Lake Superior's North Shore

This week we escaped city heat and humidity for a few days on the north shore of Lake Superior, staying in Lutsen/Tofte area and driving as far as Grand Marais, MN.  We hiked the trails of Superior National Forest, enjoying views of the Great Lake from above.  Our lodging was right at the shore, and we were able to walk along the rocky coast and look across the sea-like lake where water meets the sky along the horizon.  We also visited some MN State Parks and hiked more trails there.  David and I took the following photos.

Here is sunset on Lake Superior.

Views from the top of Pincushion Mountain, along the Gun Flint trail through Superior National Forest.

Kettle River and rapids at Banning State Park.

Bead Lily, a common wildflower of the forest floor, with blue berries in August.

A butterfly landed on David's arm while we were hiking the trail.

Cascade River State Park.

David climbing Eagle Mountain (highest peak in MN at 2,000 feet).

Dwarf dogwood, another wildflower of the forest floor, with red berries in August.

Lake Superior coastline.

 Mountain Laurel.

Views along the trail to Oberg Mountain in Lutsen, my favorite hike of the vacation.

While hiking Oberg trail, we met the family of a beautiful Golden Retriever named Cedar, celebrating her eleventh birthday by leading them along the trail she has been hiking with them since she was a puppy.

Thimbleberries were ripe along the trails - We tried a few (very sweet), and also sampled some wild raspberries.

View of Lake Superior from the patio.

View from Eagle Mountain.