Monday was a beautiful day on the Gunflint Trail, so I decided to take Ellie on a snowshoe hike to Magnetic Rock. The sky was a deep blue, and the temperature started at about ten above, and ended at about two below zero Fahrenheit.
It was the first time I hiked on snowshoes with Ellie. I tried walking in front, but Ellie kept stepping on the back of my snowshoes, so she ended up in front a little ways into the hike.
The snow off trail was deep, and the trail was relatively hard packed. I probably could have gone without the snowshoes, but it is better to bring them along when you don't know the snow conditions.
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| Magnetic Rock and Border Route Trailhead |
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| Magnetic Rock Trail First Pond |
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| Ellie on the Trail |
After about an hour of hiking, we came to Magnetic Rock. It was shortly before sunset, so there was a nice golden glow over everything.
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| Magnetic Rock with the Setting Sun |
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| Magnetic Rock |
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| Ellie at Magnetic Rock |
Magnetic Rock is actually magnetic. It contains magnetite, the most magnetic of the iron ores. Compass needles are also made out of magnetite.
There are a plethora of lichens on Magnetic Rock. Lichens are 3 forms of life living together symbiotically. One part is a larger fungus. The second part is algae or cyanobacteria. Part three is a yeast type fungus. The cyanobacteria or algae provides sugars/carbohydrates as a byproduct of photosynthesis, and the fungi provide mineral nutrients and a home outside of the water. Lichens are a great bioindicator, since they are so sensitive to pollution.
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| Snow and Lichens of Magnetic Rock |
The last picture shows ice and lichens on Magnetic Rock. Can you see which one is which? The white on the peak is mostly ice, and the bottom 2/3 is mostly lichen.
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| Magnetic Rock |
To get to Magnetic Rock, drive up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais for about 50 miles. You will pass the South Gunflint Lake, North Gunflint Lake, and Warren's (Gunflint Narrows) roads on your right before passing the Round Lake Road on your left. About 100 yards beyond the Round Lake Road on the left will be the Kekekabic Trailhead. In about 100 more yard on your right will be the Magnetic Rock about Border Route Trailhead. There is a small plowed parking lot in which to leave your car.
Bring snowshoes, water, sunglasses/goggles, snow boots, layers of clothing, and your camera. Plan two to three hours for this moderately difficult hike.
