Upper Alder Falls #1

waterfall · Marquette County, Michigan

0.25 mi hike Moderate
Get Directions →

Scout's Notes

Alder Falls is one of those UP gems that rewards the adventurous — a stunning 30-foot tiered cascade that you can literally stand inside, but getting there takes some effort. The two-track logging road off Big Bay Road is your first test: sandy, rutted, and steep in spots that'll have sedans scraping bottom. Most folks with AWD manage fine in dry conditions, but after rain or snow you'll want true 4WD. The tiny trailhead sign (look for 'No Motorized Vehicles') is easy to miss — if you hit a sketchy little wooden bridge, you've gone too far. From there it's a short but legitimately steep scramble down through roots and rocks for about a quarter mile. The payoff is huge: a thundering waterfall in a magical forest setting where you can explore behind the falls and find more cascades upstream. This isn't a manicured tourist spot with railings and steps — it's raw UP hiking that demands good boots with solid tread and careful footing, especially on the way back up.

Getting There

Nearest Town

, MI

County

Marquette County

Coordinates

46.7790, -87.7118

The Hike

Distance (one-way)

0.25 miles

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Type

Trail

Know Before You Go

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

Parking: Small cleared area fits 2 vehicles at trailhead. Additional pull-offs along road

Seasonal: High water flow in spring makes falls most impressive. Can visit year-round but road conditions worse in wet seasons

Heads up: Very steep trail with exposed roots, slippery rocks at base, no railings or safety features

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the trailhead to Alder Falls?

Look for an unmarked sandy two-track road off Big Bay Road, just past a house with a tin roof structure. Drive down this logging road until you see a small parking area on the left that fits about 2 cars. The trailhead is marked by a small 'No Motorized Vehicles or Litter' sign on the right side of the road. If you reach a small wooden bridge over a creek, you've gone too far.

What kind of vehicle do I need for the road to Alder Falls?

The logging road has deep ruts, soft sand, and steep sections that bottom out sedans. AWD vehicles typically manage fine in dry conditions, but true 4WD is recommended during wet weather or spring mud season. Many visitors park along Big Bay Road and hike the extra 0.7-1 mile rather than risk their vehicles.

How difficult is the hike to Alder Falls?

While only about a quarter mile long, the trail is legitimately steep with exposed roots and rocks, earning it a moderate difficulty rating. The descent to the falls is manageable with care, but the climb back up is strenuous. Good hiking boots with solid tread are essential, as several visitors reported near-falls on the steep sections.

Can you go behind Alder Falls?

Yes! One of the unique features of Alder Falls is that you can walk behind and practically stand inside the waterfall. The rock formations create natural spaces to explore around and behind the 30-foot cascade.

Are there other waterfalls upstream from Alder Falls?

Yes, if you follow Alder Creek upstream from the main falls, you'll find several smaller waterfalls worth exploring. These additional cascades make the challenging access even more rewarding for those who make the effort.

Why is Alder Falls so hard to find?

The falls are intentionally kept unmarked and undeveloped by authorities, likely to preserve its wild character and limit visitor impact. The tiny trail sign is easily hidden by summer foliage, and GPS coordinates in some apps are incorrect. This keeps crowds away but means you need good directions.

When is the best time to visit Alder Falls?

Spring offers the most powerful water flow from snowmelt, while sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting for photography. Summer brings easier road conditions but also significant bugs and flies — bring bug spray. The falls flow year-round but can freeze into beautiful formations in winter.

Is Alder Falls safe for kids or elderly visitors?

The steep, rooted trail with no safety features makes this challenging for young children or anyone with mobility concerns. There are no railings, and the rocks near the falls are slippery. This is best suited for able-bodied hikers comfortable with unimproved wilderness trails.

← All Michigan Waterfalls | UP Waterfalls