What is the best way to spend a rainy day? Chasing waterfalls, of course! You might expect a river with the name Dead River to be still or stagnant, but you’d be wrong. Located in Marquette, Michigan, this waterway is anything but dead.
This river is a powerhouse. It drops over 90 feet in a short mile stretch, creating a sequence of extraordinarily beautiful and unique waterfalls. The hike follows the river’s edge. It has rugged sections with plenty of slippery roots and rocks, and muddy, steep slopes. Every step, though, takes you closer to some of Michigan’s prettiest and most dramatic cascades.
The Hike and the Waterfalls
The first waterfall is just beyond the start of the trail. It is the least impressive of the bunch.
As you continue upriver, the trail gets rougher. It is still easy to follow, but it does get steep and rocky/rooty in some areas. It is important to watch your footing, especially in the sections right along the river’s edge.
Be prepared to cross a couple of small inlets. Logs and sticks have been laid down as makeshift bridges. If you have poor balance or aren’t carrying poles, you may end up getting wet.
If you choose to take on the trail and keep moving upriver, I promise you won’t be disappointed with the beauty the Dead River has to offer.
The second drop is a very large split rock drop with many smaller drops below it. It was roaring while I was there.
Moving further upstream, the thundering roar of the waterfalls gave way to a deceptive stillness. Here, the river pools into a remarkably calm section known as “Dead River Pond”. The water is calm and smooth. It gives no hint of the chaos of waterfalls just around the bend. I’m guessing most people stop here, thinking that’s the last of the drops. But my favorite drop has yet to be seen.
Beyond the calm of the Dead River Pond, the trail becomes even more rugged and difficult to follow. Stick with it and you’ll soon be rewarded with the largest drop in the series. The Dead River is violently squeezed between two towering rock faces, creating a powerful, single-plunge waterfall that is easily over 15 feet in height.
Climbing to the top was an adventure in itself, but I was able to get a better view of the waterfall from above. As well as see the final, smaller waterfall on the Dead River before it smooths back out into a calm, quiet river. At least for a little while. There are more waterfalls upstream.
Getting to Dead River Falls
Getting to the waterfalls is fairly straightforward. Google Maps will get you to the parking lot. From there, follow the steep, gravel hill up to the top of the dam and take the stairs left into the woods. Let your ears guide you up the river from there.
Don’t Forget…
Visiting Dead River Falls is an adventure worth taking. With such rugged beauty, however, comes a serious call for respect. Stay safe and respect the falls by:
- Follow Leave No Trace Principles to keep it wild and pristine
- Use common sense
- Watch your footing near the slick edges and powerful currents
- Respect the raw nature of the trail – do not attempt unsafe climbs
- Consider bringing hiking poles for stability on the steep, rooty sections
Follow these tips, and you can safely enjoy one of Michigan’s most breathtaking and untamed scenic places.
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