location-photo
camera
len
Nikon D750
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED Lens
Shutter Speed
1/160 sec
Aperture
f/10
Focal Length
27mm
ISO
160

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore view of Lake Superior & Lover's Leap

avatar
@snaphappymichigan
This vibrant escarpment looks on to enchanting views of the Lover's Leap rock formation. With cruise boats passing by in the distance, this picturesque spot is the perfect place to capture the cliff and aqua-colored cove views of Lake Superior on a summer day.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Difficult
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

  • Wide-angle lens (27mm)
  • Polarizer
  • Hiking attire
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Water
  • Food
  • Bug spray

How to get there

N46° 32' 36.3984"W86° 28' 53.1012"
This image was taken along the escarpment in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, between Mosquito Beach and Chapel Beach. To get there, you'll need to drive and then take a hike along the trail. From Munising, head east on H-58 for about 11 miles. Turn left onto Chapel Drive just after passing through Melstrand. Signs will indicate Mosquito/Chapel Area. After about a mile, veer right to continue toward Mosquito/Chapel Area (the road is shared with logging traffic). The parking area is down a long gravel road, park your car here and then continue to the trail head. The loop trail is 10-12 miles depending on which way you choose to hike. You can hike the loop in either direction, though the spot where I stood to take the photo is slightly closer to the Mosquito Beach side. Follow the GPS coordinates and after about 4-5 miles into the hike, you'll reach this view.

Tips

When to go

Best season

June, July, August, September

Best time

Morning, Mid-day, Late afternoon
From mid-June through September, the trees will be in full bloom — displaying a reliable green color.
Although you can get a similar shot during any time of the day, morning through afternoon will allow you to capture the different hues of the water (best if polarized).

Field tips

Be aware that on this long hike, you will have little to no cell service. Plan accordingly! Map out your route, take water and food and wear appropriate attire.
I used a wide focal distance to frame the image with the diagonal tree trunks on the left and green foliage on the right.
Try positioning the horizon in the top third of the image, and rotate your polarizer so that you can see clearly into the water.
You may have to wait for a boat to pass by if that's what you're looking for, but cruises regularly run on days when the lake isn't choppy.

Current weather

Munising, Michigan
Overcast
25o
F
Sat
27o
16o
Sun
34o
25o
Mon
40o
30o
Tue
33o
28o
Wed
36o
28o

Blue Hour

12:08
25o
Overcast

Sunrise

12:39
25o
Overcast

Golden Hour

22:40
25o
Overcast

Sunset

23:22
25o
Overcast

Do nearby

Before the hike, stop at Muldoons Pasties & Gifts so you can bring along a nice lunch for the long trek.
I recommend hiking the whole loop in a way that includes Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls. If you're up for it, there's a nice view of Spray Falls about 1.5 miles northeast of Chapel Beach.

Locations nearby

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