Springtime on the North Shore overlaps late-season skiing and early-season hiking. So, when the sun comes out and temps get into the 40’s and 50’s, it’s time for fun in the springtime sun!
In Lutsen, you can enjoy a springtime ski and hike to waterfalls at Lutsen Mountains. And, some amazing lodging deals to getaway to the waterfalls!
Spring Skiing on the North Shore
Lutsen Mountains Ski Area is offering Extended Weekends through April 27, 2025!
During the extended season, you can take in some spring skiing on Lutsen’s Eagle Mountain (one of their four mountains).
In fact, no other ski area in the Midwest stays open this late. So the Sugar-Snow seekers come out for the shenanigans!
Spring skiing brings out the friendliest people! There is a unique camaraderie among this group for a shared passion for the sport. When I say, “the sport,” what I really mean is the freedom, the speed, the sunshine, the scenery…and the shredding.
Spring skiing and snowboarding is less about “the sport” than it is about getting outside and having fun after a long, cold winter. The folks that you meet on the mountain are all chasing that certain passion, and the good mood shines brighter than a sunny day in May.
Hike to the Poplar River Falls
When you’re ready for a break, change out your ski boots for a pair of hiking boots. From the ski slopes, hike over to the Superior Hiking Spur Trail down to the Poplar River Falls (click here for a map).
It’s less than a mile. If you don’t want to hike the whole way, drive to the end of the dirt road to the Superior Hiking Trail parking lot. From here it’s a short hike to the falls. (This section of the Poplar River is called the Upper Falls because there are a series of lower falls near the Superior National Golf Course and the site of the old Lutsen Resort before it empties into Lake Superior.)
The trail brings you to a footbridge over the river, but you will likely hear the river before you get there. This can be a heart-pounding spot because directly under the bridge, the river narrows creating a violent rock and water funnel!
After the river narrows in the funnel, the waterfall rumbles down a dramatic slope of violently churning water. It’s pretty intense and very cool!
More Hiking along the Poplar River
A short hike upriver from the falls (on the NE side) access a wide, flat stretch of the upper Poplar River. There is a canoe launch area with a small dock about a quarter-mile up the trail. It’s a relaxing spot highlighted by the gentle flow and grassy wetlands.
From here there are a few options to continue your hike.
1. Continue to follow the trail upriver to Barker Lake.
2. Access the Superior Hiking Trail.
3. Go back to the falls, cross the river, and take the bike trail down the SW side of the river towards the Gondola line.
Tips for making the most of your Skiing and Hiking afternoon:
- Conditions for skiing and/or hiking may not be ideal in late spring. Let this enhance your fun!
- Hiking Trail conditions this time of year range from horrendous to normal. Be prepared to encounter thick mud, slush, running water, and snow piles in some areas. But, no bugs!!
- On the slopes, you may encounter soft sugar-snow, puddles or running water, or patchy areas with ground showing. But you probably won’t need a coat!
- Wear layers.
- Pack a lunch and eat it at the canoe launch. Or get a snack from the Chalet and eat it on the deck while watching the skiers.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
- Start a conversation, make a friend.
- Head to Caribou Cream Maple Syrup in Lutsen to pick up some of the freshly made maple syrup!
- Explore the Best Hiking Trails near Lutsen.
