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Repairing the Salmo Boardwalks – Round Three!

6/23/2026

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Four volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.
Filling in the gap.
On Saturday June 13th, seven volunteers put their creative carpentry skills to work on a problem bridge on the Salmo Trail where it had heaved and created a steep slope that could be hazardous when wet or frozen. Bob Feyen and Jim Steffenson led the crew in leveling the bridge to make it easy and safe again. 

This was the second round of work on this bridge, following the first round which was completed in five-degree weather in early December. It was a complex undertaking as they created temporary supports, removed deck boards and bumper railings along the edge, cut the bridge into pieces, jacked up and dropped sections, installed new posts on metal pans, and replaced deck boards and railings. Fortunately, the weather cooperated for this all-day endeavor; and the bugs weren’t even too bad! 

Four volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.
Cutting the boardwalk before jacking it up.
Volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.
Low railings were replaced along the edge.
Volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.
One more deckboard left to install.
In addition to making this section safer, it sets the stage for the next phase of the Salmo Accessibility Project when the Wisconsin Conservation Corps will come to town during the last two weeks of July to install 330 feet of elevated boardwalk and construct a 10’ x 16’ viewing platform along the lakes’ edge. 

The trail will be closed from July 20th – 31st during the project. And, don’t be surprised to see huge stacks of boardwalk materials that will arrive on June 24th.

Volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.
The steep slope is no longer there.
Let’s give a big round of applause to Bob Feyen, Neil Howk, Gene Lemmenes, Gerry Miller, Jamie Paterson, Rich Ryan, and Jim Steffenson for this awesome work!
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New Trail Segment Along the Big Ravine’s East Rim Now Open

6/23/2026

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A group of volunteers in outdoor gear with trail building tools.
Friday's Happy Crew
Bayfield Area Trails (BAT) is pleased to announce the creation of a new trail segment in the Big Ravine system, adding to its growing network of trails.  It parallels the primary route of the East Rim Trail but hugs the edge of the rim, giving walkers dramatic views into, and across, the ravine. 
The City of Bayfield granted BAT permission to create this trail that protects this watershed.  It designated the Big Ravine as a Conservancy District to prevent a repeat of the now infamous and disastrous flood that washed enormous amounts of sediment from the steep slopes above the ravine into the city streets in 1942, burying roads and cars.

​This area has been largely undisturbed for over 80 years and trail users can view enormous red pines, white pines and hemlock, along with large hardwood trees of red maple and birch. 
Two volunteer working on a gravel trail.
David and Doug tackle a rock in the trail.
“The roughly quarter-mile trail section provides a dedicated non-motorized alternative along this segment that is used for snowmobiling from December through March. It also terminates at the highest elevation on the East Rim where the ravine is the deepest”, said Mike Kinnee, the project leader. 
Three volunteers working the ground with hand tools.
Creating trail tread with rakes and rogue hoe.
Wooden boardwalk on a gravel trail surrounded by the lush green forest.
Two boardwalks were installed at the south end.
Two volunteers standing on a gravel trail.
Tamping the tread is the final step.
Over a two-day period 12 volunteers relocated two 12’ long boardwalks from the main trail, cut back vegetation, grubbed out tread, infilled low areas and created positive drainage routes.

​Assisting with the trail work were volunteers Neil Howk, Ross Huelster, John Ipsen, Genevieve Johnson, Ted May, Nick McNeely, Sheree Peterson, Peter Rothe, David Saetre, Steve Virscik, Kris Wegerson, and Doug Welty.

The public is invited to enjoy this new trail addition throughout the year.
Group of six volunteers standing on a gravel trail surrounded by green forest.
Saturday's crew put the finishing touches on the trail.
Fresh gravel trail through the lush green forest.
Voila the new trail!
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Trails Open House and Public Input Session - June 25th @ 5-7 pm

6/12/2026

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Spring Guided Hikes Encountered Abundant Birds & Beavers

6/11/2026

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Two birds in natural settings promote Bayfield Area Trails’ Spring Nature & Bird Walks, with a small brown bird on moss-covered stone and a black, white, and yellow bird among branches with event text overlay.
2026 Spring Nature and Bird Hikes. Click images to enlarge.
Bayfield Area Trails volunteers offered a variety of nature walks during the month of May.
 
On Saturday May 2, Chequamegon Audubon President Neil Howk led a hike at the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery and along the Salmo Lakewalk Trail to view early season migratory birds. Nine participants viewed more than 40 species of birds including Yellow-rumped and Palm warblers and Blue-winged teals.

A blue-winged teal duck swims on calm, brown-reflective water, showing distinctive white facial markings, a dark bill, and ripples behind it.
Blue-winged Teal
A small brown and yellow bird perches on a concrete surface covered with bright orange lichen, with blurred red branches in the background.
Palm Warbler
A small black, white, and yellow bird perches on a branch among dense leafless twigs, with yellow patches above its eye and on its wings.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
The scheduled May 9th hike could not compete with the annual "dumpster day" in Bayfield, but two stalwarts (Gerry Miller and Neil) still walked to the pond at the Big Ravine Headwaters to view the latest beaver activity and numerous lesser yellowlegs feeding in the flooded fields north of the pond.
 
On Saturday May 16, Ted May and Neil led a hike at Frog Bay Tribal National Park for six interested nature lovers. Highlights of that walk included a half dozen blue-headed vireos and eleven species of warblers including the elusive black-throated blue warbler. 

A solitary Lesser Yellowlegs, a long thin beak, and speckled brown and white plumage stands in shallow reflective water with scattered vegetation.
Lesser Yellowlegs
A beaver partially submerged near a grassy, leafy riverbank gnaws on a piece of wood while a tree branch crosses diagonally in front.
Beavers at work!
A group of people in outdoor clothing walk along a sandy lakeshore with trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
Frog Bay Tribal National Park beach.
The Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival from May 21-23 included field trips on many trails in the Bayfield Area Trails network. These included the Big Ravine Headwaters, Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the Lakeshore Trail in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Pileated Woodpecker Trail at the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery, the Salmo Lakewalk Trail, the Lost Creek Falls Trail, and the Houghton Falls Trail.
 
More than 230 people participated in the 62 field trips, programs and activities offered during the festival and 178 species of birds were identified. See the
full bird list here.
A group of hikers wearing outdoor gear and backpacks stand on a narrow metal bridge in a leafless forest with dry leaves on the ground.
The Lakeshore Trail - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
A group of people walk in a line on a narrow wooden boardwalk through dry grass and pine trees, led by a person wearing a yellow cap and holding binoculars.
Staying on the trail protects sensitive habitat.
Seven people wearing outdoor clothing and binoculars stand at a trailhead in front of informational hiking and wildlife signs in a wooded area.
Happy birding along the Lakeshore Trail!
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Spring Maintenance Completed on the Brownstone Trail

6/11/2026

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A gravel trail winding through a dense forest with green foliage and tall trees on both sides.
The Brownstone Trail awaits!
Happy 30th Birthday, Brownstone Trail!
In 1996 Landmark Conservancy (then Bayfield Regional Conservancy) helped to establish the 2.25-mile Brownstone Trail which traverses from Bayfield to the Pikes Bay area along Lake Superior. We are grateful for the continued cooperation of landowners who allow public access along the route. The Brownstone Trail is the flagship of the Bayfield Area Trails network which is expanding throughout the Bayfield peninsula to include our local communities.
 
On May 28-29, 2026 the Brownstone Trail received a dressing-up for its birthday. Volunteers Erika Lang (Landmark Conservancy Conservation Manager headquartered in Bayfield), John Ipsen and Kris Wegerson (Bayfield Area Trails volunteers) weed/grass whipped and hand pulled invasive forget-me-nots along the trail from Chequamegon Road to Blue Wing Bay Road. They cleaned out ditches and culverts, helping to keep the trail dry; reshaped rolling grade dips on the trail which helps to channel water off the trail; and moved gravel to cover bare spots on the trail. Thanks to our volunteers! 
 
We invite you to come hike, run or bike this summer and celebrate thirty years of a truly beautiful woodland trail with outstanding views of Lake Superior.
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Read Survey Results: Future of the Lower Big Ravine Creek and Trails

6/5/2026

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A trailhead entrance for the Big Ravine trail featuring a set of stairs leading up to a fenced path surrounded by dense green trees under a partly cloudy sky. Signs and information boards are visible near the stairs, indicating trail details and guidelines for visitors.
Big Ravine Gil Larson trailhead on Washington Ave. in Bayfield.

UPDATE JUNE 8, 2026: In early May, 82 people responded to this survey. See what they had to say.​
READ SURVEY RESULTS

Here’s Your Chance for Input!!
The Big Ravine is a local treasure, but faces some challenges, including aging stormwater management and trail infrastructure, accelerated erosion, bank instability, and sediment delivery to downstream drainage systems.
The City of Bayfield, in cooperation with the Bayfield Area Trails Committee, has partnered with Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH®) to assess the current conditions of the Lower Big Ravine creek, trail, boardwalks, and infrastructure in the context of the changing climate.

To help guide decisions about the future of the Big Ravine, please take a few moments to fill out this short 16-question survey based on your experience of visiting this important community space.
The survey closes on May 10th.
COMPLETE THE ONLINE SURVEY
Survey QR Code
QR Code that when scanned will open the Bayfield Trails Engagement Survey
An informational trail sign highlighting natural features and wildlife of Big Ravine. The sign includes sections on enchanting forests, colorful birds, and secretive wildlife with photos, descriptions, and a Bird City Wisconsin logo, emphasizing ecological diversity and conservation efforts.
An informational trail sign highlighting the natural features and wildlife of Big Ravine.
Thanks to the Boreal Waters Foundation and Wisconsin Coastal Management Program for supporting this project.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation logo
Wisconsin Coastal Management Program logo
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