Hiking the Temperance River Trail – August 17, 2015
We left our campsite at Gooseberry Falls right after breakfast and headed north up highway 61. After about a 45 minutes we pulled off at Temperance River State Park. The main attraction here are the waterfalls and the gorge that are just a short distance from the highway. We decided to stop and stretch our legs on the 2.6 mile loop hike along the river.
From the MNDNR website: “Take the trail that winds along the edge of the Temperance River gorge and enjoy the rushing waterfalls surrounded by pine, spruce, cedar and birch forests. The rapidly flowing river has cut deep potholes in and along the riverbed. Hike the trail to Hidden Falls or connect up with trails into the Superior National Forest and the Cross River Wayside.”
The parking for the trail is just over the bridge right on the sides of Highway 61. Then the trail starts in the northeast part of the parking area. The first section until you get down to the river is paved.
Download and Print the Temperance River State Park Map and Brochure.
When the pavement ends you get the first view of the Lower Gorge.
Looking into the Lower Gorge from the top of the cliff.
Climbing the steep trail to the Upper Gorge.
At the top of the stairs the trail crosses a big flat rock area.
Looking down at Hidden Falls.
The view of the Upper Gorge. The Upper Bridge, seen at the top of the photo is part of the Gitchi-Gami State Bike Trail and is also a good view place to view the gorge.
Following the trail further upstream.
The second view point of the Upper Temperance River Gorge.
Continuing up a short, steep part of the trail.
Nearing the end of the Temperance River Gorge.
After about a 0.3 mile the gorge ends.
The trail continues along the river for the next 0.25 mile.
Just before the trail starts to swing away from the river watch for unmarked boot trails on the left. These will take you back to the river and the Upper Falls.
One of the cool programs that the Minnesota State Parks have is the Hiking Club. Every State Park has designated Hiking Club Trail with a secret password sign somewhere along the route. Passwords and mileage are then recorded in a club handbook. For every 25 miles hiked you can earn a different patch. Hike 100 miles and you’ll also receive a coupon for a free night* of camping. Complete all the miles and your rewards will include a free night* of camping plus an engraved plaque.
The Hiking Club kit costs $14.95 and can be purchased at most state parks. If Michigan had a program like this we would be all about it.
We found this hike in Hiking the North Shore: 50 fabulous day hikes in Minnesota’s spectacular Lake Superior region.
After the hike we got back on the road for about 30 minutes and then stopped for lunch at the Cut Face Creek pullout.
According to the book 61 Gems on Highway 61: A Guide to Minnesota’s North Shore-from Well Known Attractions to Best Kept Secrets
We didn’t find any of the rocks with green and pink swirls. Although, the kids had fun looking. They didn’t want to give up, but after about 30 minutes we were ready to move on to our campsite in Grand Marais.
Continue on with us to our next stop in Grand Marais >> (coming soon)
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