There are localized to extensive bedrock exposures throughout, except in Sub-subsection IX.6.2. Much of Sub-subsection IX.6.1 is mapped as thin till over bedrock, with discontinuous deposits of till separated by numerous or extensive bedrock outcrops. The only large lake here is Lake Gogebic in Michigan. Several streams flow north across the subsection and drain into Lake Superior. Many of these streams originate near the southern edge of the subsection.
Small waterfalls are common, and many of the streams have steep, bedrock ravines.
In Sub-subsection IX.6.2, the streams have formed deep ravines in the clay soils. On the lake plain of Sub-subsection IX.6.2, soils are red, silty, acidic clays. Northern hardwood forests of sugar maple, hemlock, basswood, and yellow birch occupied most of the well-drained soils. White pine occurred locally as pure stands on the lake plain. Iron mining was an important industry, but most mines here have been abandoned.