Houghton-Douglass Falls Climbing

Located in the picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula, Houghton-Douglass Falls offers one of Michigan's most iconic sights. The falls, plunging 110 feet into a rugged, forested gorge, create an impressive and challenging vertical playground for climbers. During the winter months, the falls freeze into a stunning ice flow, providing routes for all experience levels.

The ice conditions can vary throughout the season. The main flow is fast-moving so watch for thin spots. Keep your head on a swivel as there is potential for icefalls, snowfall, and loose rock.

Access to the base of the falls requires a short hike through snow and ice-covered terrain. The trail can be found by walking climber's left from the top. There are fixed ropes on the steeper sections of the hike. Watch your step and be careful that you don't slip down the steep slopes or off the cliffs. There have been multiple deaths due to falling off the cliffs at this location, so be extremely cautious! Once at the bottom, walk to the base of the falls by following Hammell Creek upstream. Be cautious of thin ice and fast-flowing creek water. In addition, Keweenaw weather can often be nasty, so come prepared for sudden snow squalls and gusty winds.

This location also just became a new park operated by the Michigan DNR. It will also become a Veterans Memorial Scenic Site. Construction started in 2024 and will bring a new parking lot, restrooms, observation decks, and updated trails. Updates on this location will be regularly made.