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.

 

Appears In…

This spot is featured in this video. Check it out for the best visualization of what to expect from this rockhounding 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.