Posted by Patrick Nixon on August 3, 2006 at 10:57 PM
My son and I are considering a Fall photo trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is located between Munising and Grand Marais, MI. Does anyone have any recommendations, particularly regharding (1) photo locations, (2) camping locations, and (3) time of year (foliage?)?
I've been to Pictured Rocks twice, both times over Labor Day weekend, last year and three or four years ago. The trees are just beginning to turn a bit, even then, and the weather was really pleasant. My suggestion regarding the time to be there for fall leaves is to call a chamber of commerce or the park, as they'd know best (unless there's someone in this group who has been there or lives in the vicinity). http://www.nps.gov/piro
Camping locations - the two times that we've gone, we've camped at Cusino Lake, which is about ten miles south of the lakeshore. It's a beautiful location and away from thundering herds; although, out of all of the national parks that I've enjoyed, this is one of the less visited, less tourist-dense areas.
Photo locations: Mosquito Falls is so-so. Chapel Falls and Chapel Rock are much better, almost must-sees, I'd suggest. We hiked to about 1/4 mile east of Spray Falls; I didn't have the equipment with me to make it look decent from that distance and angle. There's a nice cove or two on the hike between Spray Falls and Little Beaver Lake. Log Slide would be fun to visit, with some possible vistas to the east of the Grand Sable Dunes; if you go, run down Log Slide with your son! ;) We went to Miner's Castle/Miner's Beach area the first trip, and there might be some good photos there, particularly if you're in the area in the late afternoon - setting sun on the yellow lakeshore bluffs. I know that we kayaked on Lake Superior, and I think that it was from Miner's Beach, to the east, which was really pretty. I seem to recall Indian Head being really spectacular from the water - maybe a tourist boat or hire a boat? But, I didn't take any photo equipment with me in the kayak...
Also, I think that if you'll google something like "waterfalls Upper Michigan," you'll find a site(s) that lists dozens of waterfalls in the UP. I seem to recall that one of the best water falls in the UP is towards the east end, not so far from Grand Marais - yes, Tahquamenon Falls (haven't visited it yet). Oh, and if you're coming up through Michigan and over the Mackinac Bridge, consider spending some time on Mackinac Island - beautiful and great fudge! ;)
I hope that this helps and that you have a WONDERFUL trip,
Tim!
Posted by Dan Borzynski on August 4, 2006 at 3:57 PM
Depending on time constraints and how much driving you want to do:
Miners Castle evening. There is only one land based shot and and 4-5 feet to work in. You need to be there early to claim your spot. People are usually friendly about shooting and then moving out of the way, but not always.
Miners beach evening
Munising Falls most of the day, except high noon bright sun
Elliot Creek, Bridal Falls evening
Wagner Falls most of the day
Council Lake morning
Red Jack Lake morning
Pete's Lake morning, but scout it the day before!!!!
Half Moon lake ONLY if your vehicle has ground clearance. If it is foggy, it is stunning
Sand Point evening, down the road from Munising Falls. There is also a somewhat interesting Coast Guard station at the end of the road
Laughing Whitefish Falls about an hour away. The road there is also quite interesting in good light, with interesting beaches to stop at
Many of the Hiawatha forest roads south of Munising
5 mile point(??) When you leave Munising, head west to Christmas, take the first right past the Christmas tourist trap (trust me, you'll recognize it), and turn left on another even worse dirt road. Last time I was there, the right from Christmas was unpaved, but maintained and the left part-way down was a disaster. The road can be good or a death trap for a Corolla.
Taquamanan Falls probably under 2 hours east, but a tough shoot, with tannin stained water
Bond Falls, nearly 3-4 hours, shoot before 9 am, the z halfway down from 9 to 11, if the maple across the stream is lit up
Lake of the Clouds 3 hours, state park camping, morning, be there before sunrise
Overlooked Falls, variable
There is also a book called 199 Michigan Waterfalls
Stop at the ranger station/information center in the center of Munising. They are really helpful there. If I remember correctly, it is across the road from Dogpatch, which is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Check also the following websites for more locations:
mine http://www.danborzynskiimages.com
Danny Burk http://www.dannyburk.com (I think Danny is also running a workshop up there this year, which would be worth attending)
I'll second Dan's list. Add Moccassin Lake to the Pete's Lake/Red Jack/Council lake area, but check the weather and cloud formations before heading there in the morning.
Good afternoon light...take the last Pictured Rocks boat cruise of the day for the lakeshore rock formations, along with the opportunity for a few shots of the Grand Island lighthouse.
The Hurricane River campground area has one of the few remaining White Birch forests that I've run across up there, and that puts you in the neighborhood of the AuSable Lighthouse, Sable Falls, and Grand Sable Dunes.
Timing varies...late September to mid-October depending on if you're in the interior or along the lake shore.
Good shooting!
Matt
www.37th-frame.com
Posted by Scott Mitchell on September 5, 2006 at 10:26 PM
The lists above are impressive. You guys have been around a bit.
There are several Michigan state forest campground in the general area south of PRNL in addition to those already listed( North Gemini Lake, Kingston Lake, Ross Lake,)
The Five Mile Point area mentioned above is worth the trouble. If the timing is right, I would be glad to guide you into that area.
The best fall color times here are usually the last few days of September until the second week of October.
The time is coming up quickly, but if I can be of any more specific help, let me know.
Scott
Posted by Tim Marks on September 14, 2006 at 8:48 PM
I just returned from a trip to Isle Royale and the Keewanaw. Color up above Houghton is changing quite fast. Around Copper Harbor it was about 50%. South of Houghton it is just changing.
We had great weather 60 - 70 degrees during the day and inthe 50s at night. We spent 5 days on the Island in a cabin at Rock Harbor. A thunderstorm on Thursday Night but other than that the weather was perfect. Friday things were clearing when we awoke but Gale Force winds on the lake meant that the boats did not arrive. We had to stay and extra day (what a disapointment...NOT ). We didn't see any Moose (tracks outside the cabin one mornigng) but did see Pilated Woodpeckers, Rabbit Loons and lots and lots of red Squirrels.
This is one of the most beautiful places to spend a few days. Hikeing in the Harbor area is easy/moderate and once you are 300 yards away from the Docks you wopuld swear that there is no civilization for hundreds of miles.
If you haven't been....GO.
Came back with wll over 700 pix so it will take some tome to go thru them all. I will post a few of the best.
Discussion
5 repliesI've been to Pictured Rocks twice, both times over Labor Day weekend, last year and three or four years ago. The trees are just beginning to turn a bit, even then, and the weather was really pleasant. My suggestion regarding the time to be there for fall leaves is to call a chamber of commerce or the park, as they'd know best (unless there's someone in this group who has been there or lives in the vicinity). http://www.nps.gov/piro
Camping locations - the two times that we've gone, we've camped at Cusino Lake, which is about ten miles south of the lakeshore. It's a beautiful location and away from thundering herds; although, out of all of the national parks that I've enjoyed, this is one of the less visited, less tourist-dense areas.
Photo locations: Mosquito Falls is so-so. Chapel Falls and Chapel Rock are much better, almost must-sees, I'd suggest. We hiked to about 1/4 mile east of Spray Falls; I didn't have the equipment with me to make it look decent from that distance and angle. There's a nice cove or two on the hike between Spray Falls and Little Beaver Lake. Log Slide would be fun to visit, with some possible vistas to the east of the Grand Sable Dunes; if you go, run down Log Slide with your son! ;) We went to Miner's Castle/Miner's Beach area the first trip, and there might be some good photos there, particularly if you're in the area in the late afternoon - setting sun on the yellow lakeshore bluffs. I know that we kayaked on Lake Superior, and I think that it was from Miner's Beach, to the east, which was really pretty. I seem to recall Indian Head being really spectacular from the water - maybe a tourist boat or hire a boat? But, I didn't take any photo equipment with me in the kayak...
Also, I think that if you'll google something like "waterfalls Upper Michigan," you'll find a site(s) that lists dozens of waterfalls in the UP. I seem to recall that one of the best water falls in the UP is towards the east end, not so far from Grand Marais - yes, Tahquamenon Falls (haven't visited it yet). Oh, and if you're coming up through Michigan and over the Mackinac Bridge, consider spending some time on Mackinac Island - beautiful and great fudge! ;)
I hope that this helps and that you have a WONDERFUL trip,
Tim!
Miners Castle evening. There is only one land based shot and and 4-5 feet to work in. You need to be there early to claim your spot. People are usually friendly about shooting and then moving out of the way, but not always.
Miners beach evening
Munising Falls most of the day, except high noon bright sun
Elliot Creek, Bridal Falls evening
Wagner Falls most of the day
Council Lake morning
Red Jack Lake morning
Pete's Lake morning, but scout it the day before!!!!
Half Moon lake ONLY if your vehicle has ground clearance. If it is foggy, it is stunning
Sand Point evening, down the road from Munising Falls. There is also a somewhat interesting Coast Guard station at the end of the road
Laughing Whitefish Falls about an hour away. The road there is also quite interesting in good light, with interesting beaches to stop at
Many of the Hiawatha forest roads south of Munising
5 mile point(??) When you leave Munising, head west to Christmas, take the first right past the Christmas tourist trap (trust me, you'll recognize it), and turn left on another even worse dirt road. Last time I was there, the right from Christmas was unpaved, but maintained and the left part-way down was a disaster. The road can be good or a death trap for a Corolla.
Taquamanan Falls probably under 2 hours east, but a tough shoot, with tannin stained water
Bond Falls, nearly 3-4 hours, shoot before 9 am, the z halfway down from 9 to 11, if the maple across the stream is lit up
Lake of the Clouds 3 hours, state park camping, morning, be there before sunrise
Overlooked Falls, variable
There is also a book called 199 Michigan Waterfalls
Stop at the ranger station/information center in the center of Munising. They are really helpful there. If I remember correctly, it is across the road from Dogpatch, which is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Check also the following websites for more locations:
mine http://www.danborzynskiimages.com
Danny Burk http://www.dannyburk.com (I think Danny is also running a workshop up there this year, which would be worth attending)
Good afternoon light...take the last Pictured Rocks boat cruise of the day for the lakeshore rock formations, along with the opportunity for a few shots of the Grand Island lighthouse.
The Hurricane River campground area has one of the few remaining White Birch forests that I've run across up there, and that puts you in the neighborhood of the AuSable Lighthouse, Sable Falls, and Grand Sable Dunes.
Timing varies...late September to mid-October depending on if you're in the interior or along the lake shore.
Good shooting!
Matt
www.37th-frame.com
There are several Michigan state forest campground in the general area south of PRNL in addition to those already listed( North Gemini Lake, Kingston Lake, Ross Lake,)
The Five Mile Point area mentioned above is worth the trouble. If the timing is right, I would be glad to guide you into that area.
The best fall color times here are usually the last few days of September until the second week of October.
The time is coming up quickly, but if I can be of any more specific help, let me know.
Scott
We had great weather 60 - 70 degrees during the day and inthe 50s at night. We spent 5 days on the Island in a cabin at Rock Harbor. A thunderstorm on Thursday Night but other than that the weather was perfect. Friday things were clearing when we awoke but Gale Force winds on the lake meant that the boats did not arrive. We had to stay and extra day (what a disapointment...NOT
This is one of the most beautiful places to spend a few days. Hikeing in the Harbor area is easy/moderate and once you are 300 yards away from the Docks you wopuld swear that there is no civilization for hundreds of miles.
If you haven't been....GO.
Came back with wll over 700 pix so it will take some tome to go thru them all. I will post a few of the best.