Bonanza Falls
Michigan · 10-foot drop · Last verified 2026-05-23
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Bonanza Falls (a.k.a. Greenwood Falls) is a wide multi-tier cascade on the Big Iron River just outside Porcupine Mountains State Park — 100 feet of river dropping over layered shale-like bedrock. No single tier exceeds 10 ft but the breadth and the rock formations are the attraction. Easy roadside access from M-64 south of Ontonagon, no fee. Peak flow in spring; thin by August.
The trail
0.1 miles each way, rated easy. Pull-off on M-64, 10 minutes south of Ontonagon. Free.
Why the waterfall is there
The Big Iron River cuts through Jacobsville Sandstone here, exposing the distinctive horizontal shale-like layers that give Bonanza Falls its character.
- Rock type
- Jacobsville Sandstone
- Formation age
- Late Precambrian
Source: Michigan Geological Survey
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonanza Falls (this page) | — | 10 ft | easy · 0.1 mi | Y | Free |
| Pewabeck Falls | 1 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Little Union Gorge Falls | 3 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Nonesuch Falls | 5 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Trap Falls | 6 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Little Trap Falls | 9 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~10 ft)
Same best season in Michigan
- Gabbro Falls40 ft
Questions visitors ask about Bonanza Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Bonanza Falls?
Bonanza Falls is 10 feet (3 m) tall. Height is sourced from Copper Country.
Can I bring my dog to Bonanza Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed. Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at Bonanza Falls?
Bonanza Falls has a swimmable area. Shallow pools across the wide bedrock are popular for splashing and wading in summer. Not deep enough for serious swimming.
When is the best time to visit Bonanza Falls?
Peak flow is typically April, May, September, October, November. Season-wise: spring, fall. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Bonanza Falls?
No entrance fee. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Bonanza Falls from a major city?
Bonanza Falls is 7 miles from Ontonagon (about 10 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Michigan
Where it is
46.8175, -89.5702
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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