Snow Trips
Frozen Sea Cave & Waterfall Snowshoe Tour Inn-Based Trip
Ottawa National Forest
Upper Penninsula, MI
Dates: February 2-5, 2012
Days: 4 days, 3 nights
Price: $499.00 (double occupancy) $625.00 (single occupancy)
Trip Level: 1-2 (hiking up and down wooded hills)
Includes: Lodging, Snowshoes, Sleigh Ride, Meals described in itinerary
Group Size: 6-14 participants
Trip Description
Join the Geneva Kayak Center for one of its winter adventures to the snow covered Upper Peninsula of Michigan. One of the owner’s favorite trips, this experience will become an all-time favorite for our customers! Participants are accommodated in our log cabins located on the top of the National Wild & Scenic Black River Gorge and in close proximity to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the Apostle Islands National Seashore. During the day, we’ll snowshoe through powder down the densely wooded gorges, past frozen waterfalls, through sea caves with ice stalactites, and down the majestic shores of Lake Superior. When finished with snowshoeing, cross-country ski trails are located directly behind our log cabins for optional ski trips. At night, a Finnish style sauna and wood fires glowing in the fireplace await the group looking to relax after a day of snowshoeing.The Bear Track Cabins are located near the edge of the Black River Gorge, the perfect location for this adventure. Deep within the west end of the Ottawa National Forest, the cabins are tucked away in a land of glacially worn hills, wildlife and water. These log cabins have been hand scribed and are truly rustic, unique structures. While they are rustic wilderness cabins, all feature modern conveniences, comfortable beds and linens, and charming fireplaces or woodstoves. Participants can choose between single occupancy, double occupancy with separate beds, and double occupancy rooms with a queen bed. On the property is a Finish style sauna for relaxing after a day of snowshoeing. Our itinerary for the trip also includes a evening trip to a local stable for an horse drawn sleigh ride and bonfire. Meals served during the weekend are all freshly prepared and fit right in with our northwoods winter weekend. Vegetarian options and special diets are all easily accommodated.
Itinerary
(subject to change due to weather & permit conditions)Day 1
Guests can arrive after 4pm to check into the Bear Track Cabins. A dinner will be served for those arriving before 6pm. Evening activities include a fire and optional night hike.Dinner Is Included
Day 2
Snowshoeing the lower Black River Gorge includes hiking past waterfalls including Surprise, No Surprise, the Ledges and Rainbow Falls and also a hike through virgin Hemlock Forest. This trip ends at the mouth of the Black River at Lake Superior. Evening activities include the horse drawn sleigh ride and /or lounging around the fireplace.Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Are Included
Day 3
For Saturday’s adventure, we will drive over to the Apostle Islands for a snowshoe trip to the frozen mainland sea caves. Snowshoeing through sea caves with myriads of ice stalactites and next to sandstone cliffs is a truly awesome experience.Breakfast and Dinner Are Included, lunch will be eaten at a restaurant
Day 4
A shorter snowshoe hike up the Upper River Gorge includes some of the Black’s largest waterfalls – Sandstone, Gorge and Potowatomie Falls. After returning from the hike, participants are able to depart by 1pm.Breakfast Is Included
Photo courtesy of Lorrie Ruh