Charles Eshbach has been guiding people in the back country of the Keweenaw for over forty years. The study of the Keweenaw’s natural history and its relation to Lake Superior has been his passion. Preserving examples of these unique natural systems has been his quest. Working with private, local and state organizations to protect, interpret, and open these areas to the public has been a life long pursuit. Charlie enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Keweenaw on his tours to these natural areas. They are an adventure and educational experience into a fascinating part of Michigan!

GUIDED TOURS OF KEWEENAW’S NATURAL WONDERS:

Tours are three to four hours long depending on the distance to travel and trail length. Tours are scheduled regularly on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and afternoons and with a 24 hour advanced reservation on Thursday and Fridays. Pricing: $35/person; $75 for a family

Estivant Pines – This one and a half mile hike takes you through one of a kind wilderness old growth forest. Walk through groves of 300-400 year old eastern white pine (Michigan’s state tree). Learn the rich history of fire, mining and how the logging was stopped and 504 acres preserved. An easy hike for all ages.

Horseshoe Harbor – This unique piece of the Keweenaw’s north shore is a short half mile hike down to the shore and along a beautiful stone beach. Giant conglomerate beds are tipped up out to Lake Superior. A geologist dream and a botanist wonder as we study this spectacular area. This tour is rated easy for most all hikers.

Bare Bluff – The longest and most strenuous of the tours, this 3 mile hike is well worth the effort. We take 4 hours to climb to the most spectacular lookout in the Keweenaw. This vista swings from Manitou Island, Keweenaw Point to Bete Gris and Point Isabelle. Hikers should be in good health, with good footwear and plenty of water and snacks. This beautiful forest, rare plant community and unique geology make this a favorite among local hikers. Rated moderate to difficult.

Great Sand Bay – Hike an easy one mile trail over old sand dunes and through pine forests. Pause at a beautiful lookout in a dune pond area rich in wildlife. Learn the history of this area which was once the Keweenaw’s wind tunnel while walking down a sandy agate beach – a perfect tour for all ages. Rated easy.

Mountreal River Mouth – The Montreal River pushed its way between the lava flows which forms the Keweenaw until it found a crack and a long cascade down to Lake Superior. This three mile hike takes you to the upper falls where the entire river drops 50 foot through a notch in the ridge. Then follow the rivers spectacular run to the Lake. The most spectacular water falls you will ever see! Rated moderate to difficult.

Fish Cove – A delightful two mile hike into a pristine rhyolite rock shore in the remote, seldom seen area. Walk the high pebble rhyolite beach out to a beautiful point. Rated easy to moderate.

Upson Lake/ Esrey Park – A beautiful informative hike which traverses a cross section of the Keweenaw’s geology. Hike through a boreal forest, then climb to a northern bog, cross a Lake Nipissing beach and descend into a dry northern pine forest before traversing into a cool northern hardwood forest. This two mile hike is rated moderate.

Lost Lake - Hike into a remote wilderness lake, one mile, then tour this beautiful lake by canoe, observing wildlife such as Beaver, Otter, and Loons. Add a guide carried shore lunch for 2 for only $40…lunch tour must be booked 24 hours in advance.

Bete Gris Bay – Hike a beautiful wilderness sandy beach on this peaceful bay, with sand so clean it squeaks, to one of a kind Great Lakes Marsh habitat filled with rare plants and orchids to pitcher plants. One of the ten wonders of the Keweenaw! Rated easy for all.