Our hotel in Lutson is west of the trailhead for today's high-point hike, but last night we learned that a bridge closure would necessitate driving in from the east, which took the better part of an hour. The last 12 miles was along a well-graded gravel road. Happily, the wind changed direction overnight, and the smoke from Canada is almost completely gone!
Morning view of Lake Superior
Cascade River Overlook
Trip state high point #3, overall state high point #32: Eagle Mountain, Minnesota, 2,301 feet. At that height, it doesn't sound like much of an accomplishment, but reaching the peak requires a round-trip hike of 7 miles! Eagle Mountain Trail lies almost entirely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, one of America's most remote wilderness areas. We filled out a day-use permit at the trailhead and were on our way.
Tom at the Eagle Mountain Trailhead
Beware!
Eagle Mountain Trail is rocky and crisscrossed by exposed roots. It passes through several boggy areas with occasional boardwalks and several sketchy plank bridges in varying states of disrepair. When the water crossings are submerged – a common occurrence – you're in for a long hike with wet feet. Lucky for us, it hadn't rained here lately, so our feet stayed dry.
Crossing a wetland
Entering the wilderness area
Sketchy footbridge
Rocky trail
We stopped for a break at Whale Lake, and passing high-pointer Peggy chatted us up and took our photo. Peggy was on a high-point trip herself, hitting a lot of the same heights as us. We'll end up seeing her name in a few days at the sign-in register in Illinois.
Beautiful rest stop
The first 2.5 miles of the Eagle Mountain Trail is relatively flat, with the hike's considerable climb of 600 feet coming in the final mile before the peak. Just before the summit is a clearing with an outstanding view, then the trail continues to a plaque commemorating the high point. Another one in the bag!
Where the steepness begins
View from just below the top
Made it!
Tom and Jana at the top of Minnesota
After the hike, we headed into Grand Marais, population around 1,300, the only municipality of any kind in this part of Minnesota. I didn't know it would be so cute! We spent a long time wandering around, enjoying their picturesque harbor.
Grand Marais Harbor
Bench with a view
Soaking tired feet in the cold lake
Grand Marais East Bay
Iconic bait shop, permanently closed
Dinner: My Sister's Place, Grand Marais, MN. The restaurant choice in this little town was not extensive, but we were very pleased. The burger and Reuben were delicious, served with plenty of thick fries. Of course, it didn't hurt that we were famished!
Artist's Point
Walking along the rocks
Grand Marais Lighthouse