Houghton-Douglass Falls opens for 2026 with new trail and site improvements

What’s happening: Houghton-Douglass Falls, Michigan’s tallest waterfall, has opened for the season with major site improvements to make the natural wonder on the Keweenaw Peninsula more accessible and approachable for visitors.

About the falls: Located on M-26 near Calumet, the 110-foot Houghton-Douglass Falls drops into a rugged volcanic gorge as Michigan’s tallest waterfall. While sometimes misnamed “Douglass Houghton Falls” or “Houghton Falls,” its official name honors Michigan’s first state geologist, Douglass Houghton, and Columbus C. Douglass—both key figures in the Copper Country’s early mining history.

About the improvements: The improvements include a developed parking area off M-26, a bridge crossing Hammell Creek and a seasonally available vault toilet. From the trailhead, visitors can follow a mostly flat, gravel-packed path toward the bridge over Hammell Creek before the route transitions into a more natural footpath to the viewing area.

What they’re saying: “People have talked about Houghton-Douglass Falls for years,” said Brad Barnett, who is executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “Now, it’s a lot easier to find and visit. It’s Michigan’s tallest waterfall, it’s right here in the Copper Country and it delivers that big Keweenaw feeling without needing an all-day hike.”

What’s next: Spring runoff and snowmelt bring a spectacular, strong flow to Hammell Creek and the falls. While the round-trip walk to Houghton-Douglass Falls is a short half-mile, visitors must use caution. The falls plunge into a steep gorge with unprotected cliff edges. To stay safe, Visit Keweenaw reminds everyone to remain on established paths, avoid climbing on wet or loose rock, respect posted signs, and never attempt to view the falls from the bottom.