M. Sullivan Photography Lake Superior, Landscapes, Photography, Photos, Vacation

Tettegouche State Park

DAY 3 (Part 1) – High Falls, Two Step Falls and the Baptism River

The High Falls of the Baptism River are the highest entirely contained in Minnesota. Pigeon Falls in Grand Portage are higher, but are part of the international border with Canada.  We opted for 100% Minnesota waterfalls and were not disappointed.  The falls are over 60 ft high and spectacular.

Over the river.

Across the bridge.

To the High Falls we go.

Enjoying the view.

After we enjoyed the High Falls, we headed back up.  Mike and Sophia went on ahead while I took a few more photos.

Far, far away are Mike and Sophia…

The Baptism River.

Next…Two Step Falls.
There were quite a few more than two steps to get there.

 

Complicated roots.

Local wildlife.

There was much more to see at Tettegouche State Park, but we needed to get on our way toward home. We made one more stop before reaching Duluth.
Next up…Split Rock Light House.

M. Sullivan Photography Lake Superior, Landscapes, Photography, Vacation

Devil’s Kettle Waterfall

DAY 2 (Part 1) – Judge C.R. Magney State Park

The most popular hike at Judge Magney State Park leads from the trailhead upstream along the Brule River to Devil’s Kettle, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock. Half of the river plunges 50 feet into a pool, while the rest pours into a huge pothole…the Devil’s Kettle.  No one knows where the water goes after it enters the Devil’s Kettle. Seriously. NO…ONE…KNOWS. (read more here)

Over the Brule River.

Through the woods.

You have arrived at your destination – Devil’s Kettle.

Devil’s Kettle and a rainbow.

To the falls for photos from above.

The Brule River just before it reaches the Devil’s Kettle.

Next, to the Upper Falls.

The long way back.

Up the stairs.

Down the path.

After we arrived back at our vehicle, we decided continue our journey to Naniboujou Lodge for a few photos by the shore of Lake Superior. We also spent a couple of hours in Grand Marais to enjoy the beauty of the harbor area and check out some shops . Look for DAY 2 (Part 2) soon.

M. Sullivan Photography Lake Superior, Landscapes, Photography, Photos, Vacation, Weather

Carlton Peak | Elevation 1,526 ft

With summer vacation nearly over for the kids, and the warm, sunny days coming to an end, we decided to take an impromptu trip up the North Shore of Lake Superior. We packed up our bikes and supplies and headed to Lutsen for three nights.   We hoped to relax and see some of Minnesota’s State Parks.  We were very fortunate to enjoy fabulous weather and see amazing sights along the way.

DAY 1 – Although hiking to the top of Carlton Peak was not on our bucket list, we had a last-minute game plan change that allowed us to take in the rugged scenery and amazing view at the top of the peak.

We took a lot of iPhone photos on day one, including the selfies above.  Day 2 of our journey will be coming soon with better photos and amazing scenery.

Here’s a bit more about Carlton Peak in the meantime.

Carlton Peak – As part of the Sawtooth Range, it offers supreme views of the lake and the surrounding area. A nice short day hike suitable for any season. The peak is located in Temperance River State Park, and the Superior National Forest.

The rock of Carlton Peak was formed deep under the earth’s crust. Molten rock cooled slowly, forming large green and pink crystals of anorthosite, an aluminum oxide mineral. About a billion years ago, this large block of anorthosite was rafted up on the magma that was forming the North Shore’s cliffs and rocks. Glaciers eventually eroded away much of the surrounding volcanic rock, but they couldn’t scrape away the hard anorthosite that formed Carlton Peak.