Each spring, Domonick and I try to complete a “speed boost” hike of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The direction of travel varies, but we hike the length from Munising to Grand Marais over two nights. This gives us a chance to reacquaint ourselves with the trail as we prepare ourselves to guide late summer/fall backpacking trips. Spring is also an interesting time to go backpacking, because the trees have not leafed out yet, making for some unique views. A couple days before we started hiking, we dropped off one of our cars at the Grand Sable Visitor Center.

Day 1 (May 14th): Munising Falls to Cliffs – 5.1 miles

We worked a full shift at our day jobs, stopped at home to pack up, and hit the trail about 6:00pm. We hiked for a couple hours, ending at the Cliffs campsite. The campground is set back in the woods, with no water source. The backcountry map made this known, so we were prepared with enough water and enjoyed a late dinner. A few flies were milling about, but they weren’t biting, so weren’t too bothersome. We walked to a small viewpoint down the trail and enjoyed a fantastic sunset.

Day 2: Cliffs to Trappers Lake – 20 miles

We got an early start with great weather; spring was definitely in the air. The water near the Mosquito River was a brilliant blue. Sometimes it’s hard to believe Lady Superior is a lake and not an ocean!

We took a lunch break near the Mosquito River and headed onward. This is the cliff section of the park (the park is actually made up of the cliffs, beaches, and sand dunes), and was busier compared to the rest of the trail. We rested at the beach near the Coves campsite and eventually landed at our campsite at Trappers Lake.

 

Getting ready to hit the trail again after lunch

 

Lover’s Leap Arch

 

Someone else enjoying a day at the rocks

 

Day 3: Trappers Lake to Grand Sable Visitor Center – 18 miles

Domonick and I got another early start. We were pleasantly surprised to see quite a bit of trail improvements since the fall. There have been some boardwalks installed in boggy areas, and the bridge over 7-mile creek was brand new.

Getting tired, but still smiling!

There were people fishing at the outlet of the Hurricane River and a few people visiting the Au Sable Lighthouse. The trail fell into the lake on the sand dune a bit west of the Log Slide, and the park service rerouted that area, and another part of the trail that looked to be on the verge of tumbling into Lake Superior.

Trilliums were in full bloom in this section of the trail. The weather was calm and pleasant, and we were thrilled with all the foliage surrounding Grand Sable Lake.

Grand Sable Lake

The end of the trail meanders through the woods a bit, and we made it to our car around 5:00pm. A few days in the backcountry left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and more excited for summer than ever! We were also excited to hit up the Dune Saloon in Grand Marais to top off our hike with pizza =)

To Sum Up

We love Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! With each visit, there is something new to see, and we are excited to take our guests to an area we have gotten to know really well. Our beginner trips feature all of the highlights of the trail, and our intermediate trip (NEW this year!) will see the whole darn thing over a more demanding itinerary. Click here for more information. If you’re looking to do some day hiking and need some ideas, please check out this page which is filled with guides for Upper Peninsula hikes.

We hope you have a safe summer filled with adventure, beauty, and nature!

Happy Trails,
Carolyn (Co-owner/Guide)