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Red Cliff Ice Caves Tour - Winter Only

5.0 (1 Rating)
This route is a walking tour of the Red Cliff ice caves along the frozen shore of Lake Superior.
1.8
mi
Distance
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
CaveLakeLakefrontWinter Only
Access Issues
You must be accompanied by a native guide to access this route as you'll be walking on Lake Superior. Tours may be booked after they have determined the ice is safe to travel on.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.77mi
Distance
0ft
Elevation Gain
22ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
627ft
High Point
599ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Follow the icy shore of Lake Superior to view the smaller, yet fascinating Red Cliff ice caves. You'll see some amazing ice formations, with many tinged rusty red from red sandstone sediment. The route begins at Buffalo Bay Campground and Marina and continues for about 2 miles until you reach a natural sandstone arch. There will likely be a lot of exploring along the way as many of these sandstone caves are large enough to walk in. Native guides are knowledgeable on the geology and wildlife of the area. Tour participants may walk or snowshoe, depending on lake conditions. Lake Superior, even in extreme cold, can be icy and slushy, so it is recommended to contact your guide as to appropriate footwear: waterproof boots, spikes, snowshoes, etc.Ice Cave Tours with Rustic Makwa Den are offered daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. beginning Jan. 31. Advance tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for teenagers (13-17), and $15 for kids 12 and under. Tours happen as long as ice conditions are suitable. For more information and to sign up for a tour, visit the Rustic Makwa Den website or Facebook page.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Sarah Houle