Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of my favorite spots on Lake Superior. It is a fantastic park for hiking. The waterfalls are exceptional after a Spring or Summer rain.

Chapel Falls is an easy 2.5 mile round-trip hike in the Chapel Basin trailhead.

I hiked to the falls in a light rain. The rain slowed to a drizzle just as I arrived at the falls. I was in a rush all the way. The light level dwindled as sunset approached.

This Maple tree fell over many years ago. It survived because it was long enough to hit the other side of the Chapel River. Sprouts then grew towards the sky.

I used a Canon 24-105MM F4 L Lens at 73mm for 2 seconds at ISO 1600. The ISO was higher than I like but 2 seconds was as long as I cared to go.

Leaves normally don’t hold still for 2 seconds especially in the rain but the rain slowed to a drizzle and the wind was nearly calm.

Tips

1. Waterfalls photograph best on cloudy days.
2. Leaves photograph best when wet. A polarizer enhances colors and removes glare.
3. I use polarizers far more on cloudy days than sunny ones.

For an excellent example of point #2 please see the wet paint look of Zion National Park – Subway Trek Part Two – The Crack

As of July, I am no longer in the Midwest. We moved to Southern Utah, happy to be out of Illinois, but I will miss some of my favorite spots in the Midwest.

I took the above image last October.

More Pictured Rocks Stories

1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Elliot Falls Sunset.
2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Late Spring Trilliums
3. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Sable Falls

Equipment List

Those interested in my equipment and recommendations can find it here: Mish’s Equipment List.

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Mike “Mish” Shedlock