North Shore Gorgeous: Cascade River State Park
Camping, again
Dear Reader, can you believe I went camping again? I even had something to do with initiating it. Only because I love going to the North Shore so very much, and camping is so very cheap! And here is why:
Tent camping synopsis
1st night: Copious Rain.
2nd night: High Winds.
3rd night: Cold. So Cold.
Our second camping adventure took place in Cascade River State Park, located on the Minnesota North Shore of Lake Superior. The only time we could get 3 nights in a row was just after Labor Day, which was great for traffic. Less great for night temps.
I’ve written another post about the fun road tripping part. We spent all day Monday driving and stopping, after setting off none too early, thanks to me. I’ve vowed to improve myself. We got to our campsite just in time to set up the tent before dark.
About the park
The North Shore abounds with magnificent state parks; we are spoiled for choice. Nearby parks include Tettegouche, George Crosby Manitou, Temperance River, and Judge C.R. Magney. I like the position of Cascade River State Park for its proximity to Grand Marais. Also I camped there once before and it had a nice bathroom.
Most people come for the rushing river, grand waterfalls, and beautiful views of Lake Superior. Hiking trails meander through a boreal hardwood-conifer forest of aspen, birch, fir, spruce and cedar. T
he riverbanks are lush with moss and ferns growing on black volcanic rocks. The park trails connect with the Superior Hiking Trail and the North Shore State Trail.
The Cascade River
Named for a spectacular series of cascades, the Cascade River is one of the largest of the North Shore rivers. The river flows down one ledge after another, dropping 900 feet during the last 3 miles. Enjoy wonderful views from the footbridge spanning the river and from several other viewing platforms.
Water like root beer
The water’s remarkable resemblance to root beer, aside from making me crave a root beer float, had me wondering about pollution. Nope! The brown color comes from humid acid in the swamps and bogs that drain into the river.
This brown water, aerated by vigorously tumbling over rocks and waterfalls, begins to foam, creating that delightful root beer effect.
A half-mile hike showcases the Cascades (a series of 5 small waterfalls) and the Cascade Falls. We got a little off our route, which was okay, as we found ourselves at the endpoint of the river, where it joins Lake Superior. Doesn’t it look like a basin of root beer?
Cascade River mouth
There’s something magical about the river flowing into Superior (which is, incidentally, the largest freshwater lake in the world). We could just see the lake through the arch of the bridge, and the water was sparkling in the sun. Some historic rock walls are located near the river’s mouth.
Cascade River State Park was the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s. Men from the camp built walls and created trails in the park.
Cascade River State Park hiking adventure
After the river views, we planned to continue on a longer hike to the Lookout Mountain Overlook. In fact, we thought we would do the 3.5-mile Lookout Mountain loop.
Have I mentioned lately how out of shape we both are? Since getting together, we’ve gained a few pounds and pretty much stopped working out. Nevertheless, we were optimistic about our capabilities. After all, it SAID the hike was “moderate difficulty.” We can handle that!
Hellish hike
At this point, I was gaily skipping up steps, just bursting with energy, tra la! If only I had known what lay ahead (key in ominous music) I would have reserved some of that energy, not to mention some of the water in my water bottle.
Long story short, it took us a good while to hike the first mile or so, which was practically straight up. After inclining steadily for some time, and feeling quite cranky (“This is moderate? How do they define difficult, for cripe’s sake?”) I looked up and this is what I saw:
Noooooooo! **Impolite Words** I’m so glad we persevered. There is a spectacular view from the top. We thoroughly enjoyed this view, at length, while sitting on a bench. Then we turned around and went back. Instead of continuing on for 2 more miles. Amazing how much less time it took to go down.
P.S. I just looked up the Park’s hiking trails to make sure I was identifying the trail correctly. The website mentions the trail goes from 600 feet to 1,200 feet above sea level at the overlook. I swear it didn’t say that on the map!
The camping
If you’ll recall, at the beginning I offered the following tent camping synopsis:
1. Rain. 2. Wind 3. Cold.
The rain
Rain on our tent is just par for the course. Our tent leaked last camping trip, and we fixed it, so no sweat. When our first full day dawned rainy and foggy, we decided to spend it exploring the nearby town of Grand Marais and having afternoon tea at Naniboujou Lodge. You can read all about that here.
That evening, we couldn’t get a fire going. Our wood was too damp, even though we stored it in the car. We also didn’t have any kindling or special fire-starting stuff (note to self). It was pretty sad. The next evening we did have a fire and even roasted marshmallows.
The wind
Night 2 we seriously thought our tent was going to blow over. Happily, it didn’t. The tarp, put up for an outside rain shelter, did blow off the top of the tent and end up hanging off the side. This created a convenient wind break for my LSCP to make coffee behind.
The cold
We had record low temps on Night 3 and about froze to death. Not exactly prepared for arctic tent camping. Early in the morning, my own shivering awakened me. I was thinking, fuzzily, about how not only my feet were cold, but my legs, arms, head, hair, eyeballs, and so forth, when I realized that Bee (LSCP) was awake as well.
We made a dash to the shower building to put a few more layers on, went back and crawled into the tent. Warm at last, we fell asleep and didn’t wake up until noon!
Shoretime!
Last but certainly not least, we visited a public beach on Lake Superior to picnic, rock hunt, and watch the sunset.
One of my main goals when on the North shore is time on the beach. I love to rock hunt and I love just being next to this magnificent lake. Though we kind of wanted to relax, or perhaps collapse, after our hike, the beach was calling. Bee cooked us up a picnic and we headed north. Isn’t she the best?
There are a number of public beaches north of Grand Marais. Mostly unmarked; you just have to drive with your eyes peeled. We found a good one. We had the whole beach to ourselves, except for a short period when a couple of senior rock hunters hunted rocks far down the beach from us.
I looked for rocks as long as I had light. Found a few small agates. Then we hung around while the sunset colors permeated the sky.
We were on the west side of the lake, so the sunset was behind us, but the sky over the lake still turned beautiful colors. Orange on one side, pink on the other. Ahhh, bliss. I love you, Lake Superior.
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If you’ve enjoyed this camping adventure, you might like to join me on my camping trip to Itasca State Park or Madeline Island, Wisconsin. Come with me on a Fall Colors Drive along the Great River Road or join me on an eating spree in Kenosha.
Come visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden with me, then have a picnic on the Mississippi River and watch spectacular fireworks from the Stone Arch Bridge. Or come with me to the Minnesota State Fair to sample numerous foods on a stick.
Check out my past adventures in New York City. I have Misadventures in the New York City Subway, I encounter Nice New Yorkers, Eat and See stuff, and visit Ancient Egypt at the Met.
Upcoming post: Leaf peeping along the Great River Road in Wisconsin. Stay tuned!
Exciting travel news! I’m going to New York City again in December! If you have any tips or suggestions for me, please post in the comments!
Explore a variety of travel posts on The Weekly Postcard. Click link below:
What an ‘exciting’ camping trip through a great park! I’d write a longer note but I’m aching for a root beer float now.
Thank you for stopping by Steve! Cascade River is a wonderful park, were lucky to have so many great state parks in Minnesota!
Camping in inclement weather is definitely requiring of more bravery than I’ve got! Appreciate your honesty on hellish hikes you tackle. I’m often of the mindset of “What the heck am I doing?!?” around the back third of a hike, and then you get to that vista point and just get it!
I’m not sure that hike was quite as hellish as I thought, it was classified a mid-level hike so it might be just me lol. But that last incline was pretty challenging!
Sounds like a fun adventure and much like a few cold, wet camping trips I’ve had in the UK!
Ooh rain certainly might be a problem with UK camping. Definitely makes me spend the winter looking at camper vans and such! Thanks much for stopping by 😊
I’m really hoping to make it to Cascade this year…not big on camping, but I do love day hikes and would love to master that steep hill for that view. Stunning shots!
Thank you, Karen! It’s a really easy hike to see the Cascades, and the other wouldn’t be bad for someone in better shape lol. This park also has a trail right on the shoreline.
Hi
It is Such an in-depth guide. Thanks for sharing it. All the places really attract me. Bookmarking this guide right away.
Why thank you, Priya, I hope you get the chance to visit. The North Shore and all its beautiful state parks are totally worth the drive!
Looks like a beautiful place to go camping! Suddenly, I also am craving a Root Beer LOL!
It really is a lovely park. So many things to to in the park and in the area surrounding it. Hope you can visit someday 🙂
I love your breakfast of champions! Looks healthy and delicious to give you a lot of energy for the challenging hike!
It gave me energy, but not quite enough, Agness 🤣
Cynthia, if you are visiting NYC and haven’t been to Eataly, you can shop and find several dining options and grab a glass of wine. A stand in the back has amazing prime rib sandwiches and while one of us orders the others scout out a place to sit down. Also, if you have never seen the Rockettes, I highly suggest getting tickets.
Thanks for the tips, Dorothy!! I’m definitely searching out the hot chocolate from your post about Union Square market…I’ve been dreaming about it 😉
You are becoming quite a camper, Cynthia! You had some great adventures (so what if it was raining, freezing, and your tent almost blew over? – we had those experiences, too, over the years), and enjoyed gorgeous scenery! Sounds like a great trip. Your photos are amazing! 🙂
Well, I don’t know, Emese, but thanks for the vote of confidence in me as a camper! I certainly did enjoy gorgeous scenery and it was totally worth it to explore this beautiful park and spend time on the North Shore. Thanks for stoping by 🙂
Rain and wind and cold — wow! You are an adventurous camper. I went camping once in heavy rain and, come to think of it, I haven’t camped since. The view was certainly worth the hike, though — gorgeous indeed!
Heavy rain does tend to discourage repeat camping! It’s one of the things that makes a camper or trailer so appealing. That and warmth; staying dry and warm are kind of my top priorities, after morning coffee. 🙂
You’re officially our outdoorsy, camping professional go-to person if we need advice on how to do adventurous camping type activities. The hiking looks beautiful I’d definitely be up for that, but is there anyway you can do all that and stay in a 5 star luxury resort where some little man in a tuxedo brings you a hot chocolate at the end of the day and rubs your feet by the fire?
I don’t know about the tuxedo-wearing foot-rubbing diminutive man, but there are some luxe resorts you could stay at nearby. You might get a chocolate on your pillow, at least. Or a hot tub.
I’m a bit concerned if I’m your official camping professional, since I just do what my LSCP says to help set up, then attempt to do as little as possible, which should be your goal as well. Perhaps Bee can give Mark some tips. 😉 Thanks so much for reading and sharing. xoxo
You are a trooper! Not sure I could have handled the camping in that weather. I love the waterfalls, glad you guys made it to the view point on the hike! I hate when difficulty is understated! And I agree the water does look like root beer, which reminds me it has been too long since I have had a root beer float! I am excited for your trip to NYC too. I have a bunch of posts on my website including one about what to do for Christmas. Let me know if you have any specific questions. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Oooh I will be sure to check that out. Thank you, Anisa! We were there at Christmas last year, too, but only for a brief 32 hours or so. This time we’re staying 2 nights, so we’ll have time to do a few more things. I’m not sure I’m a trooper but I do enjoy complaining, lol. And I think a root beer float is in order.
Great post! I would love to go camping along Lake Superior! Ann is getting eager to go camping, but she’s not really a camper so I’m not certain she knows what’s in store. I’m debating having her read this…might be yet another you’ve put off the idea. 😉 I have, however, convinced her we need to visit the North Shore. I suspect it will be more road trip than camping trip, with hotel stays in Duluth and Grand Marais. You never know though! Fun read and great photos, Cynthia – Always looking forward to your next adventure!
Rob, please don’t show it to Ann because I’ve put several people off camping already! Though I don’t think any of them were too keen to start with. I am
so excited you’re thinking about visiting the North Shore, a road trip would be fantastic. Be sure to let me know when you’re in the planning stages, really hope we can meet up! Thanks as always for your lovely comment, support and encouragement 🙂
Cynthia, I give you credit for camping again especially when you had to deal with inclement weather. I suspect you felt frustrated when the temperatures dropped and you were unable to light a fire on the first night. However, it seems like a typical adventure for the Adventuring Woman. But most importantly, overall it appears that you had a nice trip. You not only exercised but you took some beautiful photos and you had some beach time to boot. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, Dorothy, I think I deserve mucho credit 😉 Aside from the typical adventuring woman mishaps, I certainly did have a fabulous trip. I love the Minnesota North Shore and I was glad I finally took the time to really explore Cascade River State Park. I’d even camp there again, just maybe 2 weeks earlier!
Hah, I also do camping all of the time 🙂 love it! The Cascade River state park looks absolutely gorgeous, can perfectly understand why you like it so much.
You’ll have to give me some tips on how to be a better camper! I suspect a lot is in the attitude 😉 Thanks for your comment!
Sounds like you had a lovely time 😉. I’m very surprised you didn’t mention camping when you were discussing your three favourite things on twitter. Actually I have never been camping (weird for a travel blogger I know) and guess what, I don’t want to now either. At least you were in your happy place. Thanks for a good read.
Whoops, looks like another person I have put off camping! You could try it in Ireland, but you definitely might have the rain and dampness problem. Roasting marshmallows on a campfire might make my top 3. Maaaaybe. Thanks so much, John, for taking the time to stop by!
Think it would be worse here. I’ll be honest I’m a hotel person, I work in one so I’m used to the luxuries. Find it hard to stay in budget accommodation even. So I’ll stick to the beds. I’ve never roasted marshmallows on a campfire either.
It’s a pleasure to stop by.
You’ll never know until you try, John! And you wouldn’t have to worry about snakes. You really must roast marshmallows on a campfire. Maybe glamping?
I might be up for glamping. That’s more up my alleyway. I would be more a sausages on the bbq than a marshmallow over a fire kind of guy. But hey if the opportunity arises and there’s marshmallows going I’ll be sure to try.
Great post, Cynthia! I was laughing (with you, not at you) about all the struggles. Wonderful pics, btw. Personally, I love camping in the right conditions and with the right prep, but Lynn not so much. She certainly enjoys beautiful scenery, but after awhile, she starts to get antsy and that look appears on her face: What now? 🙂
Aw, Justin, you can laugh AT me, I won’t be offended! As soon as I saw the words “I love camping…” I knew it was you at the keyboard and not Lynn 😉 As much as I like to complain, there really are a lot of good things about camping. Er, some. I love being out in the woods sitting around a blazing campfire (that is, if a fire can actually be started)!
Great Job! Makes me not want to camp ever! While in NY, how about checking to see who has the best black & white cookie from all the fabulous delis!
Julie, so I did a good job of putting you off camping for life? That wasn’t quite my goal! Oops! I love the idea of searching out the best black and white cookie in NYC. You just put deli detecting on my list! Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment 🙂
LOL your intro reminds me of EXACTLY how I would feel about this camping expedition. It looks like the skies more than made up for it (maybe, lol.) though. Beautiful sky pictures – it looks so serene. Cold though. lol. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hey Sara! Yes, we had thoughts about how nice it would be to have a camper! Most of the people in the campground were in RVs… Wonder why… 😆
Haha I loved reading this. I’m a fair-weather camper, can’t abide camping in cold or rain 😂. Every year I would arrange a group weekend camping trip and take a gazebo for shelter, so much fun on those weekends, no hiking bought, just drinking and games. Fair play to you for walking up that steep hill, the view and story to tell was worth it! #feetdotravel
Thanks much, Angie! Our first camping trip was so hot and humid, I was looking forward to it being cooler—but not quite THAT cool! It was really only the last night, but it did get us thinking about a more sturdy camping shelter, one where the moisture won’t get stuck underneath and permeate everything with damp. That was the worst part, but the beauty of the North Shore is so worth it 🙂
When I saw your camping synopsis had all of that questionable weather I was wondering why you didn’t just turn around and go home… and then I saw the views! They were worth hunkering down in torrential rain by themselves! And I have to say, I was very impressed by that little patio outside your tent. Ingenious! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, Katherine, though I can take no credit for that whatsoever! While the nights were a challenge, the days were really beautiful. One was a bit rainy, but not enough to keep us from exploring. The other two were sunny and even warm enough to wear sandals on the beach! Which is pretty amazing for September in Northern Minnesota 😉
Beautiful pictures of the north shore! The post is such a fun read as usual. Sounds like your LSCP worked really hard, and deserves some brownie points! 😉
She sure does! My LSCP deserves brownie points and a whole truckload of Girl Scout cookies!