Pictured Rocks Waterfall Tour

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Michigan. While the sandstone cliffs get most of the attention, the area is also full of majestic waterfalls ranging from 5 to 70 feet vertical drops. I was shocked to learn how easily accessible the falls are with most requiring only a short hike and others located right along the highway. I was a bit concerned about visiting the the middle of summer and whether or not the water level would be low, but much to my surprise they were all flowing.

We spent one afternoon driving around and checked off four different waterfalls in a couple hours. We saw Chapel Falls and Mosquito Falls while hiking the Chapel Basin Loop trail and Spray Falls while on a boat cruise. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase which allows me to keep sharing my adventures with you! 

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Miners Falls 

This was our first stop on the trip and easily my favorite! Walk the short .6 mile trail (1.2 round trip) and descend a series of steps to access a wooden viewing platform where you can get your first look at the falls which cascade 50 feet down the sandstone cliff. However, for the best views I highly recommend making the short scramble down to the bottom which can easily be accessed from the left side of the viewing platform. It was steep in some places but there is definitely a man-made trail to follow. These are some of the most powerful falls in Pictured Rocks and it's so neat to see them up close. To access, head east on H-58 to Miners Castle Road and then follow the signs. 

Munising Falls

Our next stop was Munising Falls which requires a short 1/4 mile hike to the first central viewing platform. You can then climb a set of stairs to a second elevated platform for a different view which is where this photo was taken. You'll likely see photos online of people walking behind the falls, but this was one area which was clearly marked not to go off the main trail. This was also the falls with the least amount of water flow, but still a beautiful sight. 

Alger Falls

This is a quick roadside stop at the M-28/M-94 junction. The falls seem to appear from the woods and cascade several small levels. There is a small path from the roadside pull out which you can take to get a closer view (it is a bit muddy).

Wagner Falls

Located near Alger Falls this is another easily accessible stop requiring only a 0.2 out and back hike. There is one main viewing platform and again you can climb down to get closer to the falls which cascade down 20 feet.

Mosquito Falls

Located along the popular Chapel Basin Loop Trail you can access the falls via a 2-mile (round trip) hike. Or if you're completing the entire 10 mile Chapel Loop Trail like we did, this will either be your first or last stop depending on which direction you complete the loop in. There are two drops with the upper at 10 1/2 feet and the lower at five feet in height. It's important to note the Chapel Loop trail is very popular and the parking lot will likely be full by 9am. The road to access the trailhead is also very rough in some areas. 

Lower Chapel Falls 

If you're continuing the Chapel Loop trail clockwise you'll come upon lower Chapel Falls next which is an amazing site to see as the falls flow directly into Lake Michigan (notice the views of Chapel Rock in the background). These falls are located on Chapel Beach which can also be accessed via a 6.8 mile out and back trail. 

Chapel Falls 

Also located on the 10 mile Chapel Basin Loop trail or can be accessed via a 3 mile out and back hike. The falls can be seen both near the top of the 60-foot cliff or from a viewing platform across the way which is where this photo was taken. 

Spray Falls

The most remote of all the falls, this one is best viewed by boat. We booked the Spray Falls tour with Pictured Rocks Cruises which makes a stop here to view the water cascading over the 70-foot cliff directly into Lake Superior. It can also be accessed by hiking the North Country Trail. Fun fact: the 1856 shipwreck "Superior" lies at the base of the falls in 20 feet of water.