Waterfall · Ontonagon County, Michigan

Rapid River Falls

Waterfall about 17 miles northeast of Wakefield, MI.

Photo of Little Trap Falls, a waterfall 6.9 miles from Rapid River Falls
Pictured: nearby Little Trap Falls (6.9 mi)

About Rapid River Falls

Rapid River Falls is a named waterfall in Ontonagon County, Michigan, located about 17 miles northeast of Wakefield. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Aldridge Creek 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°37′38″ N, 89°40′07″ W (46.62715, -89.66869). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Haskin Creek (stream, 0.4 mi), Rapid River (stream, 0.9 mi), and Crazy Creek (stream, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Deer Creek Falls, 2.2 miles to the northwest.

USGS gazetteer description: Feature Name:Rapid River Falls also found at Name Reference Code:US-M125/1981

Weather at Rapid River Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Rapid River Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in Menominee time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Rapid River Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Rapid River Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Haskin Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
  • Rapid River — stream, 0.9 mi
  • Crazy Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
  • Amundsan Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
  • Sleepy Creek — stream, 1.6 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 46.62715, -89.66869. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Rapid River Falls

Photo of Little Trap Falls, a waterfall 7.2 miles from Deer Creek Falls
Pictured: nearby Little Trap Falls (7.2 mi)

Deer Creek Falls

Wakefield, MI · 2.2 mi northwest
Photo of Root Beer Falls, a waterfall 7.5 miles from Minnewawa Falls
Pictured: nearby Root Beer Falls (7.5 mi)

Minnewawa Falls

Wakefield, MI · 8.8 mi west
Photo of Root Beer Falls, a waterfall 7.9 miles from Nimikon Falls
Pictured: nearby Root Beer Falls (7.9 mi)

Nimikon Falls

Wakefield, MI · 8.9 mi west
Photo of Nonesuch Falls near Ontonagon, MI

Nonesuch Falls

Ontonagon, MI · 9.0 mi north
4.6 (32)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rapid River Falls located?

Rapid River Falls is in Ontonagon County, Michigan, about 17 miles northeast of Wakefield. Its coordinates are 46.62715, -89.66869 (46°37′38″ N, 89°40′07″ W).

What town is closest to Rapid River Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Wakefield, MI, about 17 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Rapid River Falls?

The closest is Deer Creek Falls (2.2 mi northwest). Others within reach include Little Trap Falls (6.9 mi), Minnewawa Falls (8.8 mi), and Nimikon Falls (8.9 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Rapid River Falls?

Rapid River Falls appears on the USGS Aldridge Creek 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.