West Branch Yellow Dog Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About West Branch Yellow Dog Falls
West Branch Yellow Dog Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is part of the Yellow Dog River system and is known for its serene, forested surroundings and cascading waters. The falls are a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat.
The Setting
West Branch Yellow Dog Falls sits at 1,535 feet within Ottawa National Forest, in the hills of Michigan.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Yellow Dog Falls (#60112-B), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is minimally developed (Class 1).
USFS Trail
YELLOW DOG FALLS #60112-B
Trail Class
Minimally Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.14 miTrail Description
The trail to West Branch Yellow Dog Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a forested area. The path is well-trodden but may be muddy or uneven in places, especially after rain. The trail follows the Yellow Dog River, offering scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
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 West Branch Yellow Dog Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at West Branch Yellow Dog Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique, snowy landscape for those prepared for cold conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Ottawa National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should exercise caution on wet or slippery rocks near the falls. Be prepared for limited cell service and carry a map or GPS device. During winter, the trail may be icy or snow-covered, requiring additional preparation.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Salmon Trout River, 5.8 miles away, not on West Branch Yellow Dog Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
5 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 21 years of record
0.38 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°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 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 SALMON TROUT RIVER NEAR BIG BAY, MI (9 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
7 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
6 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
6 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — 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 Michigamme hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is West Branch Yellow Dog Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded 2 more freezing days forecast
West Branch Yellow Dog Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 32°F. 2 freezing days are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 2 of the next 7
- Flow
- 5 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 shows the creek losing roughly 104 feet through West Branch Yellow Dog Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,530 feet.
The ground changes about 25 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 37 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
- 1,530 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 104 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
The falls are located near Big Bay, Michigan, in Marquette County. Access is typically via County Road 510 and a network of forest roads. Visitors should be prepared for unpaved and potentially rough roads leading to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but space may be limited. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,535 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.721944° N, -87.962500° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, as the trail may be muddy or uneven. Bring insect repellent during warmer months to protect against mosquitoes. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Travelodge by Wyndham Ishpeming/Marquette
Jasper Ridge Inn Ishpeming
Champion Vacation Rental with Fire Pit!
UP Escape in the Pines
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
Other nearby attractions include Yellow Dog Falls (main falls), Big Bay, and the Huron Mountain area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of black bears, which are present in the region.
Cities near West Branch Yellow Dog Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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