Bayfield Ice Caves - February 2011

We were in the Bayfield area President's Day weekend to participate in the Book Across the Bay X/C ski event that Saturday evening, as I describe in a related blog. Earlier that day Cristin and I had the opportunity to hike the Lakeside Trail that offers views of the mainland sea caves near Cornucopia, Wi. They are part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.  The Park Service describes this trail "as a rugged path for use by experienced hikers, with stream crossings and steep slopes along the way". Alright!   

After hiking for about 2.miles, this is the first good look at the area with the sea caves.  If we listened carefully, we could hear the lake surging gently under the fragile ice.

 

The trail continues on and there are several good vantage points.  We hiked for just about another 1/2 mile or so but the trail continues for a total 1-way distance of 4.5 miles. 

If a thick and stable ice sheet forms, the National Park Service will allow access by foot on Lake Superior to the caves. I had this rare opportunity in 2009.  I have been in Bayfield in early or mid February for 4 consecutive years and only in 2009 was I able to hike on the lake to the caves.

Jack in 2009

This is an Ice Cave!