Take the trail that winds along the edge of the
Temperance River gorge and enjoy the rushing waterfalls surrounded by pine,
spruce, cedar and birch forests. The rapidly flowing river has cut deep potholes
in and along the riverbed. Hike the trail to Hidden Falls or connect up with
trails into the Superior National Forest and the Cross River Wayside. Visitors
come to camp and picnic along the shore of Lake Superior. Winter brings
cross-country skiers and snowmobilers to tackle the hilly terrain. Carlton Peak,
a recent addition to the park, is popular with rock climbers and offers even
more recreational opportunities to park visitors.Quick stats:
539 acres
284,201 annual visits
Naturalist:
The best way to learn more about Temperance River State Park is to stop in at
the park office for a map and information about what to see in the park.
Wildlife
The variety of plant communities in the park provides habitat for many
different types of wildlife species. Wildlife sightings are common in the park.
Both the Temperance and Cross rivers are designated trout streams. Brook, brown
and rainbow trout have been stocked in the Temperance River over the years. Both
the brook and brown trout have now established natural populations. Chinook
salmon and steelhead have also been introduced in the vicinity of the Temperance
River.
History
Pierre Esprit Radisson and Medard Chouart, Sier des Groselliers, were
probably the first white visitors to the North Shore when they traveled up the
shore of Lake Superior during 1660. Along with the Ojibwe Indians, the French
controlled the North Shore area until 1763. The first white settlers in the area
were probably clerks at American Fur Company posts located along the shore in
the 1830s. It is said the park got its name because, unlike other North Shore
streams, the river had no bar at its mouth. At one time, the waters of this
particular river flowed so deep and so strong into Lake Superior that there was
no build-up of debris. This meant that there was no "bar." What could you call a
river without a bar? For an appropriate, if slightly tongue-in-cheek selection,
"temperance" fits perfectly. The area became a state park in 1957. Campsites on
both sides of the river, plus the park's hiking trails and picnic areas, draw a
steady stream of visitors to this North Shore park.
Geology
One of the most interesting geologic features in the park is the narrow
Temperance River gorge with its many waterfalls. The rapidly falling river cut
through the soft lava of the river bed. Swirling water carried sand gravel which
wore away the soft lava and created potholes. Over thousands of years, these
potholes were dug deeper and wider, eventually connecting and creating the deep,
narrow gorge. Nearby, more potholes were left high and dry as the river found
its new and present channel.
Landscape
The vegetation in the park today is very similar to that of presettlement
time. Common forest trees include white and yellow birch, white pine, spruce,
fir, and cedar. Topography in the park varies from wet lowland areas to dry
upland sites and is reflected in the variety of vegetation.
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