About Houghton Falls
Houghton Falls is a named waterfall in Houghton County, Michigan, located about 1.3 miles northwest of Lake Linden. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Laurium 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 47°12′26″ N, 88°25′38″ W (47.20715, -88.42734). Historical sources also record the names Houghton - Douglass Falls, Douglas Houghton Falls, Houghton Douglas Falls, Douglass Houghton Falls, and Douglas Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Hammell Creek (stream, 1.5 mi), Trap Rock River (stream, 1.6 mi), and Louis Hill (cliff, 1.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Hungarian Falls, 2.7 miles to the south.
USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 36,T56N,R33W, Michigan Meridian
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Houghton Falls:
steep hikeloose stonesteep hillgorgecave explorationclimbing roperopeseasy trailclimbsafety
More Photos
282 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Houghton Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Houghton Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Detroit time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Houghton Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Houghton Falls holds a 4.7 average from 118 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Houghton Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Hammell Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
- Trap Rock River — stream, 1.6 mi
- Louis Hill — cliff, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 47.20715, -88.42734. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Houghton Falls
- Haven Falls, MI22 mi northeast
- Silver River Falls, MI24 mi northeast
- Slate River Falls, MI27 mi south
- Slide Falls, MI28 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Houghton Falls located?
Houghton Falls is in Houghton County, Michigan, about 1.3 miles northwest of Lake Linden. Its coordinates are 47.20715, -88.42734 (47°12′26″ N, 88°25′38″ W).
What town is closest to Houghton Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lake Linden, MI, about 1.3 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Houghton Falls?
The closest is Hungarian Falls (2.7 mi south). Others within reach include Upper Falls (8.6 mi), Lower Falls (8.9 mi), and Eagle River Falls (15 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Houghton Falls?
Houghton Falls appears on the USGS Laurium 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.