Powerhouse Falls

dramatic drop on the Falls River

Powerhouse Falls is a large, direct cascade over layered slate nestled close to an abandoned cement building (a hydraulic powerhouse). A large parking lot, clearing, and pavilion offers a place to have events and rest near the falls, turning the spot into a pleasant town park. The drops itself is one of the most dramatic on Falls River, the sharp cascade being around six feet tall, taller than many of the lower rolling and sliding drops. Upstream from these falls lie some old remains from the removed dam and some more small drops, including Power Dam Falls.

Directions

Heading south on US-41 from the Baraga County Tourism Bureau/Subway entrance of L’Anse go to Power Dam Road and turn right, about 1.2 miles up the hill. Power Dam Road has a sharp bend but stay on it, passing East River Drive. Right before you hit the dead end turn right with a sign for Powerhouse Falls. The waterfall is right at the end of the road. Follow the river upstream a short distance to view more falls.

Photographs

Visits

Seen in April, June and November.

April 7, 2009 only slightly swollen; we missed the surge
Powerhouse Falls did not look that different, though. We must have missed the surge on Falls River by a few weeks.
November 1, 2008
I had been here plenty of times already this year but figured it would be a nice place to relax. Logan and I walked around a bit, stretching our legs, while I regrouped and planned the rest of the day.
June 26, 2008
Within sight of the old cement power house I led us back to the road. There was a lot of places to visit today and Katie was waiting for us; it didn't seem worth it to revisit this drop again.

2 earlier visits

June 18, 2008
This was where I had dropped the camera just a few days ago, and I didn't get a chance to take any photos of the main waterfall before the accident. Not wanting to waste any time I headed straight to the cement building and snapped a bunch of pictures of the falls and upper drops. Curious about the old building we peered in a few of the glass windows, checking out the old equipment in the dark interior.
June 14, 2008 rushing, roaring
There was little doubt of the cascading water tight against the small cement building, smaller drops both up and downstream. I still was suspicious of more waterfalls nearby so I headed downstream first, along the slanted riverbed, before any photos of the main falls. A few hundred feet later and a misplaced step stole my balance, spilling me into the river and dropping my camera in the process.