Laughing Whitefish Falls
Photo: Smaller-waterfall-web.jpg · cc by 2.5 · Jamie Dolan

Laughing Whitefish Falls

100-foot cascade on Laughing Whitefish River · Alger County, Michigan

100' tall 1 mi hike Moderate 🐕 Dog Friendly
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Known For

Scout's Notes

This 100-foot cascade is a showstopper that'll surprise you with its size once you reach it. The half-mile walk in follows a wide, well-maintained dirt trail through shaded forest, with the Laughing Whitefish River keeping you company along the way. You'll hear the falls before you see them, and when you arrive at the first viewing platform, you're practically standing on top of the waterfall looking down. The real magic happens when you descend the staircase — there are about 155 steps total, broken up by rest platforms with benches every 20-30 steps. The DNR rebuilt these stairs recently with sturdy metal grating on the sides, making the descent feel secure even if you're not great with heights. From the bottom, the falls spread out in a beautiful fan shape across the rock face. Spring snowmelt creates a thunderous cascade, while late summer reduces flow but reveals more of the interesting rock formations. The gravel access road can get bumpy and has some potholes, but any vehicle can make it. Mosquitoes and black flies can be brutal in June and July — multiple reviewers mentioned having to jog parts of the trail to escape them, so bring serious bug spray.

Getting There

Nearest Town

Sundell, MI

County

Alger County

Park / Forest

Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site

Coordinates

46.3839, -87.0692

The Hike

Distance (one-way)

1 miles

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Type

Trail

Know Before You Go

✅
Parking
✅
Restrooms
—
ADA Access
🆓
Free
🌊
Best: Spring

Michigan Recreation Passport required

Parking: Gravel circle drive with room for about 20 cars

Restrooms: Vault toilet at trailhead, clean and maintained

Pets: Dogs welcome on trails

Seasonal: Most powerful during April-May snowmelt. Still beautiful in fall with colorful foliage. Can have moderate flow in summer.

Heads up: 155 steps to bottom viewing platform, can be icy in winter. Some visitors climb off-trail to falls base - use caution on slippery rocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the hike to Laughing Whitefish Falls?

It's an easy half-mile walk from the parking area to the falls on a wide, well-maintained trail. The round trip including the stairs is about 1 mile total.

How many stairs are there at Laughing Whitefish Falls?

There are approximately 155 steps from the top viewing platform down to the bottom of the falls. The staircase has multiple rest platforms with benches along the way, and sturdy handrails throughout.

Do I need a Recreation Passport for Laughing Whitefish Falls?

Yes, this is a state park facility and requires either a Michigan Recreation Passport or a day-use fee. Bring cash or check and a pen if you don't already have the passport.

What's the road like to get to Laughing Whitefish Falls?

The access road is about a mile of gravel/dirt that can be bumpy with some potholes. Any vehicle can make it in normal conditions, but the road isn't plowed in winter.

Are dogs allowed at Laughing Whitefish Falls?

Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails. Keep them on leash and be prepared for the stairs if you plan to go to the bottom viewing area.

When is the best time to visit Laughing Whitefish Falls?

Spring (April-May) offers the most powerful water flow from snowmelt. Fall provides beautiful colors. Summer has less water but better weather. Mosquitoes and biting flies are worst in June-July.

Can you see Laughing Whitefish Falls without going down all the stairs?

Yes! The first viewing platform at the top of the stairs offers a unique perspective where you're practically standing above the falls. You can also see portions of the falls from platforms partway down.

Is Laughing Whitefish Falls worth visiting?

Absolutely — visitors consistently rate it as one of their favorite UP waterfalls. The 100-foot cascade is much larger and more impressive than most people expect, and the trail is short enough for all ages.

How bad are the bugs at Laughing Whitefish Falls?

Mosquitoes and biting flies can be aggressive, especially June through August. Multiple reviewers mentioned needing to jog portions of the trail. Bring strong bug spray and consider wearing long sleeves.

Can you get to the base of Laughing Whitefish Falls?

While the official trail ends at the bottom viewing platform, some visitors do climb off-trail to reach the actual base of the falls. Use extreme caution as rocks are slippery — one reviewer mentioned having to hold onto trees to avoid slipping.

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