Name: Ranger Team!
Role: Trail Building, Conservation Surveys
Rangers set out on a fun scouting and surveying trip to the Western Woods Trail on a hot, sunny July week. Come along on their trip and find out what hiking the green trail is all about.
Day One
Setting off, we followed the Western Woods Trail west from Highway 62. We took our time with only 2.45 km to cover our first campsite. The terrain was easy and we only stopped to clear a few branches. As we walked, we couldn’t resist a quick detour down a side trail to a fantastic bird-watching spot—a flooded cedar swamp that was alive with activity.
The flooded area, filled with dead-standing trees, provided an excellent habitat for birds. We spotted a variety of species, including an Alder Flycatcher, an Eastern Kingbird, Swamp Sparrows and some ducks, who took off in the distance before we could identify them.
Arriving at Bear Shanty campsite 3, we found a spacious island site with easy water access. It was a hot summer day, so naturally, it was time for a swim.
We set up camp for the night, collected firewood retrieved our canoe from the nearby canoe cache and brought it to the campsite, ready for a sunset paddle later on.
After dinner, we were ready to head out on the lake for dusk bird watching. One of our main goals was to spot an elusive American Bittern, known for its incredible camouflage in the tall grass. We paddled south around the island, scanning the grassy edges for any sign of movement. We were hoping to spot one flying back to its nest for the night. We were also listening for Eastern Whip-poor-wills, Common Nighthawks, and Barred Owls.
As we paddled around the island where our campsite was, we scanned the grassy edges of the lake with our binoculars. A sudden noise in the forest drew us all to attention. Something was walking quickly back and forth in the brush right at the treeline. We strained our eyes and whispered to each other. Something about the briskness of this movement lifted the hairs on my neck. This was not a small creature and not a Deer…
Suddenly from behind some alder bushes, an Eastern Coyote appeared! Only some 30ft away! We were frozen in the canoe and engaged in a bit of a stare-down.
My friend paddled us gently backward and another friend scrambled for her camera. But as quickly as it had appeared, the coyote vanished back into the trees, leaving us buzzing with excitement over our unexpected wildlife encounter.
Encouraged by our sighting, we continued our paddle around the lake. We spent about two hours circling, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the dusk as the light continued to fade. Arriving back at our campsite around 9 PM. No American Bittern was spotted that evening, but we did see several White-tailed Deer, and heard many of the common forest birds singing their evening songs.
Day Two
I was up before sunrise to hear the morning chorus and make some coffee for our paddle.
We set off for a relaxed tour around the islands and southwestern shore of Bear Shanty Lake to take in the sunrise and see more wildlife. Sure enough, a large male Moose was grazing on wetland plants in a marsh not far from our campsite. We watched him from a respectful distance for a time.
Birds spotted and heard that morning included Chestnut Sided Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, White- Throated Sparrows, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Black-and-White Warblers, Black-Capped Chick-a-dees, two Osprey, and Blue Heron.
We returned for breakfast and to break camp. While filtering water one friend spotted a Snapping Turtle aquabasking.
At about 10 am, the camp was packed up and we headed out to our next destination. Following the Western Woods trail south to Powers Lake. We could have hiked directly to our next campsite, only 2.45 km away, but we decided to make a few detours!
First, we stopped over at an open water wetland that I knew about from a previous hike in this area. There we were very lucky to see two young Trumpeter Swans swimming together on the open water.
Then we detoured to John Lake for a lunch break and to explore the water’s edge. After such an early morning and as the day started to really warm up, the group was feeling a bit tired. The bugs were also starting to get to us. Luckily we could catch a breeze off the lake.
We continued to Powers Lake where we set up camp on a rustic backcountry side overlooking the lake.
Day Three
We set out early along the green trail, ready for a big day of hiking. The path led us into a mature upland forest filled with towering maples and northern red oak trees. As we walked, the quiet beauty of the forest surrounded us. Birds chirped, and the soft rustle of leaves filled the air.
Soon, the trail descended into a lush ravine, where a small stream wound through the forest floor. Ferns and thick moss covered the rocky sides, creating a tranquil, almost otherworldly atmosphere. It was the perfect spot for a moment of quiet reflection.
After a steep ascent out of the ravine, we reached a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Deer River Wetlands. The expansive view stretched across the headwaters of the Deer River and the rolling forest beyond. We took a break here to soak in the scenery before continuing.
The descent from the viewpoint was another scramble, but it led us to a long beaver dam crossing. Using sticks to help maintain our balance, we navigated the muddy terrain and managed to keep our feet dry.
The final stretch was easier, taking us through young pine and poplar forests. Though the heat had picked up and the bugs were relentless, the hike was well worth it.
We had so many amazing wildlife encounters on this trip, and we all felt we had been extremely lucky.
