Top Ten Michigan Waterfalls

These are the Michigan’s Top Ten Waterfalls. This is not a scientifically measured survey. It is according to me, Jon Jacobson. The list is not solid and may change tomorrow. Plus, there are not actually ten waterfalls here. Top Ten is simply impossible.

Tahquamenon Falls

The top of the list is Tahquamenon Falls. Okay, so these are not in any particular order. It’s not really my favorite Michigan waterfall to visit. It is certainly the biggest and most popular though. Even in the dead of winter, the parking lot of packed. With snowmobiles.

Tahquamenon Falls
Tahquamenon Falls

Bond Falls

Do I have to pick a favorite? If I must, it would be Bond Falls. Without any real in-depth explanation, I think it would be my favorite because it is so multidimensional. You can spend a lot of time here just sitting back and enjoying the many differing angles from many different angles.

Bond Falls
Bond Falls

Munising Falls

Definitely one of my favorites, Munising Falls rounds out the top three with something in common with the previous two. They are all wheelchair accessible. The previous two waterfalls are truly in the wilderness. Munising Falls is in the city limits across the street from the med center. It is also part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

 

Munising Falls
Munising Falls

Spray Falls

I suppose I don’t really have ONE favorite waterfall. Let’s call Spray Falls tied for first as a favorite of mine. Why?  I mean, really, just look at it! It’s a creek. That plunges off a cliff. Straight into Lake Superior. This magnificent landmark is accessible either by boat, or a seven mile round-trip wilderness hike within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Spray Falls
Spray Falls

Miners Falls

There is one more waterfall I would like to highlight as a Top Ten that is part of the Pictured Rocks. Miner’s Falls is a powerful and deep drop that makes a wonderful prize at the end of an easy one-mile hike. The view from the platform is nice. The ultimate experience, and you have to face some serious exertion, is to cross the line and make your way to the bottom of the canyon.

Miners Falls
Miners Falls

Agate Falls

If you insist on staying on the platform, no matter the circumstance, skip this one. The only way to really see Agate Falls is to go off the trail and make your way down the hill. It’s not easy but it’s not a rock climb either.

Agate Falls
Agate Falls

Canyon Falls

Along US-41, behind a rest area, is a trail that leads to Canyon Falls. It’s a short and easy walk. I’m reluctant to call this a hike because it is so easy, and, well because it’s behind the bathrooms. The small but well defined canyon is beautiful. And if you keep trekking beyond the waterfalls, and it’s a hot summer day, there is a popular swimming hole with the locals.

Canyon Falls
Canyon Falls

Wagner Falls

Again, in no particular order we make our way to number eight. Wagner Falls is another one of those easy, short, well-maintained trails. Of the dozen falls here, this may be the smallest. Yet it is one of the most beautiful. It is so incredibly close to the beaten path that it is difficult to pass up.

Wagner Falls
Wagner Falls

Manabezho Falls & Manido Falls

Number nine is the Presque Isle River. There is a short stretch of this river in the Porcupine Mountains with a number of waterfalls. The two that I am highlighting in the Top Ten is the Manabezho Falls and the Manido Falls.

Manabezho Falls
Manabezho Falls
Manido Falls
Manido Falls

Potawatomi Falls & Rainbow Falls

And wrapping up the Top Ten (dozen) list of Michigan waterfalls is a short stretch of the Black River, a mere few miles west of the Presque Isle River. A handful of waterfalls are easily accessed, including the Potawatomi Falls and Rainbow Falls.

Potawatomi Falls
Potawatomi Falls
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls

Sable Falls

Let’s just call this a baker’s dozen. But which one? ONLY ONE? Okay, with so many more Michigan Waterfalls to select, let’s go with Sable Falls. Yet another within Pictured Rocks, this waterfall has a nice viewing platform and lots and lots of steps. Keep going down the path a little further and enjoy Lake Superior and the view of the Grand Sable Dunes.

Sable Falls
Sable Falls

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Top Ten Michigan Waterfalls
Top Ten Michigan Waterfalls

 

 

Grand Haven Lights

I’ve been LOVING the storms and wind this past week. This shot here is of Grand Haven but not from this past week. One of my favorite wind storms I’ve photographed was this one, from April 2007.

It was a dramatic one. The previous day was 70. On this particular day it was a strong constant wind and below freezing temps with blowing snow and sand!

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I was even on the news that night!

 

 

Autumn Muskegon River

This is kind of fun. South of Big Rapids is a bluff overlooking the Muskegon River. These shots I took just before sunrise this morning and again shortly after noon. Typically it should be cooler this time of year. It’s nice enjoying the summer weather today!

Muskegon River Muskegon River

 

 

 

Pinta and Niña in Muskegon

This was too cool. Seriously! Unexpectedly, I felt giddy like a little kid. A couple of the Columbus-voyage replicas sailed into port.

Either we were being invaded by Spain — or Muskegon was discovered.

I spent some time chatting with the crew and hearing some of their stories. Some interesting tidbits; while they are “at sea” on the great lakes, they are close enough to shore to frequently have mobile phone coverage.

While in port they sleep in the ships. And they do make it into town to find the local restaurants and pubs. They are sailors, right?

 

 

Fireworks – Happy Independence Day

Fireworks are such a unique photography experience because of the sheer challenge of keeping it interesting and fresh. I think this collection is by far my favorite because the show started earlier than normal, allowing just enough natural daylight from the sunset to compete for attention.

And then last night, some more fireworks.

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Who doesn’t LOVE watching fireworks?!?!

 

 

 

Pictured Rock National Lakeshore

It’s easy to find nearly any locale in the Upper Peninsula and simply spend a week there. One of my favorites is Munising. While you’re in the middle of the wild north, you’re also not far from a toilet paper factory. Nature and civilization collide!

Here are a few favorite shots from the lens of Picture Michigan.