Upper Silver River Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
120 ft
About Upper Silver River Falls
Upper Silver River Falls is a serene, forest-framed cascade on the Silver River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The falls sit amid mature northern hardwoods and create a peaceful setting that’s perfect for a quick nature break or photography stop. The hike to the viewing area is short and family-friendly: a 0.8-mile out-and-back route that climbs roughly 120 feet, making it an easy outing for most visitors. Because the trail is brief and mostly gentle, Upper Silver River Falls is a popular choice for hikers looking for a rewarding destination without a long trek. The path threads through shaded woods to a close vantage point of the falls; expect some uneven footing and roots near the stream. The nearest established campground is the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness campground, about 29.83 km away, if you’re planning a longer stay in the region.
The Setting
Upper Silver River Falls sits at 1,703 feet along the Falls River, in the hills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 120 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Out-and-back, 0.8 miles round trip with about 120 feet of elevation gain. Rated easy, the trail follows a short forested route to the waterfall and is suitable for most fitness levels. Expect a primarily natural tread that can be uneven in places (roots and rocks), and wear sturdy shoes for traction. The hike’s modest grade makes it accessible for families and casual hikers seeking a quick hike to a scenic waterfall.
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 River Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Silver River Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter provides a unique frozen waterfall experience.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Exercise caution near the water's edge, as rocks can be slick. Always let someone know your plans if visiting remote areas.
Current Water Conditions
18 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 12 years of record
4.04 ft
Water depth at gauge
51°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water. 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 (12 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
20 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
17 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
3/10Best window: Fri — barely flowing flow, mostly 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.
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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 65 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,703 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 57 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 56 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,703 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 65 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Upper Silver River Falls is located near the town of Baraga in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It can be accessed via forest roads, but the exact route may require local maps or GPS guidance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is typically available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should check local conditions before visiting.
Elevation
1,703 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.674250° N, -88.316483° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rains for the most impressive water flow. Bring bug spray during the summer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Winter visits may require snowshoes or traction devices due to icy conditions.
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For this easy 0.8 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.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
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
18.5 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 waterfalls in the area include Lower Silver River Falls and Canyon Falls. The nearby town of Baraga offers amenities and additional outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of bears, especially during the spring and fall.
Cities near Upper Silver River Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Aerial
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