Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is the tallest and one of the most dramatic of the string of waterfalls along the Black River as it nears Lake Superior in the Ottawa National Forest, in Gogebic County near Bessemer and Black River Harbor. Here the dark, powerful Black River plunges over a high rock ledge in a thundering cascade, throwing spray that can catch the sunlight in the rainbows that give the falls their name.

Reached by trails and stairways from the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway — including a suspension footbridge over the river — Rainbow Falls is the grand finale of the celebrated Black River waterfall corridor, one of the finest in the Midwest. Set in deep northern forest just above the river’s mouth at Black River Harbor, it rewards waterfall lovers with power, height and the wild beauty of the western Upper Peninsula.

Rainbow Falls is reached by trails and stairways from the Black River Scenic Byway, with overlooks of the tall cascade and a suspension footbridge across the river offering dramatic views. Hiking the trails that link the string of Black River falls — part of the North Country Trail — is a highlight, along with photography. The nearby Black River Harbor on Lake Superior adds a beach, picnic area and harbor for a full day of exploring the corridor.

Spring snowmelt sends the most thunderous flow over the falls, and the spray is most likely to throw rainbows on sunny days. Summer offers lush forest and full trail access. Fall is spectacular, framing the cascade in brilliant color on one of the U.P.’s premier autumn waterfall drives. Winter turns the falls to ice and the byway largely inaccessible. Sunny days with high water are best for catching the namesake rainbows.

Like the other Black River falls, Rainbow Falls lies in the wild, forested copper-and-timber country of the western Upper Peninsula, preserved within the Ottawa National Forest. The Black River National Forest Scenic Byway and its network of trails, stairways, overlooks and the suspension bridge were developed to give visitors access to the string of waterfalls and the historic Lake Superior harbor at the river’s mouth.

Rainbow Falls plunges over the ancient, resistant bedrock of the western Upper Peninsula — rock formed over a billion years ago in the deep geologic history of the Lake Superior basin. As the tallest of the Black River falls, it marks where the river drops most dramatically through its rugged gorge toward the lake. The dark, tannin-stained water and the hard, old rock give the cascade its power and character.

The deep northern forest of hemlock, maple and birch along the Black River gorge shelters black bear, white-tailed deer, porcupine and a rich community of woodland birds, while the river corridor draws mergansers, kingfishers and bald eagles. The cool, oxygenated river supports aquatic life, and the nearby Lake Superior shore at Black River Harbor adds shore and water habitat to this wild Ottawa National Forest setting.

Rainbow Falls lies within a rich tract of northern hardwood and hemlock forest in the Ottawa National Forest, its spray zone supporting mosses, ferns and lichens on the wet rock. The free-flowing Black River and its gorge form a healthy riparian ecosystem within the protected forest, meeting Lake Superior at the harbor below. Keeping to trails, stairways and the bridge protects the fragile gorge vegetation and steep banks.

As the tallest and grandest of the Black River waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is a centerpiece of one of the most celebrated waterfall corridors in the Midwest and a highlight of the western U.P.’s reputation as a waterfall lover’s paradise. Its power, height and namesake rainbows draw photographers and fall-color seekers, anchoring the outdoor identity of the Ironwood, Bessemer and Black River Harbor area.

Rainbow Falls is reached from the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway (County Road 513) near its end at Black River Harbor, north of Bessemer in Gogebic County, with trails, stairways and a suspension footbridge to the falls and overlooks. Connecting trails link it to the other Black River falls and the North Country Trail. The falls are within the Ottawa National Forest; check the U.S. Forest Service for current conditions and access.

The U.S. Forest Service preserves Rainbow Falls and the Black River corridor within the Ottawa National Forest, managing the trails, stairways, bridge and overlooks to protect the gorge, its vegetation and the steep banks. Visitors help by staying on designated routes, keeping off the fragile rock and vegetation, packing out everything, and respecting the wild river setting. Protecting the gorge preserves both the scenery and visitor safety.

Stay on the trails, stairways, bridge and overlooks — the river gorge edges are steep, rocky and dangerous, and the wet rock and stairs are slippery. Keep well back from the edges and the powerful, cold water, especially during high spring flows and with children. The trails involve many steps; watch your footing. In winter the trails are icy and largely inaccessible. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water.

Rainbow Falls lies within the Ottawa National Forest; follow U.S. Forest Service rules. Stay on trails, stairways, the bridge and overlooks; climbing into the gorge or on the falls is prohibited and dangerous. Pets should be leashed. Pack out all trash. Collecting is restricted. Camp only in designated sites. Check the U.S. Forest Service for current access, conditions and any seasonal byway closures.

The neighboring Black River falls — Great Conglomerate, Gorge, Potawatomi and Sandstone — are all linked by trail along the byway, which ends at Black River Harbor on Lake Superior with its beach and picnic area. The towns of Bessemer and Ironwood, the Porcupine Mountains, Lake Gogebic and the western U.P.’s many other waterfalls are all within reach, making the area a waterfall-rich destination.

Hike the connecting trails to see the whole string of Black River falls, with Rainbow Falls and its suspension bridge the dramatic finale, then continue to Black River Harbor on Lake Superior. Come on a sunny day with high spring water for the best chance at rainbows, or in fall for color. Wear good shoes for the many stairs, stay back from the gorge edges, and base in Ironwood or Bessemer.