Waterfall · Marquette County, Michigan

Lower Falls

Waterfall about 23 miles north of West Ishpeming, MI.

Photo of Alder Falls, a waterfall 5.1 miles from Lower Falls
Pictured: nearby Alder Falls (5.1 mi)

About Lower Falls

Lower Falls is a named waterfall in Marquette County, Michigan, located about 23 miles north of West Ishpeming. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Ives Hill 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°48′55″ N, 87°48′13″ W (46.81528, -87.80361). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Spring Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), Clear Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), and Snake Creek (stream, 0.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Middle Falls, 1.1 miles to the west.

USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 13,T51N,R28W, Michigan Meridian

Weather at Lower Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast 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 Lower Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in Menominee 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 Lower Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Lower Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Spring Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
  • Clear Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
  • Snake Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
  • Ives Hill — summit, 1.6 mi
  • East Branch Snake Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
  • East Branch Salmon Trout River — stream, 1.8 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 46.81528, -87.80361. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Lower Falls

Photo of Alder Falls, a waterfall 5.9 miles from Middle Falls
Pictured: nearby Alder Falls (5.9 mi)

Middle Falls

West Ishpeming, MI · 1.1 mi west
Photo of Piers Gorge Falls, a waterfall 5.7 miles from Hogback Falls
Pictured: nearby Piers Gorge Falls (5.7 mi)

Hogback Falls

West Ishpeming, MI · 2.2 mi west
Photo of Piers Gorge Falls, a waterfall 5.9 miles from Upper Falls
Pictured: nearby Piers Gorge Falls (5.9 mi)

Upper Falls

West Ishpeming, MI · 2.3 mi west
Photo of Alder Falls, a waterfall 8.1 miles from Eighty Foot Falls
Pictured: nearby Alder Falls (8.1 mi)

Eighty Foot Falls

West Ishpeming, MI · 3.2 mi northwest
Photo of Alder Falls near Negaunee, MI

Alder Falls

Negaunee, MI · 5.1 mi southeast
4.5 (30)
Photo of Piers Gorge Falls, a waterfall 4.4 miles from Turkey Neck Falls
Pictured: nearby Piers Gorge Falls (4.4 mi)

Turkey Neck Falls

L'Anse, MI · 7.0 mi west

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lower Falls located?

Lower Falls is in Marquette County, Michigan, about 23 miles north of West Ishpeming. Its coordinates are 46.81528, -87.80361 (46°48′55″ N, 87°48′13″ W).

What town is closest to Lower Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is West Ishpeming, MI, about 23 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Lower Falls?

The closest is Middle Falls (1.1 mi west). Others within reach include Hogback Falls (2.2 mi), Upper Falls (2.3 mi), and Eighty Foot Falls (3.2 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Lower Falls?

Lower Falls appears on the USGS Ives Hill 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.