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Feel the flow this spring in the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. The area is home to dozens of scenic waterfalls, and as the snow starts to melt, the rushing water creates one of spring’s most awe-inspiring sights—here are a few waterfalls you shouldn’t miss.

Easy-to-access waterfalls

Want to see two iconic Ontonagon County waterfalls that are easy to check off your list? Agate Falls is located on M-28 east of Bruce Crossing on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. Park at the roadside lot and take the accessible trail—which spans the river, giving visitors an overhead view of the river and the waterfall—to reach the falls.

Take a short drive south from Agate Falls to find stunning views at Bond Falls, also located on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. One of the most-visited falls in the Upper Peninsula, Bond Falls is a 50-foot cascade that spills over a fractured section of rock, creating several smaller falls—and it’s especially impressive during the spring melt. A parking lot and roadside parking are available, and an accessible boardwalk provides easy viewing for all. (Note that a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for those parking in the lot.)

Waterfalls inside the state park

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is home to several scenic waterfalls, the most popular of which is the set of three falls on the Presque Isle River on the far western end of the park. As the Presque Isle River empties into Lake Superior, it travels over several sections of fractured rock to form three waterfalls: Nawadaha Falls, Manido Falls, and Manabezho Falls. A trail alongside the Presque Isle River features several overlooks and allows park visitors to walk alongside the falls—learn more here.

Nonesuch Falls sits near the historic ruins of the Nonesuch Mine along the park’s South Boundary Road, and Overlooked Falls and Greenstone Falls are easily accessible via a footpath near a parking area off South Boundary Road past Summit Peak. Shining Cloud Falls is a popular destination among backcountry hikers.

Waterfall safety

We encourage visitors to exercise caution when visiting waterfalls. Please review the winter waterfall safety tips in this article—the advice can apply to visiting some of the Porcupine Mountains’ waterfalls in spring, too.

Learn more about the waterfalls in the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County and Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula here.