Iargo Springs

Area Status: Open

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.

Brochure with map:

River Road National Scenic Byway (pdf) - this brochure shows River Road, the Au Sable River and Lumberman's Monument
Highbanks River Trail Map (coming soon)
Eagle Run Trail Map (coming soon)

The brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. The trail maps are set to printon 8.5x11 paper.

Flickr Photo Albums:

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Huron Shores Ranger Station
Operational Hours:	Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
Area Amenities:	Parking
Fees:	No Fee
Permit Info:	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.
Open Season:	January 1 - December 31
Usage:	Heavy
Best Season:	April 1 to November 30
Restrictions:	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.
Closest Towns:	Hale
Water:	None
Restroom:	Vault
Operated By:	Huron Shores Ranger Station - (989) 739-0728
Information Center:	Huron Shores Ranger Station Phone: 989-739-0728 Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center Phone: 989-362-8961 Email sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov

General Information

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.

General Notes:

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.

Accessibility:

Interpretive signage and restroom facilities at the top of the stairs are fully accessible.
Accessible parking is available.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Viewing Wildlife

There are many areas on the forest for scenic viewing.

The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat. Here are some helpful tips to become a wildlife friendly viewer:

Use the right tools - A field guide, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Wear clothing that is appropritate for the season and activitiy.
Watch at dawn and dusk - This is the time when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
Keep your distance - Maintain a distance that is comfortable for the wildlife.
Stay quiet - Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of viewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing the animals you wish to watch.
Do not feed the wildlife - There is plenty of food availale in the wild. Human food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even kill an animal.

An online version of the Michigan Wildlife Viewing Guide is available on the MI-DNRE website.