Yondota Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Yondota Falls
Yondota Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is part of the Presque Isle River system and is known for its serene surroundings and cascading waters over rocky terrain.
The Setting
Yondota Falls sits at 1,483 feet within Ottawa National Forest, in the foothills of Michigan.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Judson Falls (10 ft) lies 6.5 miles to the east. Also nearby: Nelson Canyon Falls (8 ft, 5.7 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Yondota Falls (#60065), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
YONDOTA FALLS #60065
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.33 miTrail Description
The trail to Yondota Falls is a short and easy walk through a forested area. The path is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for most visitors. The trail leads directly to the falls, where visitors can enjoy scenic views and the sound of rushing water.
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 Yondota Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Yondota Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Yondota Falls due to higher water flow, but summer and fall also offer beautiful scenery. Winter visits may be possible but could require additional preparation for snow and ice.
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
Exercise caution near the falls as the rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West Branch Ontonagon River, 12.8 miles away, not on Yondota Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
44 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
1.44 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
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 WEST BRANCH ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR BERGLAND, MI (21 km away).
Today
Moderate
44 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
46 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
47 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
44 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
40 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
41 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early 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 Marenisco hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Yondota Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 2 more freezing days forecast
Yondota Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 30°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
- 43 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
Location & Access
Getting There
Yondota Falls is located near Marenisco, Michigan, in the Ottawa National Forest. It can be accessed via a short drive from US-2, followed by a gravel road leading to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it may be limited in size.
Elevation
1,483 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.430200° N, -89.684081° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
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. Consider visiting in the spring when water flow is typically at its peak.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn Ironwood
Boulder Bear Motor Lodge
Great Northern Hotel
North Ironwood Acres - Black River Lodge
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
Bessemer Ranger District
3 miles away · 0 sites
Bessemer Ranger District has a variety of traditional lands, fisheries, and timber programs with new challenges in wildlife partnerships, in recreation (Region 9's only Harbor) and with management of our Wild and Scenic Rivers, and Scenic Byway. The district has an excellent reputation for being team participants at both the district and Forest levels.There is something for everyone with 32 waterfalls; 1200 miles of rivers and streams; over 1,100 lakes; and 30 miles of Lake Superior shoreline jus
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby waterfalls in the Ottawa National Forest include Agate Falls and Bond Falls. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is also within driving distance.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Yondota Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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