Kadunce River Hiking Trail
About 10 miles north of Grand Marais the Kadunce River flows into Lake Superior. The Kadunce River Hiking Trail runs through the woods next to the river and ties into the Superior Hiking Trail. On June 6th I hiked the .9 mile trail to the Kadunce Bridge on the lookout for spring wildflowers. I was not disappointed.
A perfect donut of foam was formed by the swirling water. The river rock is reddish giving the water an orange hue.
Bunchberries were out in force all along the trail.
Not only bunchberries, but many blueberries were next to the trail as well. Wish I could be here when they ripen.
While the trail initially runs next to the river, it soon leaves the water’s edge as it climbs the hill beside the river, and the river runs in the gorge below.
I found two more of my favorite spring flowers as well, the starflower and clintonia or blue-bead lily.
The prize of the trip was a beautiful pink flower next to the bridge. It was not one that I recognized nor could I find it in any of my guidebooks. So, I got some help from Sparky (The PhotoNaturalist) and found out it is purple clematis. I have clematis vines in my garden, but didn’t realize there was a wild version. I now see the vines of the plant – a definite clue in the identification.
I love this time of year in the northwoods!
Pinetree Photo's Nature Discovery Blog 
looks like great hiking.
Carol, this really looks like an inviting place. Great photography, especially so the macros.
Thanks, Carol. What a wonderful gift you give to the world. I am truly grateful to be a recipient of it. Kathleen
You are at it again….taking stunning pix of woodland beauties.
I always enjoy your flower walks , Carol. Gentian family comes to mind for the pink one , but I’m not a good source.