Pictured Rocks Cruise

So we decided we would like to go on a family adventure to the upper peninsula and visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores.

Our first stop was at Tannery Falls. The parking seems like we were headed to a neighborhood barbecue, but as soon as we started down the trail we quickly realized we were headed to a pretty popular waterfall. The trail was very rutted up and may be hard for some older folks to get down to the falls, but wasn’t too bad if you took your time. I actually had flip flops on still and did just fine. It was a little harder coming up from the falls due to no tread on my soles.

Tannery Falls near downtown Munising

Underneath Tannery Falls

Caves near Tannery Falls on the way back to the trailhead

Next we Stopped at Sand Point Beach and were delighted and surprised how nice the beach sand and swim area was maintained. I wish we would have had more time to soak up some rays. Maybe next time.

Sand Point Beach

Miner’s Falls was a bit of a hike through the woods to get to the falls. The trail was well maintained and an easy stroll though the woods. Once at the falls, we climbed down to the base of the falls to feel the cool blast of mist on our faces. Nature’s air conditioning we joked. This path was very steep and very rutted up from the traffic. The tree roots served as handrails for those ascending or descending the path.

Miner’s Falls

Miner’s Castle was so awesome it is hard to put it into words. Almost like the first time you walk to the edge of the Grand Canyon and your brain has a hard time comprehending the vastness and beautiful. That is very similar to the view from Miner’s Castle overlook, but the colors are those of the Caribbean. Simply amazing.

Close up view of Miner’s Castle

We had a 6:30 catamaran cruise to Spray Falls. We thought this might be a great way to hear the tour guide give us the history behind the Pictured Rocks lakeshore before the hike it the following day. The cruise was nice and relaxing. We weren’t able to get too close with the large boat, but next time the plan is to do the kayaking tour.

Leaving the harbor heading for Pictured Rocks

Miner’s Castle

Lover’s Leap

Indian Drums

Chapel Cove

Chapel Rock

Spray Falls

Once the catamaran passed Spray Fall, it turned around and headed back retracing our path out. The return trip gave the left side of the boat the opportunity to see the sights, however the captain moved pretty quickly from point to point.

Indian head

These lovely ladies enjoyed the view from the lower deck.

We would definitely encourage anyone coming to Pictured Rocks to take an evening cruise to experience the beauty of the sun shining off the rocks bring out the wonderful colors. Next time we will be taking a kayak tour.