Preque Isle River, Porcupine Mountains State Park

On our way back from Wakefield we took route 519 back into the Porcupine Mountains and stopped at the Preque Isle River area.  We drove through the Preque Isle Campground, and thought it was very nice for a campground without facilities. No electric, water or dump station here, so if you plan to come make sure you are prepared.

The reason to stop here is for the East and West River Trails along the Presque Isle River.  From the parking lot you take some stairs down to the river and can either start on the west side by taking a right along the boardwalk or you can cross the river by suspension bridge and start on the east side. We planned on doing the east side first because it reportedly had better views of the falls, but made a quick detour down to the river edge itself first.

The round potholes in the nonesuch shale riverbed form where an eddy current continually swirls pebbles and sand grains in a circular pattern, expanding the potholes. After wandering up and down a little ways we climbed back up to the expansion bridge and crossed over the river.  

The East River Trail follows the same route as the Superior Trail for a short distance until you come to a dry channel in the shale riverbed. During high spring water this area is covered and the penninsula on the east side of the river becomes an island. Walking across the riverbed was the highlight of the hike for me, and I'm really glad we weren't here when the water was too high to enjoy it!  There was a cute little bird enjoying it, too.

Once we crossed the gorge we entered a beautiful stand of virgin hemlock, white pine and cedar.  The roots were utilized as staircases, but I wouldn't want to be climbing them after a heavy rain or later in the season when they would be slippery with fallen leaves.

We completed both sides of the river, and if you only have time to do one side, definitely make it the east. In comparison the west side was a yawn.  It had a series of boardwalks for most of its length, but the views of the river, falls and forest were nowhere near as impressive.

Most people are here to see the 3 waterfalls, and while the water level being down at this time of year stole a little of their "thunder", they were still nice to see.  Perhaps we'll get here some year in the spring and have a peek at them while they are thundering their way toward Lake Superior.

Manabezho Falls

Manido Falls

Nawadaha Falls