Presque Isle

Michigan

Find: Amygdaloidal basalt/rhyolite, banded iron formation, unakite, prehnite, Lake Superior Agates

GPS: 46.70851, -89.97313

Nearest city: Ironwood, MI

Recommended Vehicle: Any

Summary:

The Presque Isle area offers an absolutely beautiful walk through the Upper Peninsula’s forests. You will pass by a large scenic waterfall on your way down to access the beach.

The water was very rough here when I visited, leaving me without much visibility looking in. It was likely just weather-dependent, though.

Parts of the beach near the rivermouth may not be accessible due to high river flows at certain times of the year.

 

Video Guide

For the best experience, check out the video guide. I show how I found my best pieces and challenges you might face along the way.

This is what I believe to be thomsonite, although some argue thomsonite doesn't truly occur in the UP. It may be something called 'patricianite' instead.

This is what I believe to be thomsonite, although some argue thomsonite doesn't truly occur in the UP. It may be something called 'patricianite' instead.

Even if you don't make it down to the beach, the waterfalls are a great hike.

Even if you don't make it down to the beach, the waterfalls are a great hike.

If you're headed up into the Keweenaw Peninsula, you'll start noticing more and more green mineralization. I believe this is calcite (white) + epidote (green)

If you're headed up into the Keweenaw Peninsula, you'll start noticing more and more green mineralization. I believe this is calcite (white) + epidote (green)

A majority of the trail here is packed gravel like this, or boarded wooden trails.

A majority of the trail here is packed gravel like this, or boarded wooden trails.

Some more Lake Superior-tumbled banded iron. Always a favorite of mine to find.

Some more Lake Superior-tumbled banded iron. Always a favorite of mine to find.