Alder Falls

Set deep in a narrow gorge and draining a small swamp, Alder Falls twists and winds its way around massive Huron Mountain outcroppings to form several waterfalls. The largest drop is around ten feet high, fanning down black volcanic rock in a spreading cascade. A jumble of large rocks below the drop allow easy direct views of the shaded waterfall while serving as a reminder of the power held within the small creek.

Upstream from the main drop and a few smooth, tiny dips is the second waterfall. Sliding along a huge angled slab of rock, Alder Creek pours over a rocky obstruction to form a jumbled and foaming five foot waterfall. Continuing up the river, past a sharp twist, lies the third drop, a series of tiny chutes pouring into a deep, inaccessible pool. The final waterfall is a short distance beyond this, another tiny chute wedged between boulders and pouring into a mess of rocks.

On either side of the third and fourth drops are two large outcroppings. With low leaf cover Lake Independence is visible in the east from the tops of these mounds. A few fire rings and some litter mark these spots as frequent camping spots. Also close by are the eastern and western Alder Hills.

Directions

Turn west off of County Road 550 on the sandy two-track that is three miles south of Big Bay (just past a house and large metal machine shed). An open area for parking opens up on the right side about .7 miles up the road, park here and head down the path leading northwest down the steep hill. The well-defined path leads right to the first, largest waterfall.

To get to the other drops just head upstream. Paths wind their way around a bit and the river isn’t hard to follow. The large pool below the third drop is difficult to get around and may involve climbing up one of the steep outcroppings. The outcropping on the left offers views of Lake Independence (depending on leaf cover), so stick to that side to go up and around to the last waterfall.

Photographs

Visits

Seen in April and October.

April 10, 2010 gushing spring flow
We spent a lot of time at the first drop, admiring the gushing spring flow over the tall rock wall, before eventually climbing up and heading to the upper drops. There are two bluffs near the third drop, one on each side of the river, and the western one is a good twenty or more feet taller than the other. When I reached the top I got a real kick out of the awesome view of Lake Independence beyond the bare trees.
October 19, 2008
We bumped straight into the tall lower drop. Amazed by the size and easy hike we paused here, taking in the impressive fanning drop before heading upstream. There were three more drops upstream and we found each one by sticking close to the river; a deep pool sits below the third drop, with steep rock walls too sharp to get around, forcing us to climb up and over tall outcroppings to reach the small upper drop. The detour was worth it. Thanks to the bare trees we were able to make out Lake Independence and Superior far to the east.