Upper Peninsula of Michigan Waterfalls
O Kun de kun Falls : Bond Falls : Ogemaw Falls : Quartzite FallsSilver Creek Falls : Wyandotte Falls : Scott Falls
Bond Falls
Waterfall Rating: 10 (scale 1-10)Accessibility: 2 (scale 1-10 - view ratings)
NOTE: To view main waterfalls you need to take concrete stairs to bottom viewing deck.
Location: Ontonagon County - Middle Branch Ontonagon River
GPS Location: 46.409914, -89.133017 (where falls are)
GPS for parking: 46.408277, -89.130112 (mark this point and drive here)
Hiking distance: 0.2 miles (one-way)
Height of falls: about 50 feet
Width: 80 feet
Important information: Always take your time when hiking if an accident should occur help could be hours away. When you are hiking into a waterfall you should at minimum bring the suggested items below, better to be prepared for things than not prepared. Most of all ENJOY the Upper Peninsula waterfalls.
Things to consider bringing: Depending on the hike you may consider bringing a camera, waterproof hiking boots/rubber boots, rain poncho/coat, headlamp/flashlight (if close to dark), bug spray(during bug season), rope/paracord, small first aid kit, whistle, small pack or waist pack, a friend, a dog.
Bond Falls information:
Bond Falls a State of Michigan Scenic Site, consists of multiple waterfalls. Bond Falls is located just outside the small town of Paulding in Ontonagon County. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in the UP and once you see Bond Falls you will know why. Taking a trip to see Bond Falls will be one that will be very memorable for everyone. The ease of access makes it very enjoyable experience because of this. The first set of drops start just off the roadway where you park. Deadman creek and the Middle Branch Ontonagon River are the water sources that empty into the Bond Falls Flowage. The water is then diverted in two locations from the Flowage which then joins back into the Middle Branch Ontonagon River and over the rock to form Bond Falls. This same water will flow downstream to the popular Agate Falls which is just downstream 5 miles from Bond Falls.
You have many opportunities to view all the waterfalls from the well worn trail that follows the river downstream. At the top of the main falls you will find a set of concrete stairs that you will need to make your way down to view the lower waterfalls. At the bottom is a nice boardwalk that gives you a panoramic view of the waterfalls from a distance. There are a few spots below where you can get right into the river if you have rubber boots and get a good view as well, careful though it is rocky and there are some deeper holes too. Sometimes during a sunset the sky will give the photographer one beautiful scene. Late summer and early fall are probably the most popular times to visit the waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula and Bond Falls has some great colors that compliment the beautiful flows of water across the rocks. During the spring melt the trails can get a little muddy but the power of the water is simply amazing and worth the visit. The winter is another special time to view Bond Falls as with any UP waterfalls which have larger rivers feeding them. The Paulding area doesn't get as much snow as the Marquette, Copper Country, or the Ironwood areas do so that allows people to visit these waterfall a little easier during the winter, usually there is a well packed trail from other people visiting. If you are looking for a fun place to visit with easy access then Bond Falls needs to be on your itinerary.
Camping opportunities
Uppco runs the campground at the Bond Falls Flowage, see brochure on Campground. You will find 46 mainland campsites where you can camp in an RV or you can put up a tent. If you are into more primitive backcountry camping there are also 2 islands with campsites, these sites are only available to stay at after August 15th to protect the loons.
Fishing opportunities
Bond Falls Flowage is a great place for fishing too. The fishes present include, but are not limited to, walleyes, northern
pike, minnows, suckers, sunfishes, yellow perch, bullheads, and muskellunge. Between 1984 and 2001 the lake was stocked with yellow perch and walleyes. There have been
eight State of Michigan Master Angler awards taken from Bond Falls Flowage from 1993–2006, including four rock bass, one northern pike, one muskellunge, one brook trout, and one black crappie.
Bond Falls Scenic Site is one of the greats here in Michigan and we are blessed to have it here in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. If you haven't been to Bond Falls ever I sure hope you can make it soon.
Always have fun, always be safe, and never stop exploring the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
- Yooper Steve - UP Adventure Guide/Photographer/Filmmaker
COMING SOON: Waterfalls by county
Alger :
Baraga :
Chippewa :
Delta :
Dickinson :
Gogebic
Houghton :
Iron :
Keweenaw :
Luce :
Mackinac :
Marquette
Menominee :
Ontonagon :
Schoolcraft
Houghton : Iron : Keweenaw : Luce : Mackinac : Marquette
Menominee : Ontonagon : Schoolcraft