Otter Falls
As the wide, shallow Otter River winds a path east to join Sturgeon River it flows over a few rounded slabs of sandstone north of Alston. The tallest set of drops sit right on a sharp bend, just below Brule Creek’s inlet, and some smaller falls lie downstream beyond a cabin on the south bank. Thick woods surround the river on both sides, creating a pleasantly shady river valley.
Directions
Several different paths lead to Otter Falls. None are particularly great.
The easiest way involves a bit of trespassing. Head west on M-38 out of Baraga, driving for 12 miles or so before turning right on N Laird Heights Road in Alston. At 2 miles this road turns into Tauriainen Road, which runs straight into Otter Falls after another 1.7 miles. Before the river the road crosses into private property, as it leads directly to a cabin near Otter Falls.
For a indirect route turn at Hazel Road off of M-38, 11 miles out of Baraga, and head north about 3.2 miles. The road jags over to the left and becomes Hazel Swamp Road after N Laird Road. Park near the powerlines a short distance down Hazel Swamp Road, following the access road until you hit Otter River. Turn and follow Otter River (not the track, as it veers away from the river) up to the falls. Try to cross the river before hitting the falls, as the cabin is on the east bank.
To completely avoid the cabin stay on M-38 past Alston and turn on Pike Lake Road in Nisula. Turn right on the second track leading right on the far side of Otter River, about 2.6 miles north of Nisula. Drive or walk down these two-tracks, bearing right on the first fork at .5 miles and right again at the intersection at 1.8 miles. Follow it until you notice that the land on your left is dropping away - this will be the west bank of Brule Creek. Follow the creek downstream until it bumps into Otter River. The falls are a short distance downstream.
Photographs
Visits
Seen in April and July.
- full yet not impressively so
The river was full yet not impressively so. Extra water just rounded out the little drops more and masked any direct plunges. After exploring the downstream section thoroughly it seemed clear that the main drop was upstream, up where Brule and Otter Rivers meet; the river drops five or six feet over two slanted shelves of smooth sandstone, separated by a deep pool. That pool would probably make for excellent summer swimming.
The drop was over smooth sandstone ledges, just steep enough to break the surface into foam at a few spots. They were pretty but not terribly impressive. I saw some downstream drops but there was something else there too, just on the bank: the cabin. With a sinking feeling I realized we were only a few hundred yards from my first visit and that the cabin was smack in the middle of the series of tiny waterfalls.
- small drops barely breaking the water into white
Otter Falls was tiny. Small, foot-high drops were well-worn and rounded, barely breaking the water into white. I took a few photos, wading in the water for a more direct view, before I noticed a cabin on the bank ahead of me. Not only were the falls tiny, but the land around them was private.
Comments
1 comment
Couldn't get to otter falls the easy path, ask along the two track are no trespassing signs
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