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The forested two mile hiking trail at
Monocle Lake Campground passes over a nice wetland boardwalk, runs along
scenic MonocleLake, and gives access to a high bluff overlook
of Lake Superior and the Canadian shoreline several miles across the St. Marys River. The
first 1,100 feet of the trail (which includes the wetland boardwalk) is
fully accessible. The trail to the bluff overlook is steep and
challenging.
The wetland boardwalk portion of the trail
runs right along a beaver dam. These industrious animals actually used
the boardwalk as part of their dam structure during its construction.
Water levels in the wetland may fluctuate from year to year as the beaver
colony comes and goes. Look for a beaver lodge in the wetland. The
underwater entrances to these large stick and mud houses allow beavers to
enter and leave with little exposure to predators. Waterfowl and great
blue herons also may be seen using this wetland area in years when the
beaver have helped keep the water levels up. Osprey
frequently nest in the MonocleLake area. Watch
for ospreys (also called fish hawks) catching fish in the open water
areas. The Iroquis Point Lighthouse is nearby
on the Lake Superior shore. It is
maintained by the HiawathaNational Forest
(open May 15 to October 15) and has modern barrier free restrooms. Iroquis Point offers public access to the shoreline
for wildlife viewing – a place to look for migrating birds that are
following the coastline.
Portions of this area are open to
public hunting. Contact the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources for affected seasons and locations.
Directions
From Brimley, take Lakeshore
Drive north about 6 miles to Monocle Lake
Recreation Area on the left side of the road.
Ownership: U.S. Forest Service, Sault Ste. Marie Ranger
District, (906) 635-5311
Restrooms
– at the Monocle Lake Recreation Area campground and Iroquis
Point Lighthouse. Trails – two linear
miles. Picnic – at the MonocleLake campground. Camping – MonocleLake campground operated by
concessionaire, nightly fee ($10, 2003). Boat Ramp – at the MonocleLake campground, small boats. Drinking Water –
hand pumps at campground. Fishing – fishing
pier at the MonocleLake campground. Hunting – Forest
Service lands open to hunting, campground closed.
Wildlife
Viewing 
