Iargo Springs
Lying off of River Road National Scenic Byway, Iargo Springs provides a panoramic view of the Au Sable River. Used as a drinking water source since pre-settlement times, dams were constructed on the springs by early loggers before the turn of the century. The dams were useful in diverting water to the logging camps nearby. Most of Cooke Pond was dry land then.
Europeans have visited the springs for recreation since the 1920s. A trail to the springs was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Early photographs show the dam being repaired and reinforced by the CCC's. The dams lasted until 1981 when a storm took them out. The site was renovated in 1991. Steps were added and boardwalks along the springs, as well as the dams being rebuilt.
Flickr Photo Albums:
General Information
Location - River Road National Scenic Byway, Au Sable River
Nearby Recreation Areas -
- Highbanks Trail
- Canoers Memorial
County - Iosco
Seasonal and Other Information -
- This site is not gated during the off season.
- This site is not maintained in winter:
- Access road and/or trailhead are not plowed.
- No toilet facilities are available.
January 1 - December 31
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
Au Sable River Primitive Camping -
- No permit or reservation is required outside of the permitted season.
- Camping Permit required at primitive campsites from May 15 to September 10.
Special Use Permit -
- No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
- Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders -
- Au Sable River and Cooke Pond Semi-primitive Motorized Areas, shorelines of Alcona Pond and the Eable Run Trail System; R904-14-21
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
- Occupancy and Use; R904-14-03
Highlights - Camping is prohibited, except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
No Fees are required for this site.
Address: 5761 N. Skeel Road Oscoda, MI 48750
Phone: (989) 739-0728
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.44138889
Longitude: -83.67611111
Directions
From Tawas-
- Travel west on M-55 for 14.7 miles.
- Turn right and travel north on M-65 for 18 miles.
- Turn right and travel east on River Rd. for 1 mile.
- The site is located on the left.
From Oscoda -
- Travel west on River Road for 17 miles.
- The site is located on the right.
Parking
20 vehicle capacity
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Outdoor Science and Learning
Viewing Scenery
Viewing Wildlife