Alder Falls
This might be a bold statement, but Alder Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. Located a few minutes outside of Big Bay, access to the falls is via a truck trail and involves trespassing on private property. The owner doesn’t mind respectful visitors, but at their request, directions to these falls were removed from this site. That said, respectful visitors are welcome, and finding this waterfall shouldn’t be too challenging.
Once you reach the falls, there are several large rocky outcroppings below the falls, huge tree trunks stretching across Alder Creek, and small pools created by the flow of the water. There are a few places to cross the creek, but your ability to do this will depend on the season and how much water is flowing over the falls. Once you’ve reached the other side, a short way up the creek, there’s another small waterfall. Although not as triumphant as the main drop, this part of Alder Falls is very quaint. There’s a clearing here with a man-made fire pit.
On our trip, this is where we turned back—but there are some smaller drops further up the Alder Creek. We spent roughly an hour exploring the falls and nearby scenery and didn’t see anyone else the entire time we were there. It’s a great spot to enjoy a waterfall without much company, have a picnic, or get your steps in for the day.
On your way in or out, there are only a few places to pull off should you encounter another vehicle going the other way. Yellow Dog River Falls isn’t far from here—and if you have a capable 4x4 vehicle, you can get there via the Alder Creek Truck Trail to get to 510. It’s just under 3 miles on the two-track to make it back to a county road, and the Yellow Dog River Falls Trailhead is two and a half miles from there on a maintained road. If you want to stick to paved roads, head the .7 miles back to 550, head north, and make a left on 510.
Update from the owner:
When the property owner emailed me about this waterfall, they indicated that many visitors are not respectful of the waterfall or their private property. Actions like this are how beautiful waterfalls, like Alder Falls, become closed to the public. To ensure places like this remain available to the public, be respectful.
