Gunflint Trail's Moose Viewing Trail

Okay, the answer is no, we did not see a moose.  But we are always looking.  The folks told us when we least expect it we will see a moose.  I did get a picture of one - so you can have an idea what we are looking for.

Very lonely road, and long - 56 miles from Grand Marais to end

About every 10 miles, these road signs told you how far to where

They lied - it was 1 mile to the viewing platform

This was a little confusing

Traveled up the Gunflint Trail (Route 12) north out of Grand Marais yesterday, our destination to go the very end of the Trail, see some things, then plan another day's trek up into the BWCAW - Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  I have to say - it is probably some of the rawest land I have ever seen.  Unlike the mountains in the west, you are in deep forest (cedar, birch, fir, other hardwood trees) and there are lakes after lakes after lakes.  Some lakes are ponds, some are gigantic.  Green, lush, lots of mosquitos, birds, but did not see any moose, deer, bear, elk, or anything else.  Did hear loons calling - wonderful to hear if you ever get a chance.  But not what I thought I would see.  My expectations were thus:  heavy fir trees, then a lake, more trees, lakes, etc.  Instead - large areas where the trees were burned away (later learned of 3 fires and the growth is just coming back), tree tops broken off (learned about that later), and pretty much rolling hills.  No mountains.

This is a boater's and fishing person's paradise.  That is it in a nutshell.  And, if you want the solitude of the environment without having to paddle your way in, then go to one of the many lodges tucked away on a lake.  You could have it all - sit at the dock, sipping an adult beverage, listening to the loons call, seeing fish jumping out of the water, renting a canoe or small skiff for an hour or two, just enjoying it all - at a cost.  Campgrounds in the area are strictly primitive.  You can bring your RV there but you have to be self-contained.  No electric, no water, no pit toilets.  Nope.  I would rather drive the hour up into the BWCAW to see it, or, rent a room at one of the lodges.

Dave thinks this was a 1952-3 Pontiac - why here?

Platform hidden

No moose 

Wildflowers galore!

We stopped at the "moose viewing trail" about 20 miles in, walked the mile to the platform, saw lilly pads and felt lots of mosquito stings, no moose, got back to the car and continued on to the end.,

Nope, just a picture of a picture.  Saw one in Buffalo, Wyoming tho.
That one in Buffalo had huge rack!

All in all, pretty day, glad we saw this area of the world.