Bond Falls

Bond Falls Scenic Area (State Park) is located just north of Watersmeet in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The falls are located on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River near the smaller town of Paulding, popular for the Paulding Light as seen on Unsolved Mysteries (I've seen the light too, eerie but cool). This is a Michigan DNR property and fee area requiring a Michigan Recreational Passport.The charges are as follows: Michigan resident $11/yr and non-resident $31/yr or $8.40/day.

When arriving at Bond Falls, there are two parking options. There is a new parking lot with a paved trail that leads to a viewing boardwalk of the 50ft cascading falls. Parking along the steet on the way to the Bond Falls Outpost or Flowage/beach area is also available, but limited. If parking on the street, you may pick up the trail on either side of the bridge and walk the loop. There are three viewing platforms that are along 600 ft of fully accessible boardwalk.

I first visited the falls about 15 years ago and there are some serious upgrades that have occurred, most of which look quite recent. There is a very easy paved walking trail that is short if your goal is to view the falls. For those feeling more adventurous, there is an opportunity for rock hopping, scrambling, and wading at the bottom of the falls. 

There are other recreational opportunities available near Bond Falls; camping, swimming, photography, and picnicking. Note* dogs are not allowed on the beach, but are allowed on trails. After a nice time at Bond Falls, I would recommend a visit to the outpost to get some ice cream!

Copper Falls State Park, Mellen, WI

It is fair to say, Copper Falls is one of the more popular state parks in Wisconsin and for good reason! The falls are beautiful and big! There is a rich history here; many different Native American tribes, copper mining, and the CCC and WPA. There are nice hiking trails, two different campgrounds, and a beach. What's not to love? 

This Wisconsin gem is located just northeast of Mellen, WI. It might be a bit of a haul, but definitely worth the drive. Once you get to the area, there are endless hiking opportunities in the nearby Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest; beaches, ATV routes, biking, camping, birding, etc. 

My favorite hike at Copper Falls is the Red Granite Falls hike. This is the one I frequent most because it is the only dog friendly hike in the park. This is a 2.5 mile trail that contains two different loops which is great because for the most part you are experiencing something new. This trail is less populated and not quite as popular as the Doughboys' Nature Trail which takes you around the big falls. 

Red Granite Falls hike begins near the parking lot at the beach by Loon Lake. It traverses up into the woods on crushed granite and soft mud/grass. There are small spurs coming off the main trail to allow hikers to get a better look at the falls. You can climb up on the rocks, watch the water gush through, feel the spray, or just take a breather. The trail continues up and down past small pond, large glacial erratics, and through the mixed hardwood forest. After a rain there are many different kinds of fungi that pop up among the various wildflowers. Keep a look out for butterflies and other beautifully winged insects. 

The Doughboys' Nature Trail is a 1.7 mile trail that offers scenic views of Copper Falls, Tyler Forks, the Bad River, and Brownstone Falls. This trail is more popular and also has educational signage discussing the unique geology of the area as well other nature and history facts. If you are good on your hike and bring a few dollars, you can visit the concession stand for the ride home or back to your campsite. I recommend the ice cream!

The North Country National Scenic Trail also runs through segments of Copper Falls, in case you feel like hiking a ways.

Lost Dutchman State Park, Goldfield, and Apace Trail

One of the most wonderful things about this whole travel nursing gig, is that on any given day we can just go explore. Sometimes we have a rough sketch of what we would like to do and other days we just drive in a direction to see what we find. Generally, we haven't had too many plans and absolutely no time constraints which has made it all that more enjoyable. 

Wednesday proved to be another one of those days. I had been reading that the wildflowers are really starting to pop and hoped to catch some. When deciding where to go several things were thrown out on the table: Torilla Flat, Apache Trail, Lost Dutchman, Superstition Mountains, and Globe to recant a few. Coincidentally, we hit all of these in some capacity. 

Our first stop, Lost Dutchman. We were met at the state park gate by a friendly man with map in hand. He directed us to the Treasure Loop trail at 2.4 miles round trip. We decided that was the way to go and headed toward the Cholla Parking Lot. We have learned the important lesson to bring as much water as you can carry! 

The trail was crushed rock and was wide enough we could all walk together. There were a lot of people hiking too! We saw a lot of wildflowers starting to come out in shades of yellows, oranges, purples, and pinks. I'm not quite as familiar with these wildflowers, however I did recognize Mexican poppy and lupine. I learned a few more on the news this morning; brittlebush.

The trail was great and we decided to do an extra 1.5 because the weather was warm with a nice cool breeze. We headed down Prospectors Trail and headed back to the parking lot on the Crosscut Trail. Kobi was completely immersed in his new surroundings, paying close attention to anything that moved. Right paw up, tail erect, frozen! Just as we took note of his behavior a group of quails quickly scampered across the trail into a nearby shrub. What neat looking birds with the little curly on their heads!

After our descent from the trail, we doubled back a short distance to the Goldfield ghost town. Everything is just as they left it. We were greeted by the horn of train and an older couple singing. We walked about to see the bank, church, jail, saloon, and mine entrance. Even though we didn't stay long, it was well worth the stop. 

Right outside of Lost Dutchman State Park, the Apache Trail begins. Most of this scenic drive is paved however there are segments that are not. The road winds up and down through the Superstition Mountains, past three large lakes that were dammed up; Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Roosevelt Lake. These lakes are on the other side of Saguaro Lake that we recently visited. All lakes are welcome to recreation of all sorts and look like a hot spot when the temperature in the area soar above 100F. I'm glad we will not be around to experience these high temperatures.

Each lake was beautiful and expansive in it's own way. There were many places to stop and take a short hike, read some educational signage, and take a break at a restroom if needed. The wildflowers were starting to pop on this route too!

I really enjoying this route and if the temperature do get toasty while we are here, we will know where we can take a quick dip.