North Shore Camping - Temperance River State Park

Lake Superior at Temperance River State Park

Made a short camping trip (Monday-Wednesday) with friends up the North Shore of Lake Superior to Temperance River State Park. With fire and drought conditions, we weren't sure what to expect but we ended up with beautiful weather and a much cooler time than the heat and humidity of the Twin Cities.

Click here for short video montage.

There were some milky skies from wildfire smoke but not so bad that we felt it. Not good star observing but a near full moon made up for the lack of starry nights.

Temperance River State Park camping facilities are nice with showers, bathrooms, vault toilets, and a dish washing station. The upper campsite is very close to Highway 61 with truck noise which rules out a return stay for me. I don't need that kind of man-made noise while I am camping.

Temperance River

On the other hand, the hike along the Temperance River gorge is amazing. There are waterfalls that rush through narrow passages. The well-maintained hiking path is fantastic with viewing spots along this dramatic stretch of northern Minnesota.

We went to Coho Cafe in Tofte three times! (secret treat - they have ice cream!)

The highlight of the trip for me was the near full moon reflecting off an incredibly still Lake Superior. The smoky sky made for an orangy-yellow moon creating a stunning effect in the sky and on the water.