Slate River Falls and Quartzite River Falls are very close together near the town of Skanee. Slate River Falls is a wild, scenic 25-foot waterfall located roughly 10 to 11 miles east of L’Anse along Skanee Road in Baraga County, Michigan. It features two distinct, angled streams of water plunging down a unique, tilted layer of jagged slate rock into a deep pool.
About the Area and Hiking
- The Terrain: This is an unmaintained, rugged destination with no artificial fences or official paved paths. The roughly half-mile hike hugs the east side of the creek over rough, uneven ground.
- Upstream/Downstream Drops: The main drop is part of a dynamic three-mile stretch of the river. Depending on how far you explore, you can find other smaller named features nearby like Ecstasy Falls, Slide Falls, Kukuck’s Falls, Black Slate Falls, and Quartzite Falls.
- Safety & Tips: Be prepared for a tough, potentially wet hike. Sturdy footwear or water shoes/wading sandals are recommended if you plan to navigate the rocky riverbanks or creek beds.
How to Get There
- Head east out of L’Anse on Skanee Road for about 10–11 miles.
- Look for the brown “Slate River” sign and the bridge crossing the river.
- Park near the shoulders or the small turnaround areas near the bridge.
- Follow the rough footpath heading upstream along the east bank of the river to reach the drops.
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