Temperance River State Park - Minnesota

Continuing on our scenic journey on Highway 61, we arrive at Temperance River State Park (Mile 80.5).  This 9,346 acre park contains lakes, waterfalls, a beach on Lake Superior, and lots of hiking trails. 

We hike the half mile trail that parallels the gorge.  Near the beginning of the trail we stand on a rock ledge where a vanished ancient waterfall (the North Shore’s widest) once spanned 900 feet!  A pool of water lies at the base of the ancient waterfall.  

Remains of an ancient waterfall and "Plunge Pool"

An interpretive sign along the Temperance Gorge Trail states, “Since the end of the ice age 12,000 years ago, the thundering force of the flowing glacial melt-water over hardened lava bedrock continues to carve a deeper path in this dramatic gorge.”  

Water-Carved Gorge

Bridge Over Gorge

Waterfall

We continue hiking the trail until the gorge is gone and a somewhat calmer river flows over stones.  At this point, we turn around and begin our hike back to the car.

At the end of the gorge

Trail along the gorge

Hiking back to the car

In Tofte (Mile 83.0) is the Coho Café.  We stop here for an early lunch. I have the Coho BLT and my hubby has the Turkey Club sandwich. The food was good but the special mayo dressing they use has a kick to it that stayed with me all day.      

For information on Temperance River State Park, click on the following link:

Temperance River State Park

To view a detailed Mile-By-Mile Guide of the North Shore Road (PDF), click on the following link:

Mile by Mile Guide to the North Shore