Quicksand in Lake Michigan Traps Man While Rock-Hunting
Share
Yep, Michigan Quicksand is a Real Thing
Most of us think of quicksand as something from the movies. It’s dramatic, rare, and definitely not something you think you’d have to worry about while rock hunting along Lake Michigan.
But this week, a couple of Northern Michigan locals on the prowl for rocks found out the hard way that quicksand season is officially here. And yes, it’s very real.
Trapped While Rock Hunting
On April 14, Breanne Sika shared a post in a Facebook group that quickly got people talking. She and her boyfriend were rock hunting at Van’s Beach in Leland when he stepped into what looked like just a couple inches of water near the shore.
Within seconds, he was stuck so deep that it took the fire department over 20 minutes to get him out.
Saturday while at Vans Beach in Leland rock hunting my boyfriend was quickly consumed by what looked like 2” of water right at the shore. It took seconds for him to be this deep but caught his leg sideways which stopped him from sinking more.
Leland fire crew helped get him out after being stuck for 20+ mins. Without their help he never would have gotten out. Had this been a single person, a child or an animal I can’t say the outcome would have been the same.
Please be aware. I don’t want this to happen to you. Stay safe and welcome to spring!!!!!!!
Why do we see Quicksand in Michigan in the Spring?
Simply put, it’s because of the freeze-thaw cycle. As temps bounce around, melting snow and rain seep into the sand near beaches and riverbanks.
That extra water gets trapped just below the surface, loosening things up and turning solid ground into a soft, squishy, unstable mess.
In Michigan, this can happen pretty much anywhere water meets sand: beaches, shorelines, riverbeds, you name it.
And no, you don’t need a jungle or swampy trail to stumble into it. Sometimes it’s hiding right in front of you, under the rocky, shallow water edge at the beach or in a nearby trout stream.
Where is Quicksand Found in Michigan?
Quicksand in Michigan isn’t super common, but it does happen from time to time. Here are a few places where it’s popped up before:
Midland (2020) – After the Edenville and Sanford Dam failures, sections of the lakebed turned unstable. One person had to be rescued after sinking into quicksand-like muck.
Frankfort (2009) – A family at the beach on Lake Michigan took a video of themselves purposefully sinking in quicksand.
- Pine River (Lake County)
- Sturgeon River
Rocky Gap County Park (Berrien County) – 2023 snowmelt lead to spring quicksand along the Lake Michigan shoreline north of Benton Harbor.
Sleeping Bear Dunes – The National Lakeshore area is flagged as a potential risk zone. One commenter in the Facebook thread mentioned that she sunk up in to her knees at Otter Creek Beach.
Lake Huron Quicksand Spots
- Tawas Point State Park has sandy spits that look solid but may go soft during wet spring spells.
- Saginaw Bay and the Thunder Bay River Mouth near Alpena have the right conditions too
What to Watch For (And What to Do If You’re Stuck)
So yeah, quicksand is rare in Michigan. You need a very specific cocktail of wet sand, water saturation, and just the right timing. Plus most people aren’t wandering into cold spring rivers and lakes anyway, which helps.
But just in case you’re near the waterline this time of year, here’s how to avoid quicksand and what to do if you land in it.
Play it Safe
- Use extra caution in spring. What looks stable might not be.
- Skip walking in shallow water over sand, especially in during or after snowmelt, rain, or sudden temperature swings.
- Bring a walking stick or fishing pole and tap the ground in front of you before stepping in.
How to Get Out (If You Sink In)
If you do find yourself stuck in quicksand, stay calm and call for help.
Drop anything heavy like a backpack or gear to make yourself lighter and help your body float.
The key to getting out is to spread your weight across the surface. Think less about climbing out and more about floating and swimming your way free. Lean back, wiggle your legs loose, and slowly move toward firmer ground. It’ll be messy, but it should work.
More on getting out of quicksand here.
Hopefully you won’t have an encounter with quicksand in Michigan but if you do, now you’re armed with a little knowledge!
