Trip Report Display
Linking people with nature by footpath along Lake Superior's North Shore.
We decided last year to thru hike the SHT in sections starting at 301 to the Canadian border and do it in parts. We hiked in early June for the first leg from 301 to Split Rock. We really enjoyed the first hike and this one was no different with one exception. If the SHT book says it's a challenging section, they aren't kidding! We left Split Rock River State Park on the morning of Sept 21st. We parked at the state park parking area and left another vehicle at the Hwy 1 parking area. We headed out for Fault Line Ridge campsite. Recent heavy rains left the trail more like a stream than a trail. (One tip. Make sure you don't leave your keys for the other vehicle in the vehicle where you start). The hiking was fairly level at first but then had quite a few ups and downs. The rivers and streams were raging from all the water but here's where you find out if your boots really are waterproof! Fortunately they were. Saw quite a few grouse along the way as the leaves werechanging; although it was raining it was beautiful. We got to Fault Line Ridge around 4:00 and set up camp. Great campsite but here's where a water filter pays off since you have to get water from the creek or beaver pond. We got a late start the next morning which was a bad idea as we were headed for Bear Lake campsite, which was just under 13 miles. It was quite warm and the section especially from Beaver Bay past Silver Bay was quite the challenge to say the least. Great views and vistas along the way but that of course meant a bit of climbing and descending. The view at the Bean and Bear Lake overlooks is absolutely stunning and was the payoff for all the climbing. We climbed down the steep grade to Bear Lake to the campsite at around 7:00 P.M. A beautiful campsite but you better get there early as the pads are small and there's not a lot of room due to the steep hill. Fortunately one of the pad areas had a lone hiker and she graciously shared with us. Bear Lake wasbeautiful as it's nestled in the valley and the setting is majestic. We skipped a campfire, ate dinner and collapsed in our tents. The next day was sunny and warm again and we climbed back out of Bear Lake. One last beautiful view of Bear lake and then on to Mt. Trudee. Again we were treated to postcard views that were sometimes more reminiscent of hiking in the Rocky Mountains. This part was a bit easier than the previous day. The views at Mt.Trudee were amazing. THe trail then goes through some beautiful maple and birch forest. Make sure to watch the signs where the trail intersects the state park trails. It was a beautiful day and we were in for one final treat at the falls at the Baptism river. With all the rain the falls were raging and it was beautiful. We made it to Hwy 1 at around 2:00 and luckily found a key for the other vehicle and headed home. All in all a great trip. We will pay more attention next time if the SHT book says it's a challenging section. We can't wait to go back for the next one. Rob, Brian, Jay. |
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