On October 1st, the Michigan posted a notice that the Houghton Douglass Falls site (also known as Douglass Houghton Falls or Houghton Falls) would be temporarily closed so work could begin on transforming this beautiful piece of property into a publicly accessible park. We’ve been anxiously awaiting news like this for almost a decade, as the state first received a grant in 2015 and made the purchase in 2018. We’ve been able to visit this waterfall a few times over the last few years, but it required and somewhat difficult hike. Others have visited the site from above and made the dangerous hike downhill. It’s encouraging to think that thousands will soon be able to visit and view this magnificent waterfall after trails, observation platforms, and signs are put in place.

At 110 feet, this is the tallest waterfall in Michigan. Despite being just a short distance from M-26 between Lake Linden and Laurium, Houghton Douglass Falls has a remote and wild setting. The land surrounding the falls was privately owned for many years, but was sold to the state with the intention of it becoming a state scenic site (Like Wagner Falls or Laughing Whitefish Falls) and veteran’s memorial. The falls get their name from Douglass Houghton (Keweenaw explorer and the first Michigan state geologist) and his cousin Christopher Columbus Douglass, who was a part of his Keweenaw survey trips.

There is an upper drop on Hammell Creek here that we have yet to see, and the main drop falls over tall canyon walls. This was once a popular spot to visit but numerous accidents led to it being closed off to the public from above. It won’t be quite the same visiting Houghton Douglass Falls without putting in some extra effort, but it will be nice to see safe access provided to this stunning waterfall!

Our visits have involved parking on the side of M-26, following an ATV trail, then following the creek upstream. There is a faint path but this trip still takes around an hour and involves climbing over downed trees and avoiding slippery spots by the creek. The views of this waterfall made the journey worth it!

You can stay updated on future progress with this park on the Michigan DNR website.