Minnesota is such a wonderfully diverse place. Last weekend we decided to explore a park that was new to us called Cascade River State Park. It is right by Lutsen on the north shore about an hour and a half north of Duluth.
On our way up we stopped along Palisade Head near Silver Bay. It started to get incredibly foggy but it left for some cool photos and an eerie effect on the environment. That didn't stop Meghan from sticking her head over the side. It would've been great to have a clear view but it was also really interesting just exploring the area.
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| Palisade Head |
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| Insane climbing crew that were heading up Palisade Head |
After we left Palisade we were on our way to Cascade. It was a little confusing to figure out the map because I was trying to read it but once Meghan was back at navigating we found the start of the trail! There were a lot of immediate sights on the trail like the Cascade Falls. Once we climbed around the falls we set our sights on Lookout Mountain.
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| What am I supposed to do with my hands?? |
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| I mean just look at all this water! |
It was about 1.3 miles up the trail but it was very steep. Lookout Mountain definitely lived up to its name. About 3/4 of the way up is where we found this view. It offered a vast overlook over the whole area and a great spot to snap some pictures.
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| Cascade Falls |
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| Cascade Falls |
Once we had a rest we were on our way to the top of Lookout Mountain. Admittedly we were a bit out of breath but it was great practice for Glacier National Park next weekend. The park was full of visitors but we were able to be at the top by ourselves for a nice, quiet moment.
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| Walking up to one of the views |
We decided to head back the way we came since it was getting late in the day and we had forgotten our water. The way down was much faster/easier of a trek than the way up but we were back to our car in no time and headed to Grand Marais for some dinner.
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| On the floor lever at the start of the falls |
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| Part of the trail up to Lookout Mountain |
A recommended spot that we tried out was the Gun Flint Tavern. Offered up a much needed beer as well as some delicious food to refuel on. This was our first time in the town of Grand Marais but it was a beautiful lake town right on Lake Superior.
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| Down the river from Cascade Falls |
Slightly more tan and full of food we headed back to Superior for the night. I would definitely love to go back up and camp a few days up there but it's always great spending time in the deep woods of Minnesota.
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| Wanderlust Women |
Stay awesome adventurers.
Meg and Marie
