Before & after the fall at Miner’s Castle

Miner’s Castle before it fell by Sue Spaulding & Miner’s Castle (post-collapse) by Arie Koelewyn

17 years ago today, one of Michigan’s most notable rock formations became less notable when the northeast tower of this distinctive formation collapsed. The day after, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore reported:

On Thursday morning, April 13, 2006, the northeast turret of Miners Castle collapsed. One turret remains on Miners Castle, the best-known feature of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The collapse was reported via cell phone by fisherman in the area, according to chief ranger Larry Hach.

Most of the rock fell north and into Lake Superior, and there were no injuries. The lower overlook platform near Miners Castle appears to be unaffected.

While the rockfall at Miners Castle on April 13 was startling, such events are not rare along the Pictured Rocks escarpment. At least five major falls have occurred over the past dozen years … Rockfalls along the cliffs typically occur in the spring and fall due to freezing and thawing action of Mother Nature.

You can read more & see more photos in this Absolute Michigan article on the collapse of a turret at Miner’s Castle.

Waterfall Wednesday: Black Slate Falls

Black Slate River Falls by Amie Lucas

Go Waterfalling’s page on the Slate River Falls shares that:

Slate River Falls is, unsurprisingly, on the Slate River. This is the largest of many drops over a three mile stretch of the river. This is a wild waterfall, with no fences, and the only trail is one left behind by the curious feet of others.

The falls are located along Skanee Road between L’Anse and Skanee, about 10 miles east of L’Anse. There is a sign marking the Slate River, so the falls are easier to find than some. 

If you continue upstream past the falls a few hundred yards you can find two smaller falls, Slide Falls and Ecstasy Falls (so named by kayakers). About 3 miles upstream you can find Quartzite Falls, Black Slate Falls and more unnamed drops.

Amie took this way back in October of 2015. View the photo background bigilicious and see more in her Michigan Waterfalls gallery on Flickr.

Waterfall Wednesday at Wagner Falls

Wagner Falls and Marsh Marigolds by Footsore Photography

Pure Michigan shares that the Wagner Falls Scenic Site near Munising:

…is nestled amongst virgin pine and hemlock trees. There is a small parking area and a half-mile trail with an observation deck overlooking the falls. Wagner Creek falls over a stratum of erosion-resistant dolomite into order to flow into a shallow gorge containing the Anna River. The Anna, soon afterwards, flows northward into Lake Superior.

Gary shared this last week in the Michigan in Pictures Facebook group where you can see photos from Michpics readers & share your own!!

You can follow Gary at Footsore Fotography on Facebook and view & purchase his work on his website! 

Sand Point Lighthouse

Tip of Sand Point by Mike Sherman

WHOOPS! This is Sand Point Lighthouse on Lake Superior! 

Head over to Mike’s Flickr and his Facebook page for his latest.

Springtime at Root Beer Falls

Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan’s UP by Tom Clark

Tom swung by Tahquamenon Falls over the weekend and shares:

Amazing! I have never seen it with such a large volume and flow as today. It’s supplied by the spring melt-off and rain. Another benefit of the run-off is the intensity of color – again, never seen such deep rich color. That is why it’s aptly referred to as “root beer falls”.

Indeed!! See more in Tom’s UP Trip with Dave – April 2022 gallery on Flickr & view & purchase his work on his website.

Much more from Tahquamenon Falls on Michigan in Pictures!

Geared up for the photo

Intrepid MK2 8×10 at Lake Superior by Kirt E Carter

Here’s a sweet shot large-format, black & white shot of Kirt’s rig for a recent photo shoot at Little Girl’s Point on Lake Superior near the Michigan/Wisconsin border. You can see more on Flickr & for sure check out his website to view & purchase his work! 

More black & white photography on Michigan in Pictures & you can click to read more about the Intrepid MK2 8×10 camera.

Frozen Falls Friday

Upper Tahquamenon Falls by S Hughes Photos

S Hughes shared this sweet shot from a subzero sunrise the other day at the Upper Falls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park.  Follow her on Facebook & for sure check out her video from the overlook!

Thoughts on beating Ohio…

View from the Top … of the Mackinac Bridge by Ken Scott Photography

On Saturday, the Michigan Wolverines defied recent history and absolutely thrashed the Ohio State Buckeyes 42-27 in the Big House. While this is certainly a huge victory by Michigan over Ohio, it pales in comparison to one the greatest fleecings in history, the trade of the 468 square mile Toledo Strip for the entire Upper Peninsula. Not bad eh? Read all about it in Michigan, Ohio & the Best Worst Deal Ever on Michigan in Pictures.

Ken took this photo looking north at a portion of Michigan’s haul from one of the towers on the Mighty Mac with St. Ignace, Mackinac Island and Round Island on the horizon. See more in his Mackinac Stuff gallery on Flickr & for sure view and purchase his work at kenscottphotography.com

Waterfall Wednesday: Reany Creek Falls

Reany Creek Falls by Aaron Strouse

Waterfalls of the Keweenaw entry for Reany Falls says in part:

With a location close to a well-known Marquette destination (Dead River Falls) Reany Falls is a surprisingly photographed and popular waterfall. Composed a few small drops along a narrow creek, the main focus is a three-way split plunge nestled in the bedrock that is viewable from the road’s bridge above. Smaller drops are located above these falls, although the narrow little canyon makes viewing them difficult.

Aaron took this photo back in August of 2017. See more in his massive Michigan waterfalls gallery on Flickr.

More Michigan waterfalls on Michigan in Pictures!

Waterfall Wednesday: Kakabika Falls

Kakabika Falls by Neil Weaver

Travel the Mitten has a great entry on Kakabika Falls that says (in part):

The Ottawa National Forest covers more than 990,000 acres of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, camping, and wildlife viewing. The forest is also home to many waterfalls including Kakabika Falls, a set of cascades on the Cisco Branch of the Ontonagon River. These falls can be reached by a short drive north of the Watersmeet/Marenisco area, and a short, easy hike into the woods. The setting here is peaceful and there is a good chance you won’t encounter other travelers when you visit.

The tallest drop of Kakabika Falls is maybe 8 to 10 feet (most of the drops range from 1 to 5 feet), but this waterfall is more about the sum of its multiple drops than one large drop. The river makes a series of S turns here, and the trail closely parallels the river providing many great vantage points of each drop. As is the case with most waterfalls of this size, it is always best to visit in the spring or after decent rainfall. In dry summer months, we have found that there was barely any water flow here.

Click through for more including photos, map & directions from a really excellent website for Michigan travel ideas!

Neil shared that this is one of the many magical places in the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, something that one look at his Instagram is all you need to see the truth in that! You can also follow Neil Weaver Photography on Facebook and view & purchase prints (including this one) on his website.

Many (many) more Michigan waterfalls on Michigan in Pictures!