Superior Falls

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula boasts almost 200 waterfalls. Most of them are off the beaten path and require some hiking to get to. They range in size from 2-3 feet to over 100 feet. At 90 feet, Superior Falls, which lies on the Montreal River in the far northwest corner of the Upper Peninsula, is one of the highest Michigan waterfalls that is easily accessible. It is also one of my favorites because of the impressive rock walls of the canyon that surround it.

Getting There…

Superior Falls is located 14 miles NW of Ironwood, MI, less than a mile from the Wisconsin border. Take Wisconsin highway 122 north from US-2 about 11 miles west of Ironwood and go about 4.5 miles to a bridge across the Montreal River. Cross the bridge (you are now back in Michigan) and turn left onto the second gravel road. Follow it to a power station, and park your car there. There is a sign pointing to the left which brings you to a viewing area across from the falls. But the real way to appreciate the beauty of these falls is to walk down into the canyon.

Clues…

Follow the Scenic Access trail down toward Lake Superior from the second parking area. After walking around the power company building, follow the narrow pathway along the river to the falls. Just before the path ends at the rocks, watch on your left for a 3-trunk birch hanging out with a neighbor of a different species. Find the box in a root cavity hidden behind several rocks. Please be discreet and be sure the box is securely replaced and concealed when you leave.

Lake Gogebic

Lake Gogebic is the Upper Peninsula’s largest inland lake at 18 miles long and 3 miles wide. The name, derived from Native American, means “Where Trout Rising to the Surface Make Rings on Still Waters.” Covering over 13,000 acres, it lies within two counties and two different time zones. The Lake Gogebic loop is one of the area’s popular color routes in the fall. You can start this tour from either end of the lake. As you drive around the lake, take the time to stop in at one of the restaurants for lunch or dinner. There are several parks along the lakeshore where you can stop and take photos, but I think the best publicly accessible viewing spot is the State Public Access Boat Ramp. The driving distance around the lake is a little over 38 miles. Take your time and enjoy this beautiful area!

Clues…

Locate the Lake Gogebic Public Access site along East Shore Road. Due East from the square boulder across the parking area you will find several rocks just inside the tree line. One sits up against the side of an oak tree. Two smaller rocks protect the box. Please search discreetly and be sure the box is secured and concealed when you leave.