In excess of 50,000 acres in the forest remain as a federally designated wilderness, with pristine lakes and old growth trees. More than 35 waterfalls within the forest are accessible by woodland trails. Those falls that can be reached by road include Potawatomi Conglomerate, Gorge, Sandstone and Rainbow on the Black River north of US 2 on CR 513 north of Ironwood and Bessemer; the Agate Falls observation deck west on SR 28 near Trout Creek; and Bond Falls via Bond Falls Road.
More than 500 named lakes and more than 2,000 miles of rivers and streams yield varieties of panfish and trout. Fishing for coho salmon and rainbow trout is good on Lake Superior. Hunting for deer, bears and small game is permitted. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing are popular winter sports.
The J.W. Toumey Forest Nursery in Watersmeet supplies seed and tree stock to Great Lakes state forests; guided and self-guiding tours are offered on request; phone (906) 358-4523. The Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center, junction US 2 and US 45 in Watersmeet, has exhibits, an interpretive trail, audiovisual programs and scheduled naturalist-conducted activities. The visitor center is open daily 9-5 (also Thurs. 5-8:30), Memorial Day-Labor Day; Mon-Fri. 8-4, rest of year. Admission free. Phone (906) 358-4724.
For further information contact the Forest Supervisor, Ottawa National Forest, E6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI 49938; phone (906) 932-1330.