Exploring Beautiful State Natural Areas in Vilas County: Lake Laura & Lake Alva Hikes

Vilas County has 33 designated state natural areas, the most of any county in the state, with numerous exceptional sites near Star Lake. In the morning, we’ll visit the beautiful 314-acre Lake Alva Birch-Hemlock SNA in the morning, which features some very large, old hemlock (nearly 3 feet in diameter), as well as large yellow birch, sugar maple, and super-canopy white pine in the ridged topography surrounding the 24-acre seepage lake.  In the afternoon, we’ll hike an out-and-back trail within the 852-acre Lake Laura Hardwoods State Natural Area, which is situated between Lake Laura and Salsich Lake, a wilderness lake. Lake Laura Hardwoods features some old-growth stands over 250 years old as well as mature stands that possess old-growth attributes.  Both groves of old-growth hemlock-hardwoods have been established as passively managed, ecological reference forest sites within the Northern Highlands State Forest.  Good hiking stamina is required. We will cover about 5 miles over the course of the day. These hikes are located in the Star Lake/Conover area.  

Registered participants will be emailed additional information prior to the hike.  Wednesday, 9 AM – 4 PM.  Registration required by 8/21.  $80/Non-Member and $70/Member.