We go in search of vibrant blooms at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
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It was a soggy spring day when I attempted the hike from Hurricane River Campground to the Au Sable Light Station. An unexpected squall kept me from reaching my destination, but the views along Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline were more than worth the trip.
Hike this breezy paved pathway through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in spring or summer, and you’ll be greeted by a rainbow of wildflowers peppering the forest floor—creeping dogwood, bluebead lily, starflowers, forget-me-nots, wild roses. I was even treated to my first pink lady’s slipper (pictured below), a showstopper in the orchid family.
What I love most about this stretch of coastline is the ability to choose your own adventure: Hike east like I did to the light station and on to the Log Slide Overlook, or head west to Twelvemile Beach and Sevenmile Creek.
Know before you go: Hurricane River Campground is 12 miles west of Grand Marais; for hiking access, park in the campground’s day-use area. The trek to the light is 1.5 miles one way, along a historic U.S. Coast Guard access road. Leashed pets are allowed, bicycles are not.
