Updated July 2026
Rainbow Falls (Black River)
Rainbow Falls is the lowermost of the Black River falls in Gogebic County, dropping about 40 feet over a conglomerate slide that ends in a plunge into a deep pit. It is reached by a half-mile trail with stairs and an observation platform along the Black River National Scenic Byway.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check USFS (Ottawa National Forest, Black River National Scenic Byway) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rainbow Falls (Black River) drops about 40 feet. That makes it the 480th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 31% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Rainbow Falls Trail reaches it about 0.4 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 104 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Bessemer. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with USFS (Ottawa National Forest, Black River National Scenic Byway) for closures and current conditions.
spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Michigan waterfalls
- Agate Falls · 39 ft
- Bond Falls · 50 ft
- Chapel Falls · 60 ft
- Dead River Falls · 90 ft
- Gorge Falls (Black River) · 34 ft
- Great Conglomerate Falls · 30 ft
- Greenstone Falls
- Hungarian Falls · 50 ft
Sources
Get trip conditions by email
Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.