Laughing Whitefish Falls is Unbelievable. Go NOW in 2022
Laughing Whitefish Falls in Alger County, is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most underrated waterfall experiences
Laughing Whitefish Falls is an absolute mandatory waterfall to visit when chasing Upper Peninsula waterfalls. Learn everything about this Upper Michigan waterfall for 2022 below
Laughing Whitefish Falls 2022 Guide
Directions to Laughing Whitefish Falls
Laughing Whitefish Falls is located in Alger County, MI about 30 minutes outside of Marquette and Munising. Getting to Laughing Whitefish Falls is very easy.
Marquette to Laughing Whitefish Falls:
1) Highway 41 South to 94 East
2) Follow until you hit highway 327 and follow that until it turns into a dirt road with signs. keep following until you arrive at a dirt loop lot.
3)Find parking on the side of the road.
Laughing Whitefish Falls Trail
The Trailhead for Laughing Whitefish Falls is adjacent to the parking lot.
Follow the open path you see and you are set for the rest of the hike. For those hiking the North Country Trail, follow the sign when it appears about 1/4 way into the hike.
The Laughing Whitefish Falls Hike is a 1 mile roundtrip hike.
The trail is well maintained and is a very easy hike. For Michigan’s waterfall scene, this is easily one of the best because it’s ease of access and size. The hike in is flat with some small inclined hills complemented with lush, thick ferns.
The Hike is a loop so you will come back in on the same trail that you entered on. Don’t feel lost because it’s almost impossible to go off trail. During the warmer months the area is lush with an abundance of ferns that will make any hiker stop for an abundance of photos.
Related Read: The Best Marquette County Hikes You Can’t Miss
3 Different Viewing Platforms
This amazing Upper Michigan waterfall has 3 separate viewing platforms. The first one is right at the end of the trail and sits above the waterfall. This waterfall is over 100 feet tall so seeing different vantage points is a must!
To access the next two, follow the giant 155 stair staircase that leads down to the middle platform. Most people stop here as the bottom platform is quite a hike down for anyone who isn’t in good shape. This will be very challenging if it’s hot and the bugs are rampant.
For those making their way to the base you are in for a treat. Arguably the best spot, the lowest platform gives you the best perspective of how majestic this waterfall is.
If you’re in good shape it will be challenging but nothing overbearing.
Whitefish Falls FAQ
Are there Bathrooms at the Waterfall?
Yes, there are bathroom facilities at the parking lot.
How did Laughing Whitefish Falls get its name?
The fall derives its name from the river which, in turn, had been given the name by the Ojibwe who thought the mouth of the river seen from Lake Superior resembled that of a laughing fish.
Where can I Park at Whitefish Falls?
The Parking lot at Laughing Whitefish is a loop that is lined with boulders and woods. It’s very basic but enough because this place usually never gets too crowded.
Camping at the Falls?
There is no camping at Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park! The closest camping spots are in Au Train, Michigan!
Will I have cell phone signal?
Cell phone signal at Whitefish Falls is limited and sporadic. Driving in I lost service about 10 minutes before arriving. All dependent on provider but I am a Verizon User
Are Dogs allowed on the trail?
Dogs are allowed at Laughing Whitefish but must be kept on a leash!
BUGS?
Bugs can be terrible here and throughout most of the Upper Peninsula. BRING REPELLANT on any hike you do in the UP!!
Drones at Whitefish Falls
Drones are permitted for use at Laughing Whitefish!
Wintertime at Laughing Whitefish
Winter at Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park is highly recommended.
The colder months provide a dramatic landscape change and no bugs! If you time it right you might even be able to ice climb up the face of the waterfall!
Bring warm clothes and if you are visiting after a heavy snow be wary of the road conditions.
The road to the falls are not kept plowed in the winter so you might have to hike a 1/4 mile to the trailhead! Depending on conditions and your cars ability, keep these things in mind!
Best Things to do near Laughing Whitefish
There are so many other things in this area that any visitor should experience. Because this waterfall is a quick trip, visitors should plan to do other things with their day. Here are some of the best things to do near here:
Eben Ice Caves – Visitors making their way here in the winter should combine a trip to the nearby Eben Ice Caves. This must-visit winter attraction is only 15 minutes away!
Lakenland Sculpture Park – Lakenland is just around the corner from here, about 20 minutes, but is a well worthy stop on any UP trip. Go when and if you can!
Marquette, MI – Marquette has some of the top attractions in the Upper Peninsula and is only 30 minutes away from this Michigan gem.
After your day spent outside, make sure to eat at one of these top restaurants in Marquette today!
If you’re lucky enough, go see the northern lights in Marquette!
More Things to do in the Upper Penisula
Michigan has some amazing experiences to consider outside of waterfalls. If you are looking to chase some more read my guide about the Best Upper Peninsula Waterfalls.
Need more travel ideas while in the Upper Peninsula? Read my Upper Peninsula of Michigan Bucket List Guide
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