This Midwest Lake Has Rainbow Cliffs, Sea Caves, and Crystal-clear Caribbean-like Waters

"Rising up between 50 and 200 feet from the lake, the ancient, weathered cliffs are "painted" in an array of colors. As rain and groundwater make their way through cracks in the rock, the minerals dissolve and eventually oxidize, creating the amazing hues we see with our own two eyes on the spires, sea caves, and arches. The reds and oranges are from iron; the blues and bright greens are from copper; manganese produces black and brown."

"Recently named the cleanest lake in the U.S., the body of water is incredibly clear. According to the NPS, it's an oligotrophic lake with "low levels of organic matter and sediment." In turn, this translates to less algae and plant growth. Less algae and plant growth means no muck toning down the colors. Humans also see such a bright blue because the clear water absorbs red wavelengths and scatters blue light back to our eyes."

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches 42 miles along Michigan's Upper Peninsula between Munising and Grand Marais. The park features 15 miles of distinctive sandstone cliffs rising 50-200 feet from the shore, painted in vibrant colors created by mineral oxidation from water seeping through rock cracks. Iron produces reds and oranges, copper creates blues and greens, and manganese generates blacks and browns. Lake Superior, recently named the cleanest U.S. lake, complements these formations with its exceptional clarity and turquoise appearance. The lake's oligotrophic nature—low organic matter and sediment—prevents algae growth and allows clear water to scatter blue light, creating Caribbean-like waters in the Midwest.

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