Creek Loop East Trailhead view of Fern & Trees

This forest view image was taken near the start of the Otter Creek (east side) loop of the Platte Plains trail system in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. On the west side of M22 south of Empire, take Esch Road toward the lake. Just before it ends, turn left onto Aral Road and park in the wide spot for trail access on the right. Walk down the marked trail until you discover a fern among the grasses in the rows of pines; they stand out, though you will have to leave the trail for your shot. A round trip from car to the photo spot is less than 1/4 mile. To find the ferns easily, you can reference the GPS coordinates.

Late May through late July the sun can be seen setting through the trees, and the ferns and grasses will be a vibrant green. Earlier in the year the grass won't be tall; later in the year and the ferns will be yellowed and withered.

To capture a sunburst through the trees, aim to be at this location an hour to an hour and a half before sunset.

Remember to check for ticks; they love the grass. It's important to also wear long pants to avoid the bugs!

Use a wide lens (I used a 17mm) to capture the entirety of the scene.

Try getting low and very close to the subject (the fern) to make it fill in the foreground and use a small aperture (f/16 or smaller) to create a starburst. This will also provide a wide depth of field.

If it isn't windy, a tripod will be useful because the forest is quite dark at this time of day. This image could be captured handheld with a high enough ISO, but the image will be noisier.

Otter Creek and Esch Beach are both nearby and photogenic locations.

The Platte Plains in Sleeping Dunes National Lakeshore Park offer several loops of hiking opportunities.

If you come through Empire, stop at Tiffany's for some classic cafe ice cream (cash only) or Grocer's Daughter Chocolates for a high class chocolate popsicle.