Wolf Mountain

Far from my usual haunts in the Huron Mountains, Wolf Mountain rises 1,826 feet and is the highest point in Gogebic County. Emily and I drove north along a forest road off of US-2, bumping up and down on the rough two-track past Little Presque River through thick, green woods. It was a short drive, just over two miles, before we pulled up to the small parking area surrounded by woods with a small footpath and sign showing us the start of our climb.

Park sign marking the start of the footpath

I knew little of this area, but the foliage was similar to the highlands of Ontonagon with tall hardwoods, little undergrowth, and crunchy leaves underfoot. The broad leafed brush did remind me a bit of poison ivy so I made sure to stick to the path on the way up and avoid too much wandering. Our climb was short but very steep, up 300 feet in a dry fold on the northeastern side of the mountain to a long outcropping on the western side.

West down the Little Presque River valley

South over rolling green hills

Little Presque River lay below us to the south, cutting a surprisingly deep valley hundreds of feet below Wolf Mountain. Rolling forests undulated around us on all sides, the thick green uninterrupted but for a few swamps or planted trees. It was quite beautiful even if the scenery was unfamilar and Emily and I sat for a while and enjoyed the view, occassionally pushing a pebble over the side to hear it rattle down.

There was two things that I was hoping to check out while I was up here. First I headed east up the slight slope, away from the view, towards the summit. The undergrowth got progressively thicker up here, taking advantage of the stunted trees in the rocky soil. I couldn't find a benchmark or highpoint marker, although I wasn't completely sure one would be up here anyways. Giving up after a short search I continued eastwards to see if a view over to Lake Gogebic would be available, but the foliage was too thick and elevation too varied to let me see that either.

After rejoining Emily and her dog at the outcropping we turned and headed downhill. It was quiet and peaceful back here with no one else visiting Wolf Mountain this early in the day. Despite the steep climb the trail was well made and easy to follow, and I'd recommend the hike for anyone looking for a good view of the lush land of the Ottawa National Forest.