Rock River Canyon Wilderness
Rock River Canyon Wilderness (RRCW) includes approximately 4,700 acre (7.5 sq mile) and was designated in the Michigan Wilderness Act of 1987. During the mid- and late-winter months, many people visit RRCW to see the Eben Ice Caves.
- What are the Eben Ice Caves? Although not "true" caves, they are made up of vertical walls of ice formed by water seeping through the sandstone bedrock cliff edge. As the temperature drops, these intermittent leaks create ice stalactites over the entrance to the bedrock undercuts. While ice caves are a phenomenon in the winter, summer visitors only see algae-covered rocks and dense foliage. The caves are within RRCW. Wilderness designation is the highest level of protection granted to federal lands. Leave no trace of your visit. No trash, no damage, no excessive noise. Leave it in the same or better condition as you found it.
- Important: Scroll down to the Reservations and Restrictions sections.
- Directions: Scroll down to General Information/Directions.
- What about Parking and Private Land? The route to the ice caves requires visitors to park on private land and to cross over private land before entering the Wilderness (public land). Two land owners offer parking and other facilities from which one may hike. Please be respectful of the private land and realize that the owners have the right to regulate the activity on their land as they see fit. Consider making a donation. Please be considerate of others and do not park on roads; it is critical that the road remain wide enough for emergency vehicles (fire truck, ambulance) access.
- Trail Conditions & Cautions
- The trail to the Eben Ice Caves is about two miles round trip and it is almost always packed down by heavy use. The packed snow becomes very slippery. There are some very steep sections of the trail that can become treacherous. The area around the ice caves is also extremely slick. Wearing traction cleats, crampons or snowshoes with metal teeth is HIGHLY recommended.
- Supervise small children closely. There is a small creek that runs alongside the section of the trail that may not be completely frozen over. There are steep ravines alongside the trail that one could fall into and become injured.
- Venturing within the ice caves is at your own risk. Fluctuations in temperature can weaken the ice and cause large chunks of icicles to fall unpredictably.
- Ice Climbing. Ice climbers are allowed to climb on the ice formations. This can become a hazard for spectators or other visitors to the caves. As climbers move up the ice columns, their axes can cause chunks of ice to splinter and fly over 20 feet. Always give ice climbers a wide berth. Be alert and keep children and pets out of the path of falling ice and away from the ropes of the climbers.
- Ice Conditions. Ice continually moves and changes throughout the winter due to fluctuations in temperature and precipitation.
- Please recreate responsibly.
At a Glance
Reservations: | Area Rules There are no campsites or reservations in RRCW. Camping is allowed, but must be at least 200 feet from trails, cliffs, water sources and other campsites. Fires are presently allowed, however gas or sterno stoves are preferred. If you must have a fire, keep it small and use only downed vegetation. Be sure to put your fire dead out. Follow all wilderness ethics and Leave No Trace principles for backcountry camping. Be courteous and keep noise to a minimum level at all times. |
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Restrictions: | Leave No Trace
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General Information
Directions:Eben Ice Caves
Located in Hiawatha National Forest north of Eben Junction, MI, the Eben Ice Caves lie within congressionally designated RRCW. The Caves are situated 25 miles east of Marquette and 15 miles west of Munising. To get to the vicinity by car from Munising, take Highway M-94 west about 17 miles to Eben Junction. There you will see the New Moon Bar. Turn right onto North Eben Road and travel north approximately 1.5 miles on the narrow gravel road. Turn right onto Frey Road and drive east to one of the two parking areas provided by private landowners. The first is at about 1/2 mile, or continue driving east on Eben Ice Caves Road for another 1/2 mile to the second parking area, located where the road ends.