Pictured Rocks

A Photographer's Paradise

Scott Peterson

4/3/20253 min read

How to Explore Pictured Rocks

The park is located between the small towns of Munising to the west and Grand Marais to the east. Established in 1966, Pictured Rocks is managed by the National Park Service and is one of only four national lakeshores in the United States.

While hiking and scenic drives provide breathtaking views, the best way to experience Pictured Rocks is from the water. Kayaking along the cliffs lets you explore up close, gliding through sea caves and beneath towering arches. Boat tours from Munising offer another fantastic way to take in the full grandeur of the rock formations. For those who prefer to stay on land, Miners Castle Overlook is an easily accessible viewpoint offering a stunning panorama of the cliffs and lake.

Stretching 42 miles along Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore might just be one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Calling it a photographer’s paradise would be an understatement. With towering sandstone cliffs, miles of sandy beaches, massive dunes, serene inland lakes, lush forests, and breathtaking waterfalls, the photo opportunities are endless.

If you love hiking or backpacking, you're in luck—Pictured Rocks boasts over 100 miles of some of the best trails in the Midwest..

The Colors of Pictured Rocks

The true gem of Pictured Rocks is its multi-colored sandstone cliffs, which rise up to 200 feet above Lake Superior. These cliffs are carved with sea caves and natural arches, forming dramatic shapes against the lake’s crystal-clear blue waters.

The cliffs get their striking colors from streaks of mineral stains left behind by groundwater seeping through the rock face. The minerals—iron (red and orange), copper (blue and green), manganese (brown and black), and limonite (white)—create a stunning, natural palette. The best time to view these vibrant layers is late afternoon or early evening, when the setting sun enhances their brilliance.

More Than Just Cliffs

Beyond its famous cliffs, Pictured Rocks is a diverse wilderness. You’ll find:

Miles of secluded beaches, perfect for relaxing or capturing the contrast between the sand and Superior’s blue waters.
Towering sand dunes, including the impressive Grand Sable Dunes near Grand Marais.
Spectacular waterfalls, such as Munising Falls, Miners Falls, and the breathtaking Spray Falls, a 70-foot waterfall that plunges directly into Lake Superior.
A rich forest of maple, birch, and pine, bursting with color in the fall.

Wildlife lovers might spot bald eagles soaring overhead, black bears wandering the woods, or even the occasional moose, although I’ve never ran into a bear or moose while on the trail. In the summer, wild blueberries grow in abundance throughout the park.

Best Time to Visit

While summer is the most popular time to visit, fall brings colorful foliage, with the forest outlined in red, orange, and gold. Winter transforms the park into a frozen wonderland, with ice caves, frozen waterfalls, and snow-covered cliffs making for a completely different, yet equally stunning experience in its own frigid way.

A Hidden Gem: Au Sable Lighthouse

One of my favorite places to backpack and camp is near the Au Sable Lighthouse, located on the park’s eastern end. First lit in 1874, this historic lighthouse is open for summer tours. The backcountry campsite, just a few hundred yards from the lighthouse, is the perfect spot to unwind—whether you're cooking by the fire, soaking in the sun, or picking fresh blueberries in season.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, paddler, or simply someone who loves incredible landscapes, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a must-visit destination. With its colorful cliffs, pristine beaches, hidden waterfalls, and endless outdoor adventures, it’s one of the most spectacular places in the country—and a place you’ll never forget.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where I’ll explore the beauty of Bond Falls and the Porcupine Mountains. If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing or subscribing and thanks for reading.

Scott