Bond Falls in Michigan

Summary: It is said that this is the best single waterfall in the Western Upper Peninsula, and the second best waterfall in Michigan. The two RV Gypsies know that if you are in the Western U.P., possibly on your way to or from the Porcupines, this is definitely worth a stop. Bond Falls waterfalls are part of the middle branch of the Ontonagon River, 3-1/2 miles east of Paulding, Michigan. Bond Falls drops into two sections and is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula.


Below: Part of the Ontonagon River



At first, the two RV Gypsies thought that this was Bond Falls, and were very disappointed. But then they realized that this was actually river run-off from the nearby dam, thus the siren warning sign shown below. Interestingly, while Bond Falls is a natural waterfall, it has been enhanced by a nearby dam operated by the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), which helps maintain a steady flow.

Below: The two RV Gypsies went back out to the main road and walked a bit up the street, then turned back into the woods and across a small bridge before they found the path they were meant to take to Bond Falls.

Bond Falls is created b the middle branch of the Ontonagon River as it tumbles over a thick belt of fractured rock, diving into numerous small cascades. In a rush of white water, the first drop stretched down the river over flat sections of dark rock.

The river widened slightly to about 100 feet with a total drop of about 50 feet into a small pool, forcing the rest of the falling water to curve around it on both sides.

Branches from the nearby trees bend toward the river as the fast flowing water passes. From here the river curved to the right and disappeared behind the trees.

After walking down about 75 stairs, the two RV Gypsies noticed that the banks were lined with a cement abutment to minimize erosion by the strong flowing Ontonagon River.

Below: The cement abutment ended at a viewing platform, which provided an exciting close-up view of the main section of Bond Falls.


The main falls was breathtaking. The water falls 50 feet in a series of step-like drops. The crest of the waterfall is about 100-feet.

The squared-off rocks are scattered haphazardly in many different layers, which causes the water to bounce off their flat tops in a complicated pattern of white streams.


Below: When viewed from the front, a small grass and tree covered island divides the falls into two unequal sections.



Below: From the base, the water flowed past a scattering of huge rocks which have fallen from the cliff to form a large pool which circles out from the falls.

From there the river divides and continues through the forest. Excellent views of the falls come from the two wooden bridges, spanning each section of the stream.

The Bond Falls may look familiar even if you have never been there because it has been used in many Michigan calendars and tourism promotions .

Below: Part of the Ontonagon River

At first, the two RV Gypsies thought that this was Bond Falls, and were very disappointed. But then they realized that this was actually river run-off from the nearby dam, thus the siren warning sign shown below.

Interestingly, while Bond Falls is a natural waterfall, it has been enhanced by a nearby dam operated by the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), which helps maintain a steady flow.

Below: The two RV Gypsies went back out to the main road and walked a bit up the street, then turned back into the woods and across a small bridge before they found the path they were meant to take to Bond Falls.

Bond Falls is created b the middle branch of the Ontonagon River as it tumbles over a thick belt of fractured rock, diving into numerous small cascades. In a rush of white water, the first drop stretched down the river over flat sections of dark rock.

The river widened slightly to about 100 feet with a total drop of about 50 feet into a small pool, forcing the rest of the falling water to curve around it on both sides.

Branches from the nearby trees bend toward the river as the fast flowing water passes. From here the river curved to the right and disappeared behind the trees.

After walking down about 75 stairs, the two RV Gypsies noticed that the banks were lined with a cement abutment to minimize erosion by the strong flowing Ontonagon River.

Below: The cement abutment ended at a viewing platform, which provided an exciting close-up view of the main section of Bond Falls.

The main falls was breathtaking. The water falls 50 feet in a series of step-like drops. The crest of the waterfall is about 100-feet.

The squared-off rocks are scattered haphazardly in many different layers, which causes the water to bounce off their flat tops in a complicated pattern of white streams.

Below: When viewed from the front, a small grass and tree covered island divides the falls into two unequal sections.

Below: From the base, the water flowed past a scattering of huge rocks which have fallen from the cliff to form a large pool which circles out from the falls.

From there the river divides and continues through the forest. Excellent views of the falls come from the two wooden bridges, spanning each section of the stream.

The Bond Falls may look familiar even if you have never been there because it has been used in many Michigan calendars and tourism promotions .

Please return to the Upper Peninsula Michigan menu to view multiple places in the order of your choice: Yooperland, Porcupine Mountains, lighthouses, lakes, Ore Docks, hiking trails, waterfalls, Apostle Island Cruise, Pictured Rocks and much more.