Waterfalls Near Houghton, MI - Cold Coast Travel

The waterfalls near Houghton, MI, are among the most impressive in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Within 13 miles of downtown Houghton, you can:

Stand below the tallest waterfall in Michigan (Douglass Houghton Falls)
Walk along the ancient Keweenaw Fault (Hungarian Falls)
Watch water cascade through one of two surviving steel dams in the U.S. (Redridge Falls)

Each of these waterfalls is located within 15-20 minutes of Houghton and Hancock. They’re accessible year-round, though you might need to break out your snowshoes for a winter visit.

1. Hungarian Falls

Hungarian Falls flows over sandstone cliffs near Houghton, MI — Middle Hungarian Falls; in the winter, you’ll often spot ice climbers scaling the frozen cliffs.

Of all the waterfalls near Houghton, MI, Hungarian Falls is the easiest to reach. Located about 15 minutes from Houghton, this area features multiple waterfalls, each with a distinct vibe. Take the lower trail for a fun uphill hike, or use the upper route for a flat, gentle approach. (And if you’re up for a hike, there’s also a hidden waterfall that most visitors miss.) The falls are accessible year-round. Looking for directions, GPS coordinates, and a trail map? Read our guide to Hungarian Falls.

2. Douglass Houghton Falls

Douglass Houghton Falls is the tallest waterfall in Michigan — and one of the most dangerous. Here, Hammell Creek drops more than 100 feet over a treacherous rock cliff. Keep in mind that while this waterfall is located on public land, officials don’t recommend visiting until access is improved. You can see photos of the steep hike and a video of the waterfall in our guide to Douglass Houghton Falls.

3. Redridge Falls

Redridge Falls flows through the black steel Redridge Dam — Redridge Falls appears only during the spring snowmelt and after heavy rains

Redridge Falls, which is located on the Salmon Trout River, sits about 11 miles from Houghton. This seasonal waterfall is worth a visit when it’s running, but the Redridge Steel Dam is the real attraction — it’s one of just three steel dams ever built in the United States. Bring your fishing gear, or spend an hour exploring the dam and the historic reservoir behind it. Find out more about Redridge Falls and the Redridge Steel Dam.

4. Quincy Falls

Of all the waterfalls near Houghton, MI, Quincy Falls is the most challenging to reach. There’s no trail, so you have to do a bit of bushwhacking to get in — and at the end, there’s a steep climb down an unstable slope. Wear long sleeves and pants; this is tick country. If you’re not in the mood to clamber through the woods, you can still catch a glimpse of a few small waterfalls. Learn more about visiting Quincy Falls.

Best Time to Visit the Waterfalls Near Houghton, MI

The waterfalls near Houghton are most active in the spring; melting snow increases water levels and flow rates. The rest of the year, the falls provide a quieter, more relaxing experience — and since the water is low, you can often climb across the streams and get closer to the water. Douglass Houghton Falls is particularly impressive year-round due to its sheer height; Hungarian Falls is always worth visiting for the pleasant hike and wide variety of waterfalls.

Looking for more outdoor adventures in Houghton? Discover the rare beauty of Michigan’s coastline at one of the beaches near Houghton, MI, or try hiking near Houghton, MI. You can also explore the beaches near Hancock, MI.