Adventure

Autumn Hiking Tips for Adventure Dogs

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Autumn hikes are the best! Your adventure dog thinks so, too. The cooler temperatures are more comfortable for thick coats, the changing season brings forth new scents, and the bustle of critters before winters adds new entertainment. Changes in the season mean slight changes in the hike as well. Check out these tips to keep your adventure dog hikes going into autumn.

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Vest

It’s hunting season! Ducks, bow hunting for deer, and other little critters. Whether you hunt or not, your dog’s safety comes into play this time of year. Be sure to put an orange or pink vest on your dog to distinguish them from other animals. Our Great Dane looks like a deer, it’s very important that we place a vest on her while out hiking in the fall. Even if you think you’ll be staying on the trail, accidents happen, he might get loose.

Xena-doo in her pretty pink coat! Great Danes have a thinner coat and a thin skin layer. When the temperature drops, her jacket comes out. Perfect timing for hunting season.

Stay Warm

Most dogs are fine in the fall with their built in fur coat. Those with shorter coats or naked dogs, may need an extra layer. Senior dogs also have a harder time regulating their body temperature. A light jacket or sweater is helpful for dogs having a hard time keeping warm. This can also double as their visibility vest.

hydration

Keep your pup hydrated, even in the fall. The blistering heat has gone away, yay! Hiking the trail can still make a pup thirsty. Bring plenty of water and dish for your adventure dog to drink out of. Our favorite dish is the silicone collapsible style. Sturdy enough to hold water, yet compactable.

Respect Autumn Critters

If you’ve ever sat in the woods in autumn, you’ll have noticed a frantic amount of activity from the critters. Squirrels are preparing, winter is coming. The increased activity from these prey animals will have your pup intrigued and that prey drive peaked. Take care to keep your adventure dog on leash, don’t allow them to chase the wildlife. Remember that this is their home, we are visitors. They have enough to worry about.

Xena loved the squirrels at Interstate State Park, MN. You can look, but you can’t chase!

Paws

Paws? What? In late autumn, we may have snow on the ground in northern parts of Minnesota. The fresh snow may cause snowballs to form between your dog’s toes, especially fluffy dogs. Some preventatives include; salve or balm specially made for dog feet, boots for tolerant dogs, and checking your dog’s feet frequently.

Be Aware of State Park Hunting Schedule

If you’re planning a State Park hike in Minnesota between mid-October to mid-December, be sure to check the hunting schedule. There are limited hunting opportunities in the state parks, but it’s good to know beforehand. The dates can be found on the DNR website, some area of the parks may be closed during these dates.

Basic Trail Etiquette

No matter what time of year you’re hiking with your adventure dog, follow Basic Trail Etiquette for Adventure Dogs.

Finding Johnson Falls: A BWCA Adventure

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Drive, paddle, portage, then hike, in that order, to Johnson Falls for a wildly freeing experience in the BWCA. Johnson Falls is an incredible addition to the wilderness experience that the BWCA offers. I love chasing waterfalls, but the added thrill to this falls is that there are no guard rails, no boardwalks, no crowds. A good state park waterfall is wonderful, but Johnson Falls is still wild. That’s hard to find these days.

Quick Details

Location: BWCA, west side of Pine Lake

Distance: Variable depending on entry point

Level: Strenuous

Time to go: Late May- September

Dog-friendly: Yes, adventure dogs in good condition.

Fees: BWCA Overnight Paddle Permit

Getting there

Transportation: A combination of vehicle, canoe, and on foot is necessary for this trek.

From East Bearskin: Paddle east from the entry point, portage to Alder (52 rods), then paddle to Canoe Lake portage (25 rods), paddle to Pine Lake portage, Portage to Pine (380 rods). The trail to the falls is at the end of portage to Pine Lake, it leads west along the shore and creek feeding into Pine.

From Clearwater: Paddle east from the entry point, portage to Caribou Lake (140 rods), paddle east to Pine Lake, portage to Pine (76 rods). Paddle across the short distance to the south side of the lake. Canoes may be stowed at the Portage to canoe lake or at a small canoe landing to the west of the portage. Both spots have ample space for canoes. Follow the trail leading west along the creek to the falls.

From Pine: Paddle to the western shore of McFarlane Lake, portage 8 rods to Pine Lake, paddle the long distance to the western edge of Pine Lake. Canoes may be stowed at the portage to Canoe Lake or at a small canoe landing to the west of the portage. Both spots have ample space for canoes. Follow the trail leading west along the creek to the falls.

Hiking to Johnson Falls

A canoe will only bring explorers so far in their quest to find Johnson Falls. On foot is the only way to finish the journey. The trail to Johnson Falls begins at the Pine Lake to Canoe Lake portage, on the Pine Lake side. The trail goes west along the creek. The terrain is rough, and filled with rocks, roots, fallen tree and debris. Be ready to climb over logs and watch your ankles over those gnarly root systems.

Second canoe landing along trail to Johnson Falls

Wildlife on Trail: Watch for wildlife sign. Moose, bobcat, beaver, bear, etc.. leave tracks along the way. There are some areas with thicker mud, these are prime locations to see who has been trapsing about on the Johnson Falls trail. We found the most adorable bobcat track and a whopper of a moose track.

What to bring

It’s always a good idea to have a daypack when going off on an excursion in the wilderness. Here are some suggested items to be sure to have along for a trip to Johnson Falls.

Good quality hiking shoes.
Map
Bug spray- seriously, they’re relentless.
Water & filter or water purifying tablets.
Rain Gear- watch the weather and be prepared.
First Aid Kit
Swim suit, towel, lifejacket.
Fishing gear.
Camera!

Swimming

Yes, you can swim in the waterfall! Being that the falls lies in the midst of the BWCA wilderness, there is significantly more freedom to explore than in state parks or more heavily trafficked/managed areas. On the flip side of the coin, swim at your own risk. There are no lifeguards, no cell service, no help for miles and hours. Be smart, make well thought out choices. Bring a life vest for kids or those who aren’t’ strong swimmers.

Fishing

My husband, Scott, thought he’d give fishing a try at the falls. We’re so glad he did. He caught a few bass in the pool at the falls, making the journey quite memorable for him. The pool beneath the falls was both wide enough and deep enough to accommodate swimming and fishing at the same time. Our daughter spotted a large unknown fish while exploring the pools edge. Scott wasn’t lucky enough to catch the monster, but we know he’s in there.

Bonus Fishing Spot: Cast your line out from the Pine Lake Portage, multiple fish were caught here while waiting for shorter legs to catch up.

Hiking Rankin Ridge in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

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This short hike brings visitors to the highest point in Wind Cave National Park and a historic fire tower. A great hike for all ages in this unique South Dakota National Park.

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Rankin Ridge is a spectacular spot to get an overlook at Wind Cave National Park. Being the highest point in the park, you can get a look for miles around. Even to Badlands National Park, on a good day.

Distance: 1 mile

Level: Easy, with some stairs.

Time to Go: Open year-round, summer is easiest, rock steps may be slippery or snow covered in winter months. Check trail conditions.

Dog Friendly: No, but there are two trails near the visitor’s center that are dog friendly. Prairie Vista Trail & Elk Mountain Campground Trail.

Fees: No entrance pass

Trail Head & Parking

From the visitor’s center, head north towards the campground, but stay right at the fork. You’ll come to a “T” in the road, go left. Then, take the first right onto Hwy 87. The road is winding and beautiful. There will be signs for Rankin Ridge, it’s on the right. RV’s and trailers are not allowed in the small parking area, but there is a pull off area by the turn toward Rankin Ridge trail head.

The Trail head is quite obvious with a sign, map, and the usual trail warnings.

Clockwise with Stairs

We chose to hike this trail clockwise and I’m glad we did. This trail makes more sense, based on the terrain, to hike it clockwise. So start out heading north on the left most trail.

Though this is considered an easy trail, there are a fair number of stone steps. They could be slick when wet, take care if it’s raining. The steps are also a main reason to hike this trail clockwise. There are no steps descending from the peak on the other side of the trail. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather climb steps than descend. Especially if they’re wet or I am carrying a child on my back.

The steps are not difficult, take your time and watch your step. Our two year old was able to tackle them just fine and he loved every bit of this hike.

Views

Don’t rush on this trail. It’s only a mile long, so take your time and appreciate the views along the way. The best views, in my opinion, were not at the highest point, but along the stairway leading up to it. There is so much to see, don’t speed through this one.

Fire Tower

The historic Fire Tower sits at the highest point in the park. On a clear day, hikers can see all the way to the Badlands National Park. On the day of our hike, there was just a little too much haze for us to see that far, but the view was still vast.

The Fire Tower is really neat and a great place to have a snack and water break. Unfortunately, the tower is closed to visitors. A bummer, we’ve climbed a few towers on our explorations and were disappointed to find that this was not possible here at Wind Cave. It was still a great place to see, though.

Lightning Warning: Watch the weather forecast and be aware of surroundings. This is the highest point in the park, meaning the most at risk for lightning strikes. Plan around thunderstorms and change plans to avoid being caught in a light storm on this trail.

Smooth Descent

After taking in the views and having a snack at the height of this trail. The rest is smooth sailing! The way down is a breeze. This trail is very well maintained with a gravel slope that leads back to the parking area. Great for little explorers to find their footing.

Bison Beds and Droppings

Watch for animal sign as you make your way back to the parking area. The presence of animals was much more prevalent on this side of the trail, making the descent just as exciting as the climb up.

Looking closely in the grass, it was evident that bison had bedded down in the area and, of course, our toddler found poop. Leave it to the boy to always find poop.

Wildlife Warning: Keep your distance from wildlife. Yes, it’s so cool to see them in their natural habitat. This is their home, we are guests and they don’t like to be disturbed. The NPS recommends keeping at least 25 yards away from wildlife, but strongly suggests farther from bison. Don’t pet the fluffy cows, they are dangerous!!

Open Hike

This park does allow “open hiking.” This means that hikers are not confined to stay on designated trails. Hikers are welcome to hike off trail and explore the park at their own risk. Be aware of surroundings, weather, and animals at all times. Be sure to bring a map, plenty of water, and know that there is likely no cell service.

Check out 5 Things to do at Wind Cave National Park for other ideas on exploring this unique national park.