Rainbow Falls
Access Do not try to cross the river above the falls. In July 2020 a hiker lost her footing doing exactly that and was carried over the drop; the current at the lip is far stronger than it looks and can kill. The far bank should be reached by the footbridge at the harbor instead.
Rainbow Falls is the lowermost of the Black River Falls, a wild chain of drops before the river enters Lake Superior. This waterfall is one of the taller ones, dropping over a slide of conglomerate that ends in a sudden plunge in a deep pit, creating a deep roar of foamy water. A viewing platform stands at the crest although the views are limited. The better view is from the far bank, and the way there is the footbridge at the river mouth, not the river. In July 2020 a 22-year-old hiker tried to wade across just above the falls, lost her footing, and went over; the crossing is the mistake that kills here, and it looks easier than it is.
Directions
Head north from US-2 out of Bessemer onto Black River Road via N Moore Road. This route is also known as County Road 513 and should be well marked. Continue on Black River Road for 15 miles and park at the parking area. This is the last riverside parking area south of the harbor, if you’d rather visit the mouth of the river first. Follow the trail and wooden stairs down to the waterfall.
Photographs
Comments
5 comments
I thought you might like to know that there is a foot bridge at the mouth of the river and if you take it across, you'll get a fantastic view of this fall.
Hi Pam, that's great to know! The trail that comes up from the bridge... Does it continue through to all of the falls?
Thank you Pam for telling about this other way to see the falls. It was very pretty. We went up to see these water falls last week. Jacob this trail does continue to see the other water falls. This trial goes to Presque Isle and it is 5 mile hike.
Thanks for the update, Christy. Glad to hear you made it out there :)
July 2020
The search for a missing Wisconsin woman continues, this from ABC 10.
On Saturday evening, Stephanie Narvaez, of Watertown, WI and Karl Nelson of Milwaukee, WI, were hiking in the Rainbow Falls area, when Narvaez lost her footing attempting to cross the Black River, just above the waterfall.
She fell in, and went over the falls.
Nelson attempted to save her, but was unsuccessful.
Divers from the Michigan State Police have yet to find Narvaez, after searching all weekend.
Strong currents and rough underwater terrain, have hampered rescue efforts.
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