Last hike of the season for the Happy Hikers

MOOSE MOUNTAIN, LUTSEN

On September 28 the Happy Hikers will travel to Lutsen Mountains Recreation Area, heading 2.9 miles north from Hwy. 61 at mile marker 90 to Ski Hill Road (County Rd. 5) where we will park and purchase a one-way gondola ticket. The gondola ticket window opens at 10 a.m. (one-way adult senior ticket cost: $23.92 including tax—a few dollars more if you’re under 65), and we’ll plan to hop aboard about 10:15, crossing the stunning Poplar River valley directly to the trailhead. Our hike will include passing through an especially scenic and diverse forest of mature cedars and colorful maples with open vistas of both Lake Superior and expansive views to the north. We’ll stop at one of the vistas to enjoy our sack lunch. Allow about 4 hours for this outing.

Difficulty level: Moderate with some elevation changes.

Approximate distance: 3.5 – 4 miles.

Meet at the YMCA parking lot next to the tennis courts at 9:30 a.m. (note time change from usual 9 a.m.). We’ll carpool to the Lutsen Mountains Recreation Area up Ski Hill Road. Suggested donation to drivers: $3.

If you live west of Grand Marais and would like to meet at the gondola area of Lutsen Mountains Recreation Area, be there by 10:00 am, and let me know so we know to wait for you.

What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, hiking pole(s), water, and a sack lunch, + money for your gondola ticket.

If it’s raining, the hike will be cancelled.

This is the last scheduled hike of the season. We hope you’ll join Happy Hikers next year! Look for updates next spring/early summer for the 2023 schedule of hikes. For questions, contact Carol Morgen, 715-377-2526.