Lower Cliff Falls
Before the Cliff River flows into Mountain Lake it passes through a deep canyon carved from ancient glacial forces. This canyon, with dramatic rock walls, has a rather mundane and even floor, giving Cliff River a chance to spread out and swing back in forth in a narrow little swamp. Before the river enters the canyon, though, it first tumbles down a large set of boulders to form a small waterfall.
Directions
From Big Erick’s Bridge head east down Erick’s Road for 4 miles, turning left onto the Northwestern Road. Take this for 2.2 miles to a small, sandy area with relatively young pines stretching away to the right. Turn left here, driving past the Cliff Falls Hunting Club. After 1.5 miles bear right, staying with the river, and then park after an additional 1 mile. Park near the camping site and head downhill to the Cliff Falls.
From Cliff Falls you can either drive or walk down the road .5 miles to where the road fords Cliff River. Continue following the road another mile, bearing left at the only fork, until you meet up with Cliff River again. The waterfall is about a quarter mile downstream from here. The road continues to worsen after Cliff Falls, which is why it may be easier to walk this stretch than to drive it.
Photographs
Visits
Seen in April.
A few dozen yards west and we hit a decent sized cascade over boulders. This was too far downstream to count as part of Cliff Falls so I decided to call it Lower Cliff Falls. It was small, maybe five feet tall in all, but it gave some level of validation for our long hike north. The cliffs above it are truly ridiculous, much steeper and harsher than most features any of us had seen in the Upper Peninsula, and almost certainly what gave this river its name.
Comments
2 comments
I've been along the Cedar from the Northwestern and across to Cliff River/Falls. You picked a tough time of the year and I'm very impressed with the groups apparent "sisu"! There is some difficult ground along that route. Sounds like you do a good job guiding!
Ha, it was one heck of a haul. Thought I was going to have to haul a few of them over a shoulder! The views, though, especially of the cliffs around the lower Cliff River, are fantastic. Only wished we could have gotten a better angle of Mountain Lake on this trip. Thanks Gary!
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