Spring Fling

Site Notes…

This box is located at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, a beautiful park located along Lake Michigan between Saugatuck and Holland. The park encompasses nearly 900 acres along a secluded strip of Lake Michigan waterfront containing a coastal dune system that supports endangered plant species while permitting low-impact recreation. Major attractions are the swimming beach and the 300-acre natural area. Winding throughout the park, 14 miles of sandy hiking trails are groomed and tracked during the snowy months affording cross-country skiing. Nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and hikers are the predominant users. The picnic area offers picnic tables, grills and a shelter. This is a day use park only; there is no camping available.

A Michigan State Parks vehicle pass is required for entry and can be purchased at the park. Please check the park web site for dates and hours of operation.

Clues…

From the parking area, follow the North trail. Approximately 1/4 mile in, the path will fork at the base of a hill. Although instinct wants to continue straight ahead, take the high road to your left. Near the crest of the hill, the trail forks. Head toward the right and begin a long gradual downhill, followed by a quick up and then another slow down. Watch for a white-tipped post near a sandy spur toward the lake, and follow the green arrow, to continue through the woods. Shortly after a few rooted steps down, a second white-tipped post stands directly across from a fallen pine. 25 paces up the trail, a small pine stands across from an unmarked path, which breaks off to the right, toward a skinny 5 ft. pine stump.

Follow this lesser used, softly carpeted path through an aromatic stand of pines for about 1/4 mile before the trail ends at a sandy clearing with a large sand dune straight ahead at 20 degrees. Don’t panic, you don’t have to climb this hill! Rather, take a hairpin turn to your right and follow the trail marked with the white-tipped post. The trail winds through the forest, where occasionally you will catch a glimpse of sand dunes to your left, and you will pass through an area of scattered, fallen pine trees. Eventually the trail breaks out of the forest and heads gradually uphill into a clearing, where you will be able to see Lake Michigan off to your right. At the top of the incline, pass another white-tipped post before heading back into the trees and beginning a sandy decline.

As your path levels off, just before turning sharply to the left, find a stalwart pine standing on your right. From this knuckled pine, proceed 25 paces at 110 degrees to a decaying stump. At 140 degrees see another stump, and find the box at the triangle here.