Sturgeon (Baraga/Houghton),

B) Tibbets Falls: Plains Rd to Sturgeon Gorge Rd (7.4 miles)

Usual Difficulty	I-IV (may vary with level)
Avg. Gradient	26 fpm
Max Gradient	71 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
STURGEON RIVER NEAR SIDNAW, MI
usgs-04040500	400 - 2000 cfs	I-IV	02h21m	cfs

River Description

The principal attraction to this reach lies within the first mile and a half, through the sequence of ledges known as Tibbets Falls. From the Plains Rd bridge, boulderbed rapids pick-up pace until they run into the ledge sequence of the "falls" proper. The largest ledge is around 4-5' in height but can generate a wicked hydraulic at higher flows. There is steep "S" turn rapid below this followed by boulderbed that slackens off into moving water.

There is parking and riverside trail (river right along the whole first 1.5 miles) to access Tibbetts Falls for viewing, scouting, and take-out if a short trip including just the falls is desired. This short access/take-out point may be reached by driving north from the put-in and turning onto the first dirt road to the left, less than 1/2 mile. From here, look for the second two track road to the left, turn and drive to a small parking area at the end. There is a trail which leads down to the river at this point. Note that early season this road may be impassible or 4WD only.

The remainder of the reach is primarily flat with class I-II boulder bed encountered in the last mile. Take-out is at Sturgeon Gorge Road Campground.