Waterfalls and Pictured Rocks

We've been moving every day short distances to visit some of the iconic sights of the UP. The weather has been colder than usual for this time of year, but we've only had periodic, light rain to partly cloudy long days. Sunrise is around 6 AM with a 9:30 PM sunset. Plenty of daylight for traveling and sightseeing adventures.

Thursday, May 22 - Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Rivermouth Pines Campgrounds

The Rivermouth Pines Campground is located along the Tahquamenon River and features sunset river views; this was our home for one night after visiting Whitefish Point.

The "Root Beer" waterfalls aptly described by our friend Jay True from Holland, Michigan due to the color and the foam.

The centerpiece of Tahquamenon Falls State Park's nearly 50,000 acres is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls viewable from multiple accessible overlooks. The Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, has a drop of nearly 50 feet, is more than 200 feet across and has a maximum water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second. The river’s amber color is caused by tannins leached from the cedar, spruce and hemlock trees in the swamps drained by the river, and the extremely soft water churned by the action of the falls causes the river’s trademark large amounts of foam.

We enjoyed a brisk walk to see the falls and then dinner afterwards at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub. The brewery's rustic decor, stone fireplace, and wildlife art create a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere. I had a smoked Whitefish salad with a bowl of cheddar cheese soup and Karen tried the grilled Whitefish filet. Both entrees were unique, tasty and satisfying.

Friday, May 23 - Muskallonge Lake State Park

It only took an hour and 15 minutes to drive to Muskallonge Lake State Park which is located 28 miles northwest of Newberry in Luce County. This 217-acre park is situated between the shores of Lake Superior and Muskallonge Lake and the area is well known for its forests, lakes and streams. Muskallonge Lake State Park was the former site of Deer Park, a lumbering town in the late 1880s, and prior to its lumbering history, a Native American encampment. Muskallonge Lake was a mill pond for millions of white pine logs that were brought in by railroad lines. By 1900, the virgin stands of pines were depleted, the mill was closed and the lumbering operation moved away. All that remains as evidence of the lumbering community are piles of sawdust and a few partly submerged pine logs in the lake. The park was also the old site of a Coast Guard Life Saving Station. Our campsite was quite large and convienently located across from a brand new restroom/shower facility.

The highlight here was The Uglyfish Baking Company, According to their advertising, "We're a micro-bakery operating out of 1974 Airstream Argosy. We serve baked goods, coffee, espresso, ice cream cones, shakes and malts, and more. We also have a hot dog cart on site offering brats, Polish, jumbo dogs, and Italian sausage. Additionally, we have a small gift shop in a 1961 Arrow LIttle Chief camper. Our hours are 'Open to Close, Vacation Days as Needed.' In the summer, this means that we are open seven days a week, barring doctor's appointments or emergencies. We open at 8 AM. We are open until at least 6 PM and often later. Look for the open sign in the front window of the Airstream!"

We stopped by and picked up two orange/cranberry muffins, one cinnamon roll and one Reese's peanut butter cookie.

Saturday, May 24 - Bay Furnace Campground

The campground is located in Christmas, Michigan near Munising on the south shores of Lake Superior, near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It offers multiple reservable single sites for tent and RV camping. Additional campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with a grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

This is a view of our $12 a night, first come, first served U.S. Forest Service campsite. No hook ups here, so we are using our LiFePO4 battery (400 A Hr) system for everything needed

We got to the campground early enough to get set up before driving back into Munising to take a 3 PM boat tour out to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We boarded our boat, the Miss Superior, for the 32 mile round trip, 2 1/2 hour tour.

The Miss Superior, our ride out to the Pictured Rocks, and her sister boat the Grand Island tied up behind her.

The brown is iron, the green is copper with black bands of magnesium streaked with the white of calcium.

Our sister vessel, Grand Island slipped into a small cove between the cliffs for a close look around.

This solitary tree grows on this weathered, rocky column supported by a root that is still connected to the shore across a chasm. See the people standing on the other side to the left?

The rock formations and colors are otherworldly. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, Michigan, is known for its iconic sandstone cliffs that stretch along Lake Superior. These cliffs, which range from 50 to 200 feet tall, are colorful due to mineral stains from iron, magnesium, calcium and copper to create a striking visual spectacle. The cliffs have also been sculpted into various formations, including caves, arches, turrets, and natural features like Miners Castle and Chapel Rock. 

The natural weather elements of the lake have transformed these dramatic multicolored cliffs and unique sandstone formations with the forces of blowing wind, crashing waves, freezing rain and ice making them a beautiful sight to behold. Expansive beaches, hiking trails, and seasonal waterfalls made the trip complete.