About Bond Falls
Bond Falls, a State of Michigan Scenic Site, consists of multiple waterfalls just outside the small town of Paulding in Ontonagon County. It's one of the most popular waterfalls in the U.P., and once you see it you'll understand why — the ease of access makes for a genuinely enjoyable visit for nearly anyone.
The first set of drops starts just off the roadway where you park. Deadman Creek and the Middle Branch Ontonagon River feed into the Bond Falls Flowage, where the water is diverted in two locations before rejoining the Middle Branch and pouring over the rock to form Bond Falls. That same water continues downstream to the popular Agate Falls, just five miles away.
A well-worn trail follows the river downstream, offering many vantage points along the way. At the top of the main falls, a set of concrete stairs leads down to view the lower falls, ending at a boardwalk with a panoramic view. A few spots below let you wade into the river itself if you're wearing rubber boots — just watch your footing, since it's rocky with some deeper holes.
Late summer and early fall bring some of the best color to pair with the falls. Spring melt can make the trails muddy, but the power of the water is worth it. Winter is a special time too — the Paulding area gets less snow than Marquette, the Copper Country, or Ironwood, so the trail is usually well packed from other visitors, making it one of the easier U.P. falls to reach in the cold months.
Camping & Fishing Nearby
Camping: UPPCO runs the campground at the Bond Falls Flowage — 46 mainland sites for RVs and tents, plus two island sites for more primitive backcountry camping (available after August 15th to protect nesting loons).
Fishing: The Flowage holds walleye, northern pike, minnows, suckers, sunfish, yellow perch, bullhead, and muskellunge. Between 1984 and 2001 it was stocked with yellow perch and walleye, and it has produced eight State of Michigan Master Angler awards.
Videos
Photo Gallery
Always have fun, always be safe, and never stop exploring the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
— Yooper Steve, UP Adventure Guide / Photographer / Filmmaker