Category: Up North

Until Next Time

Walked past this damp scene on our way to breakfast at Coho Cafe. After three nights at Bluefin Bay in Tofte, it was time to head back to the Cities. We timed our departure well, as overnight rain and cooler temperatures made hiking less appealing.

A Warm Finish to the SHT

Our final Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) adventure took us to Leveaux Mountain and, here, Leveaux Pond. If you look closely, you can spot a beaver lodge on the left. We’ve been lucky with the weather these past six days, with today’s temperatures reaching an unseasonably warm 60’s.

Full Circle

Temperance River, the start and end of our loop hike today. Gitchee-Gami State Trail, SHT spur then main trail; distant views of sun reflecting off Lake Superior through leafless birch forests.

Lake Agnes and Beyond

Hiked one of our favorite sections of the Superior Hiking Trail, which includes Lake Agnes (shown here), its size partly due to a beaver dam. Later, we paused for a GORP lunch (a more complex mix than the original “Good Old Raisins and Peanuts”) at a familiar viewpoint overlooking a wide valley, the Poplar River, and Lake Superior beyond.

Lutsen Loop

We’re staying at Lutsen Mountains, a ski resort waiting for snow. Today we climbed up to one of the lift stations, passing idle snow-making machines. We then followed a Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) spur then the main SHT trail, completing a 5-hour loop. Along the way, Dwight caught me off guard on a rocky, root-filled section of trail. The looming rocks above didn’t exactly inspire confidence.

Split Rock River Hike

Walked part of the Superior Hiking Trail that follows the Split Rock River as an in-and-out hike. We passed the split rock, several waterfalls, and rapids. The trail is described as moderately challenging, but a gentle pace made it quite relaxing.

Following the Blazes

Hiked part of the Superior Hiking Trail above Duluth before checking in to a hotel for the night. The trail was sometimes obscured by fallen leaves, but blaze marks on the trees—blue for the main trail, white for spurs—kept us on track.