Seek New Horizons in the Ottawa National Forest

There is an irresistible lure to find new adventures and horizons in the Ottawa National Forest. Its nearly one million acres in the Western Upper Peninsula entice nature lovers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts to wander and explore all four seasons. Answer the call of this enchanting forest.

A TAPESTRY OF LANDSCAPES

Stretching from the Wisconsin/Michigan border in the south to the wildly beautiful shores of Lake Superior in the north, it can easily take a lifetime to see all this forest offers. There are over 500 named lakes, nearly 2,000 miles of rivers and streams and 18 named waterfalls.

Six segments of Michigan’s 14 National Wild and Scenic Rivers are in the Ottawa National Forest. Spend time by the free-flowing river segments on the Black River, Ontonagon River, Paint River, Presque Isle River, Sturgeon River and Yellow Dog River.

Elevations in the forest range from 600 feet above sea level at the Lake Superior shoreline to over 1,800 feet in the Sylvania Wilderness. These elevations create habitats for various wildlife and picturesque views that make you pause often to take it all in.

SEE INCREDIBLE SCENERY IN THREE DESIGNATED WILDERNESS AREAS

Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness: Feel awestruck watching the Sturgeon River rush over the 20-foot volcanic outcroppings of the Sturgeon Falls and through the gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth and a mile in width.
McCormick Wilderness: This meticulously preserved expanse of 17,000 acres is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural beauty. Enter dense hardwood forests, take in the incredible views of its rocky cliffs or paddle its waterways.
Sylvania Wilderness: Saved from timber barons, this is home to virgin trees, some over 400 years old, a dozen clear lakes and abundant wildlife. This unspoiled land contains some of the highest ground in the Midwest.

HOW TO ENTER THE OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

One of the best places to start your Ottawa National Forest adventure is the Visitor Center at the junction of U.S. 2 and U.S. 45 in Watersmeet. The center is fully accessible and features interpretive exhibits and a ¼-mile trail to introduce you to this amazing forest.

Other access points are from communities along the forest’s fringe. They include Ironwood, the largest city on the forest’s far western edge, Iron River, Bessemer and Ontonagon.

OPEN YEAR-ROUND

The forest is open to the public all year, except when extreme conditions such as dangerous weather threaten the forest and your safety.

FEES AND PERMITS

Permits are not required for hiking or dispersed camping, except in the Sylvania Wilderness. A nominal day-use fee is required at Sylvania Wilderness, Black River Harbor and Lake Ottawa Recreation Area from May 15 to Sept. 30. An annual pass provides access to all three areas.

There are several days when day-use fees are waived:

January: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
June: National Get Outdoors Day and Juneteenth
September: National Public Lands Day
November: Veterans Day

You will also need a license and trail permit to ride an ORV/OHV/ATV and snowmobile on eligible national forest roads and trails. Learn more about when you need a permit or pass.

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THE OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

VISIT SOME OF THE U.P.’S MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS

The Ottawa National Forest is renowned for its 18 named waterfalls — some are easily accessible, and others require orienteering skills. The favorites include:

Ajibikoka Falls: You will likely need a map and compass or GPS to guide you to these falls on Sucker Creek, north of Watersmeet. Well worth the orienteering adventure, it features a 40-foot drop surrounded by quartz outcroppings.
Bond Falls: On the middle branch of the Ontonagon River near Paulding, this waterfall is one of the most photographed in the U.P. It has an impressive 40-foot drop and is 100-feet wide. There are scenic trails and a wheelchair-accessible observation boardwalk, too.
Cascade Falls: Deep within the heart of Ottawa National Forest, this waterfall near Bergland rewards adventurous hikers with untamed beauty. Cascade Creek sculpts this multi-tiered masterpiece as it plunges towards the west branch of the Ontonagon River. Getting to this hidden gem requires a one-mile hike on either of two scenic trails; the Bluff Trail is more calorie-burning than the main path
Kakabika Falls: These falls are between Watersmeet and Marenisco on the Cisco Branch of the Ontonagon River. Follow a short walk hugging the riverbank to see its mesmerizing series of "S" turns before racing down a narrow chute.
Gabbro Falls/Bakers Falls: Start your Black River waterfall journey on U.S. 2 between Bessemer and Wakefield. Gabbro Falls, also called Bakers Falls, is near Blackjack Ski Resort. Park your vehicle across from a few old buildings, then walk five to 10 minutes to the falls. Head upstream for a panoramic view from the top of the falls, or venture down a path to witness the full force of the cascading water at its base.
Great Conglomerate Falls: These falls near Bessemer are the undisputed champion on the Black River. It boasts not one but two cascading beauties, separated by a massive mound of conglomerate rock. Capturing both drops in a single photo is a true feat! Boardwalks and a conveniently placed viewing platform make it a breeze to soak in the beauty.
Potawatomi Falls: This easily accessible Black River waterfall isn't a single tumble but a split drop over a rock dome, creating two tall, curvy falls.
Gorge Falls: This jaw-dropping gorgeous waterfall is a short hike downstream from the Potawatomi Falls. Or drive to its nearby parking lot and take the staircase to be wowed by this dramatic gorge and its panoramic vistas.
Sandstone Falls: This is a smaller waterfall on the Black River. The water rushes through a narrow chute between mounds of conglomerate rock, spilling into a dark, mysterious pool. The walk from the parking lot is a quarter mile and steep in places. For more adventures, hike upstream a half mile on the North Country Trail to Gorge and Potawatomi Falls.
Rainbow Falls: Named for the rainbows created by its mist, this waterfall is the last on the Black River before it meets Lake Superior. A half-mile hiking trail will take you from a paved parking lot down a stairway to an observation platform. For photographers, you will find better angles from the east side of the river. Access it by crossing the suspension footbridge in the Black River Harbor picnic area.

Also, check out these waterfalls when exploring the wonders of this forest.

DRIVE THE BLACK RIVER NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

This scenic byway is a must-see in the Western Upper Peninsula, especially when fall colors are drenching the Ottawa National Forest. The byway starts in Bessemer and winds north almost 15 miles to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area and Campground on Lake Superior. As you make your way north, plan to take short hikes to the Great Conglomerate, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone and Rainbow Falls.

At the harbor, enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes over the Black River’s fun-to-cross suspension footbridge. Explore the surrounding trails and find peace on the idyllic beaches.

BOAST YOU HIKED THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL AND OTHERS

The North Country National Scenic Trail goes 4,700 miles through eight states, starting in New York and ending in North Dakota. The U.P. contains 550 miles, traversing the wilderness beauty from east to west, including 116 miles through the Ottawa National Forest. Backpackers and day hikers will enjoy following it to waterfalls and scenic vistas.

There are an additional 196 miles of backpacking and day hiking trails to heighten everyone’s sense of adventure. They range from short quarter-mile walks to multi-mile trails with steep terrains and bluff-top vistas. Many are loops and others connect to trails that go deeper into the forest. There are barrier-free trails so everyone can access the views and interpretive trails explaining more about the trees, waterfalls, wildlife and history of the area.

ENJOY THE CLEAR, FRESH WATER

Besides the waterfalls, there are hundreds of lakes, thousands of miles of rivers and streams and Lake Superior shoreline in the forest. From spring through fall, you can swim, boat, kayak and canoe in some of our country’s most scenic waters, including the U.P.’s largest inland lake, Lake Gogebic. Anglers delight in fishing for in-season trout, steelhead, bass, crappie, walleye, northern pike and panfish.

Relaxing by these waters, the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular and the stars at night are countless.

WATCH FOR WILDLIFE IN THE QUIET OF THE FOREST

With few towns and people, the Ottawa National Forest is a tranquil, unspoiled place to refresh in the quiet. It offers exceptional opportunities to spot deer, foxes, snowshoe hares, bald eagles, loons and songbirds. There are other elusive wildlife that you might see — bears, beavers, fishers and moose. Read these tips for experiencing the thrill of checking off the wildlife and birds on your bucket list.

TAKE A FALL COLOR TOUR

The warm days and cooler nights in autumn transform the Ottawa National Forest hardwoods into a sea of vivid treetops. The reds, yellows, oranges and greens send your spirits soaring. Follow Tours 2 & 3 in this guide to see how this national treasure contributes to the U.P. being voted year after year as one of the best destinations for fall color in the U.S.A. As soon as September arrives, check the weekly fall color reports to time your visit.

PLAY IN BIG SNOW COUNTRY

Locals and visitors love winter in the Ottawa National Forest. What is not to like when there is up to 200 inches of snowfall annually? Fill your days and evenings with favorite winter activities — snowmobiling on over 485 miles of groomed trails, alpine skiing and snowboarding on freshly powdered slopes or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing where you often leave the first tracks.

Reel in tasty catches ice fishing on hundreds of frozen lakes and win tournament prizes on Lake Gogebic. Try dog sledding and fat tire biking in serene settings. Buy a Stormy Kromer hat to stay warm while stargazing or watching the Northern Lights on the Lake Superior horizon. The Ottawa National Forest is ready to pile on the fun.

WHERE TO STAY

FOREST CAMPING

Camping experiences in the Ottawa National Forest and its three designated wilderness areas range from developed campgrounds to wilderness and dispersed camping. Choose from 22 campgrounds in the forest, all accessible by road and most offering sites for tent and trailer campers. Many of the sites are near lakes or streams where you can fish. For campgrounds with the most developed facilities, go to Lake Ottawa and Clark Lake. Wherever you camp, sleeping under these centuries-old trees is something you will not soon forget.

RESTFUL LODGINGS

If you want to make day visits to the Ottawa National Forest, there are comfortable motels and resorts nearby. Book your stay in Ironwood, Marenisco, Bessemer, Bergland, Ontonagon, White Pine, Wakefield and Watersmeet. Find favorite foods, drinks and U.P specialties at local restaurants and pubs. Then get a good night’s sleep and wake up to make more cherished memories with your family and friends in the U.P.

Share with Us

We would love to see where you went and what you did on your day trip in the U.P. Use our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials. You can also upload your photos to our content collector below.

E-Newsletter

Travel Info