Early March 2021, Northern Wisconsin

The first half of March has been very spring like here in Northern Wisconsin. The snow is melting fast with the warm temperatures though there is still plenty in the forest and shady spots.

The following photos were taken between March 1. and 15.

The first 3 images are at Copper Falls State Park near Mellen, WI on March 1st. The river  and waterfalls were still "dormant" and hidden underneath ice and snow. Compare that to the last 6 photos taken at the same location on March 15th! 

And look at the huge ice chunks that piled up at the bank of the river!!

The 3 sunset photos were taken at the Chippewa Flowage in Sawyer County (near Hayward, WI). It had clouded up but I am glad I waited as the sun appeared again and added a beautiful golden light to the sky and the reflections in the water.

The rest of the photos were taken in the Blue Hills at various locations - with more or less snow.

Thanks for viewing and I hope you enjoy this early spring/late winter tour  

Susanne  

Click on the photos for a larger view

Red Granite Falls area

Nature has always been the best medicine for me. When I am troubled or need to sort things out, the best thing to do for me is to go for a walk in the woods, preferably along a river/waterfall. So that's what I did - without much thought I grabbed my camera gear and headed north. I ended up at Copper Falls State park near Mellen, Wisconsin - probably my favorite park in the northern part of the State. 

This time I explored the Red Granite Falls - a lesser visited area of the park. There is a beautiful trail through the woods along the Bad River. It was partly cloudy which is perfect for waterfall photography. On the longer exposures I used a polarizer and 4 stop ND filter. 

I so enjoyed my visit that I totally lost track of time. It was getting late and I had a 1 ¾ hrs drive home, otherwise I would have stayed longer.

The dark brown/golden color of the water is due to "Tannins".

What causes that "root beer" color in some lakes?

Sometimes described as root beer, coffee, tea, or bog stain, such coloring is natural for many waters in northern Wisconsin. The coloration is not harmful and results from incompletely dissolved organic materials, sometimes referred to as tannins, which come from the decomposition of wetland plants in the watershed of the lake. Often, the greater the amount of wetlands in the watersheds, the darker the color of the water. Since the predominant land type in the watersheds of northern Wisconsin lakes is often a mixture of forests and wetlands, this can result in many lakes having this dark coloration.

As always, thanks for viewing! Enjoy! Susanne 

Click on the photos for a larger view. 

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Copper Falls State Park, January 2020

 A magical winter day at Copper Falls State Park, Mellen, Wisconsin

Copper Falls State Park in northern Wisconsin is by far my favorite park and I have visited it many times. My recent visit on a snowy January day was one of my best experiences. I left in the morning on a beautiful sunny day with blue sky to drive to Ashland, Wisconsin. About half way (near Cable to be precise) I ended up driving in a snowstorm. I did not recall the weather report calling for a snowstorm?? But then around Lake Superior things can change quickly. On my way home I had planned to visit Copper Falls State Park (near Mellen) but did not know what to expect. As it turned out the park was right at the edge of that storm. It was mostly cloudy but once in a while the sun would peek through and surprise me with some magical moments. I only met 4 people on snow shoes during my 2 hrs stay so I felt I had the whole place to myself. And I thoroughly enjoyed the solitude!!

Follow me along on my hike through the park: 
(click on the photos to get a larger view)

One of those surprise moments of sunlight as I started my hike on a small snow shoe packed trail

Copper Falls seen from "the backside"

The confluence of the Bad River and Tyler Fork river

Two favorite Cedar trees along the Tyler Fork river with an interesting "Ice Cave"

A bit of sunshine peeking through the trees along the Tyler Fork river

Along the Tyler Fork river

The Cascades, Tyler Fork river - half frozen

View towards the Bad River gorge

The most magical moment happened as I stood at the overlook towards the Bad River gorge - the sun came through the clouds and illuminated snow crystals that blew off the trees

The most magical moment happened as I stood at the overlook towards the Bad River gorge - the sun came through the clouds and illuminated snow crystals that blew off the trees

Copper Falls, view from "the front"

Brownstone Falls - looks like dressed for a wedding

Snowy path - I loved the snow decorating the railings