Orphan Lake Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

There is limited parking at the trailhead and two pit toilets. The park's terrain is rugged and weather can be variable. It is recommended that you carry ample water, bug spray, sunscreen, first-aid supplies, and weatherproof gear.

From the trailhead, this trail climbs easily through hardwood and evergreen forest to a junction where the lollipop loop starts. This description assumes you go left (south) here to give yourself a less steep ascent on the return. Going left, you'll soon come to an overlook of Orphan Lake with Lake Superior beyond. Farther along, you'll come to another overlook from which you get (weather permitting) big views of Lake Superior. From here, you can follow a short spur trail uphill to the south, to even higher, more spectacular overlook.

The trail now descends to a pebble beach on Lake Superior where there is a junction with the Coastal Trail. This marks your half-way point, To complete the Orphan Lake Trail, go north along the beach and then follow the trail upstream along the Baldhead River. After it passes a pair of roaring waterfalls, the trail climbs to the east shore of Orphan Lake before joining with the trail back to the trailhead.