Saxon Falls and Superior Falls

The unique geology of the Lake Superior region has created so many things, I could go on and on on a geology rant, but I will hold back. I have currently been reading Geology of the Lake Superior Region by Gene LaBerge, a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh emeriti professor in case you wish to indulge yourself. 

On a day when the clouds looked of promising rain, we ventured about an hour northeast to the border of Wisconsin and Michigan to the Montreal River. We pulled in to the trailhead and found a group of three younger people standing in the parking lot. They were brainstorming and soon after scouring the woods for large sticks and debris to protect a mother snapper turtle laying her eggs. We stood and talked with them while she laid her white ping pong-like eggs into a hole in the sand. They made a protective structure around the hole and one girl announced she would alert the forest service. I snapped a few pictures from a safe distance and then we continued on to the Saxon Falls trail. 

After walking on some metal grates mounted on large 7' tall pipes crossing the river, we reached a fork; upper falls or lower falls. We walked the dirt trail to the upper falls through mixed hardwoods and evergreens. The forest floor was carpeted with ferns and spring wildflowers. We reached the top and watched the gushing water begin it's 100 ft. fall.

We followed the trail back to the fork where we followed the trail on top of more pipes, only the metal was replaced with wooden planks. It led us to a ladder to climb down, followed by metal stairs leading to a bridge overlooking the lower falls. Kobi had to be carefully slid/carried down the pipe because he is not proficient in ascending or descending ladders. 

Once on the bridge the lower falls were in view and the river split in three separate falls cascading over large rocks. There were kayakers putting in right below the falls; they were ready with their helmets to battle the rapids. They practicing several maneuvers before they began their descent to Lake Superior. 

I had fun taking pics of the kayakers!

We watched for some time enjoying the cool mist from the raging falls and then followed our steps back the way we came. Kobi had to be lifted back up onto the pipe, he wasn't a fan. He also still has a great dislike for metal grates, but he loves running and being outside too much to let it stop him. 

The Montreal River also has another impressive falls some 4 miles closer to Lake Superior. The trailhead for Superior Falls begins with a sharp decline on some rugged granite asphalt that looks like it would be painfully awful to fall on. At the bottom, Lake Superior is in full view. The beach is all driftwood and wave tumbled rocks. Superior Falls are located along the river about 100 yards. There is some neat geology along the way and with the help of a friend, it is the Freda Formation. 

Both of these waterfalls are the source of hydroelectric power with Xcel Energy. On their website, statistics for the waterfalls are listed as well as resources about all types of energy. They even offer and energy school with references for students and teachers. It is awesome that these private lands are open to the public, especially since trails were created to access such fantastic views. You can check their stats here: Saxon Falls, 

Superior Falls.

These waterfalls are both located north of Saxon, WI near Saxon Harbor on the Montreal River. Access to these falls are clearly marked on Hwy 122 off US 2. Both recommended highly!!!

Last stop of the day, Little Girl's Point. This is in Upper Michigan in Gogebic County on Route 505. This was just a short distance from the waterfalls and Saxon Harbor. This is a prime spot on Lake Superior for a nice day at a the beach (although rocky) and agate collecting!