Sturgeon (Baraga/Houghton), Michigan, US

B) Tibbets Falls: Plains Rd to Sturgeon Gorge Rd (1.5 or 7.4 miles)

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
STURGEON RIVER NEAR SIDNAW, MI
usgs-04040500	400 - 2000 cfs	I-IV	59d10h00m	85 cfs (rc= -0.7 )
	Almost certainly too low. Gauge (171 sq.mi. drainage) is right at listed put-in, thus is very accurate for flows in this reach.

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 increase as they lead to the ledge sequence of the "falls" proper. The largest ledge is only around 4-5' in height, but can generate a wicked hydraulic at higher flows. A steep "S" turn rapid finishes the sequence, followed by boulderbed that eases off into little more than moving water. 

There is parking and a 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 access/take-out point may be reached by driving north from the listed 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. 

Beyond the initial (1.5 mile) sequence, the remainder of the reach is primarily flat, with class I-II boulder bed encountered in the final mile. Take-out is at Sturgeon Gorge Road Campground.