Category: Waterfalls

Friday I took the day off with the sole purpose to find a location on a river that I always thought was beautiful. After looking at a map, I figured the location had to be on the West Branch Huron River, so I headed out on Black Creek Rd as it runs the closest to the river. I made the turn down where you cross the river to go to Big Falls, but realized this wasn’t right, so I continued on. After a little while there was a turn to the left heading to cross the river again, so I took it and stopped where the river was. Sure enough, this was the spot! I had forgotten about one of the sides of the road you can walk for a long ways along the river and there is also a waterfall near the bridge, Erick’s Falls. Something else on that side, there’s a doorway (to something, for something, I don’t know) between two trees, I knew it right away as I could feel it. I hiked a little ways down the river, but my leg was really starting to hurt so I headed back to go up the other side. On this side there are large Hemlock trees that keep the forest floor open and clear, it’s really pretty. The area of the river I was looking for was just up stream a tad, so I went there and sat a while.
I just wish….
I would like to explore more up stream from this location some day.
After leaving I just drove on a ways making my way in a large loop and headed home.

West Branch Huron River Horseshoe Bend

Erick’s Falls – West Branch Huron River

West Branch Huron River

Robarge Creek

Bridge Over Robarge Creek

Yesterday I went out for what turned out to be a long drive, over 8 hours of mostly two-tracks. I headed out Arvon road again, but this time I took a couple left turns to an area I saw on Google Earth that looked like some nice rapids along the Slate River. Along the way I noticed a waterfall on my GPS that I had never been to, so at the location I stuck my head out the window while driving very slow, and sure enough there was the sound of rushing water. I didn’t see anyplace where others had parked to see the falls, so I just pulled off as best I could. Knowing the river was only abut 200 feet from the road, I figured I’d be able to walk in to see the falls without much problem with my legs. Victory Falls, they are a nice falls, not a large drop to them, but on a wide part of Slate River. After spending a little time at the falls, I (we, Eli and I) drove onward. After driving a ways, a marker on my GPS that said “rapids and falls” came into view, I must have mark this a long time ago. So, I went to that spot, and sure enough I remembered being there a few years ago and marked it to come back again. At this place to, I was able to park pretty close so the walk in wasn’t far. I didn’t end up exploring the river (still the Slate River) quite a bit, and it put my legs through some pain, but it was worth it, it’s a beautiful area. Onward we went. I followed the road we were on, but little did I know it lead to Peshekee Grade Road. I figured what the hell, let’s continue on down. Peshekee Grade Road is a pretty drive even if the road gets really rough near the end where there is pavement, really old frost heaved pavement. Ha, to my surprise, about half of the old pavement had been redone with new blacktop. Well, after arriving in Michigamme it was time to head back home. All in all, it was a good day.

Victory Falls – Slate River

Slate River – The spot marked “rapids and falls”

Peshekee River

Peshekee Grade Road View

Yesterday was quite cloudy for most the day, so I thought it would be a good day to get a few things done around the house, then around 2:00 PM the clouds broke. After being at the house for too many days, Eli and I took off for a quick drive. I drove out Arvon Rd. to see if any color was coming out that way, not much yet due to many Oak trees. I stopped at the Slate River to let Eli out and to see how one of my favorite falls was flowing, and also to see if I was able to walk/hike to them because of my issues with my legs. The hike back to the falls went okay, though my legs started to hurt on the way back. Funny thing though, I can stand for ever and not feel any pain, it’s the walking. After spending some time enjoying the peacefulness of the river and falls, we headed onward. I followed another trail that I haven’t been on, which happens to be an old railroad grade. Was a nice drive that came out near Dynamite Hill Rd., so from there we headed on home.

I had my camera, but didn’t bring anything else, such as filters and such and the sun was shining strong at the river, that’s something that is not good for taking waterfall pics., but I think this one turned out pretty good.
This is a 6 image (oriented in portrait) panorama.

Grand Staircase Falls – Slate River