For a state known for its lakeshores, this one on Lake Superior is especially fantastic.
As a Michigan native, I am in love with the north. I grew up in mid-Michigan, Bay City to be exact. It’s not the prettiest area, rather flat and boring. Any Troll (anyone from under the Mackinaw Bridge) like myself would be excited to explore the land of waterfalls and the little topography Michigan has (the highest point isn’t even considered a mountain). The Upper Peninsula is Michigan’s land of wonder and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a top gem. Forty-two miles of picturesque rock formations, sand dunes and waterfalls. It’s so wonderful.
In my previous post, I started with my quick visit to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, dancing around stops to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Now it’s time. It was a short visit to Pictured Rocks. However, we did accomplish three waterfalls and a sunset cruise thanks to Northern Michigan’s late sunsets.
We headed into the area from the Eastern Upper Peninsula after seeing Tahquamenon Falls State Park. We had enough time to hit a few waterfalls before dinner. First stop was Sable Falls and Grand Sable Dunes.
Sable Falls was not the easiest waterfall to see through the trees.
Really pretty though.
Most of the people on the trail were heading to the beach, of course. The lake levels are so high here it was near impossible to get a picture of the Grand Sable Dunes.
Next up was Miners Falls, a very dramatic waterfall.
This Arizona resident was digging this wooded trail to the fall.
Sooooo dramatic and it wasn’t even Springtime, which is the best time to see waterfalls in the area because of the snow melt.
Pictured Rocks is known for its waterfalls but its famous for its pictured rocks, but in order to see them, you have to get out in the water. This often involves a very crowded boat cruise. COVID had me a little worried. However, everyone crammed to the top where the boat is open, leaving the bottom of the boat, which is inside, empty. Everyone had their own window. There is also this lovely outside standing deck in the back that my mother and I had mostly to ourselves. No problem social distancing there.
Out in South Bay on the cruise leaving from the harbor at Munising, with the Lakeshore appearing on the right and the appropriately named Grand Island on the left.
The old East Channel Lighthouse on Grand Island.
Cruising right along an extremely beautiful coastline.
Miners Castle is a very famous formation. You can explore this one from the cliffs as well.
How this small waterfall, Bridalveil Falls, over time has smoothed and carved the sandstone here is amazing.
The colors of the sandstone cliffs are the best during the sunset cruise.
I can kind of see a face there.
I love the vegetation growth on the cliffsides here.
Little coves hiding at the waterline.
This famous arch is known as Lovers’ Leap, a favorite haunt for kayakers. Lovers’ Leap was featured on the America the Beautiful federal lands pass a few years back. Michigan representing.
All the minerals and metals in the rock and soil in the area create some interesting “artwork” on the cliffs, especially here at Rainbow Cove.
Indian Head Rock. He lost part of his chin a few years ago.
The cliffs are just so bright!
Another arch coming up. Although after a recent collapse, water no longer flows underneath.
A super massive arch.
That is one pointy cliff.
Elephant Feet Rock. I can see it.
The last formation was Chapel Rock. It used to have another arch, but it was lost over a hundred years ago. The roots of the tree remain as proof to this.
Beautiful Golden Hour coastline.
The last stop before the boat turned around was Spray Falls.
The setting sun gave the cliffs even more rich colors. So wonderful.
Lake Superior Sunset.
The next morning, we made one last stop before heading on, Munising Falls, which I hadn’t seen since 2007.
The last time I was here, there was still ice on the bottom of the falls even though it was May. Ah, the UP.
I just absolutely love this park.
I only had a short, compact visit to the Pictured Rocks, but it was still amazing. I was still able to do the Sunset Cruise like I wanted (something I’ve wanted to do again since I was a kid) and was able to see some fantastic waterfalls. There are still more waterfalls, beaches, dunes and trails to explore in this fantastic park. I only scratched the surface. If you do go on a Pictured Rocks cruise though, you must do the sunset cruise. It’s amazing.
Check out my next update, where I explore a Lake Michigan ghost town.
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Check out more national parks and other public lands!
