Black Creek

Michigan

Find: Prehnite, oolitic hematite jasper, amygaloidal rhyolite/basalt, garnet + gneiss, Lake Superior Agate

GPS: 47.33079, -88.46747

Nearest city: Houghton, MI

Recommended Vehicle: Any

Summary:

I decided to create a separate page for this spot. I ended up hiking down here along the beach of Gratiot River. It’s about a 2 mile hike South.

The rock here changes a little bit from the water-smoothed bedrock to a more typical beach with a little bit more variety in the stones.

I had a cool encounter with 2 bald eagles flying low above my head while walking between this location and the Gratiot River mouth.

Note: Direct access to this spot may be tricky. Locals mentioned there is a pull off on the gravel road to Gratiot River. Supposedly, it’s an overgrown 2-track and you’ll want AWD. The hike down from Gratiot River wasn’t too long.

 

Video Guide

Check out the video for a better look at what can be found when exploring this spot.

Garnets within a metamorphic matrix, which looks like gneiss.

Garnets within a metamorphic matrix, which looks like gneiss.

I believe this is a seam agate, albeit a pretty wacky looking one. It may meet the rock saw at some point.

I believe this is a seam agate, albeit a pretty wacky looking one. It may meet the rock saw at some point.

Concrete, lovingly tumbled by Lake Superior.

Concrete, lovingly tumbled by Lake Superior.

Unakite - commonly found along the Upper Peninsula's shores.

Unakite - commonly found along the Upper Peninsula's shores.