Gogebic County · National forest
Rainbow Falls
Spray and sunlight can turn the lower Black River into a rainbow-lit cascade.
Before you go
- Land manager
- Ottawa National Forest · Bessemer Ranger District
- Public approach
- Documented signed public recreation route; current status not live-verified
- Parking
- Signed Rainbow Falls parking near the Black River Harbor end of County Road 513.
- Trail to the falls
- About ½ mile by the signed west-bank approach with many stairs. The suspension bridge / east-bank walk from Black River Harbor is a separate, longer route.
- Plan on
- 45–90 min at this waterfall (editorial allowance, not measured travel time)
- Season
- Spring runoff and autumn color; check ice and seasonal road restrictions
What makes this visit worthwhile?
The photo-driven finale to the five signed Black River byway falls. Spray and sunlight can turn the lower Black River into a rainbow-lit cascade.
Trail and access reality
About ½ mile by the signed west-bank approach with many stairs. The suspension bridge / east-bank walk from Black River Harbor is a separate, longer route.
Rainbows are not guaranteed; the return climb is significant and road access changes seasonally. A known visitor route does not guarantee that a bridge, road or overlook is accessible on your visit date.
Construction and access checks
May 15, 2026 Forest Service notice listed Rainbow Falls open, with later trail and platform closures planned. Do not presume it is still fully open.
The project may continue through fall 2027. Before choosing this stop, read the Forest Service status notice and obey signs and barriers. Reopening is not assumed.
Seasonal waterfall conditions
River volume and the landscape can change after rainfall or snowmelt. Autumn offers hardwood colors; ice can make winter approaches hazardous. This page does not provide measured real-time waterfall flow or a current parking report.
Verified research evidence
Evidence reviewed October 26, 2026; source dates may be older. Geography, legal visitor access, parking, trail and manager are separate checks.
- Land manager and public recreation area
- Ottawa National Forest · Bessemer Ranger District
- Parking and wayfinding
- Signed Rainbow Falls parking near the Black River Harbor end of County Road 513.
- Trail route and walking conditions
- About ½ mile by the signed west-bank approach with many stairs. The suspension bridge / east-bank walk from Black River Harbor is a separate, longer route.
- Geospatial location
- Michigan State GIS Waterfalls feature 81
- Hydrography research
- USGS Falls and Rapids V2 dataset (not current access)