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Pukaskwa National Park
Otter Island Lighthouse on Lake Superior’s northern shore.
Otter Island Lighthouse
Otter Island, part of Pukaskwa National Park, is located on a very remote section of Lake Superior shoreline, accessible only by boat and by more adventurous hikers. The Otter Island Lighthouse, built in 1903, sits on the northwest tip of the island.
A Beacon in Fog
An historic boathouse and a two-story lighthouse keeper’s home remain standing. To the west you see the still active lighthouse and a more recent one-level home for the lighthouse keeper.
Lighthouse at Sunset
Otter Island Lighthouse sends out a white flash of light every 10 seconds to assist mariners and anyone boating along the shoreline.
Otter Cove
Otter Cove is south of Otter Island, and located along the longest undeveloped stretch of shoreline on Lake Superior. The Coastal Paddling Route runs from Hattie Cove to the Pukaskwa River — 83 miles (133 kilometers).
Cascade Falls
Cascades Falls drops directly into Lake Superior in a spectacular fashion and is very near Otter Island. This was also a favorite spot of famed paddler, conservationist, filmmaker, and artist, Bill Mason.
Along the Shoreline
Pukaskwa National Park was formed in 1978, and I had the rare fortune to work for the park in the summer of 1979. My job was to locate and flag a significant portion of what is now known as the Coastal Hiking Trail – 37 miles (60 kilometers).
