Bugs in the Northwoods

**koaloha05** · 06-19-2013, 12:46

For those planning a trip up to anyplace along the South and North shores of Lake Superior think bugs. Unseasonal cool and wet conditions has resulted in the worst early bug season (mossies, ticks & flies) I can remember for the past several years. Previous years have been relatively too dry.

For those unaware of the mining controversy up here just google Gogebic Taconite mine location. GTac is in the process of drilling 8 exploratory sites. Supposedly this area of the Penokee Mtn. range has one of the largest iron ore deposits left in N. America. The open pit mines could run from an area around Mellen, WI to Lake Gogebic in the U.P. Sort of cuts into the North Country Trail.
So even with the bugs a visit up here should be considered if planning to hike the Mellen section of the NCT. May get bit ugly in the not to distant future.

**michigandave** · 06-19-2013, 13:13

I hear you on the bugs! The second weekend of June we were driven out of Pictured Rocks and had to cut our backpacking trip short because of them. Even met up with a couple on the road doing the same thing and ended up sharing a ride back to Miner's Castle with them. The mosquitos we're relentless and made covering up everything and using the headnet mandatory.

**wiscoman** · 06-19-2013, 15:36

My cousin and I will be braving the bugs this coming weekend! I guess it's long sleeves and head nets...

**gunner76** · 06-19-2013, 15:47

Brave hangers up there. The skeeters and deer flies are out in force down here. Have had a few of the deer flies bit thru my t shirt.

**Narksos** · 06-20-2013, 11:29

I spent a couple of nights in the McCormick Wilderness (Ottawa National Forest) in early June and the black flies were terrible. No wind or rain to keep them away.

I was with a group of relatively inexperienced hikers and loaned out every bandanna in my pack for use as face masks (use #34876 for bandannas).

Everything cleared up at night, but I would strongly recommend nets/bug spray for anytime you pan on standing still.

I'm taking a canoe down the Ontonagan next month, hopefully it clears up a by then.

**Shug** · 06-20-2013, 11:33

Take mosquito sticks...http://www.rei.com/product/670529/co...s-package-of-5
They cut the bugs in half at least.
Shug

**canoebie** · 06-20-2013, 11:37

Originally Posted by koaloha05

For those planning a trip up to anyplace along the South and North shores of Lake Superior think bugs. Unseasonal cool and wet conditions has resulted in the worst early bug season (mossies, ticks & flies) I can remember for the past several years. Previous years have been relatively too dry.

For those unaware of the mining controversy up here just google Gogebic Taconite mine location. GTac is in the process of drilling 8 exploratory sites. Supposedly this area of the Penokee Mtn. range has one of the largest iron ore deposits left in N. America. The open pit mines could run from an area around Mellen, WI to Lake Gogebic in the U.P. Sort of cuts into the North Country Trail.
So even with the bugs a visit up here should be considered if planning to hike the Mellen section of the NCT. May get bit ugly in the not to distant future.

Noel,

I have been following those mining events. Seems very sad to me. I am not sure how we resolve the tension between demand and preservation of wild areas. I follow the Bad River Tribe on facebook and they have lots of information about it. The impact on the surrounding environment seems devestating. Hope you have a great summer up there. Just finished paddling the North Fork of the Flambeau with Craig. Great trip.

**wiscoman** · 06-20-2013, 23:57

Originally Posted by Shug

Take mosquito sticks...http://www.rei.com/product/670529/co...s-package-of-5
They cut the bugs in half at least.
Shug

I've got a couple smoke sticks,bug spray, bug balm, a head net, and long sleeves. If all of that doesn't work, then we will be flailing fools on the trail.