by tribal authorities (designation: TRIB), giving the site a secluded, forested character that rewards visitors looking for a quiet nature escape. Views of the river and the surrounding hardwoods make this a lovely spot for photography or a reflective pause. There isn’t a developed campground immediately nearby—the closest developed camping is in the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, about 29.06 km away—so plan accordingly. Visitors should respect tribal land and any posted access guidelines while enjoying the trail and waterfall.
The Setting
Upper Silver Falls sits at 1,437 feet within L'Anse Reservation, in the foothills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route follows forested tread along the Silver River on the L'Anse Reservation (land owner: DESG; manager/designation: TRIB). Specific USFS trail name/number, surface, grade, and class information are not provided in the available data, so expect a natural, unpaved trail and come prepared for typical woodland footing and small elevation changes.
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 Upper Silver Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Silver Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
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.
Exercise caution near the waterfall as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially in winter when the trail may be icy.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Falls River, 6.5 miles away, not on Upper Silver 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
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge FALLS RIVER NEAR L'ANSE, MI (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
28 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
31 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
33 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
30 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
27 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 Upper Silver Falls Frozen?
Updated about 6 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Upper Silver Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 34°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 Upper 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.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Upper Silver Falls is located near the town of Baraga in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It can be accessed via a short drive from US-41, followed by a gravel road leading to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but space may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,437 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.682216° N, -88.329500° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months to protect against mosquitoes.
Where to Stay
UP Escape in the Pines
Whole home, private lake, sauna, WFH office
Champion Vacation Rental with Fire Pit!
Tiny Woodland Cottage Retreat with Yard in Pelkie
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
18.1 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
Other nearby attractions include Lower Silver Falls, Canyon Falls, and the Keweenaw Bay area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of ticks during warmer months.
Cities near Upper Silver Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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