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| Point Beach with Rawley Point Lighthouse. Wisconsin DNR photo. |
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| Point Beach Ridges Trail map. Click for larger version. |
The 5-mile round trip trail runs through beautiful Point Beach State Forest. Part of the route is a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Nearly 1200 miles long, the Ice Age Trail traces the edge of where glaciers stood at the end of the last ice age in Wisconsin.
To reach the trailhead, from Two Rivers take County Road O north. In about five miles, you’ll reach the state forest entrance; turn right/east into the forest. Park at the entrance station. From the parking lot, walk the entrance road west for about 140 yards then go left/south onto the Ice Age Trail.
The narrow, almost primitive footpath heads atop a forested sand ridge through a cedar grove. On the trail’s right is a swale.
Swales are marshy depressions between ridges that parallel the shoreline. There are several of them at Point Beach. They formed at the end of the last ice age when lake levels were higher. As creeks deposited sediment into the lake, wave action created a series of beaches matching the current shoreline. As the lake level gradually fell, the beaches were left behind as ridges with low-lying marshes in between. Grasses, shrubs and trees then stabilized the ridges while water pooled in the swales.
Headin’ to the beach
At 0.7 miles, the trail reaches the start of the Red Loop. Go left/southeast onto it. The Red Loop – as well as the next two, the Blue and the Yellow – are three ski trails rambling through the hardwood and cedar forest here.
When the trail curves south at 0.8 miles, a spur leads to the beach and a camping site for kayakers. If you wish to only walk the beach, take the spur. Within a few feet, about six miles of undeveloped beach stretch before you. The secluded beach makes for a beautiful moonlight walk as Lake Michigan’s waves crash against the shore.
Alternately, you can keep sand out of your shoes and stay on the recreation trail. If you do, the trail next junctions with the Blue Loop. Go left/southeast onto the Blue Loop’s eastern or beach side.
At 1.9 miles, the trail crosses the road to the Group Camp. This places you on the Yellow Loop’s eastern leg.
Molash Creek
As the Yellow Loop curves west at 2.5 miles from the trailhead, you’ll be able to spot Molash Creek between the trees. This marks a good spot to pause, as there’s a bench to take in the small waterway. Continuing on, the loop briefly parallels the broad and marshy creek.
When the Ice Age Trail and Yellow Loop split at 2.8 miles, go right/northeast on the loop. Once you cross the road leading to the Group Camp; you’re on the Blue Loop’s western leg.
Upon reaching the Red Loop, continue left-straight/northeast on the loop. The way back is on a slightly higher ridge than the one you walked in on.
In addition to cedars, red pines and spruce can be found in the forested area. Cattails and marsh reeds often line the swales. Raspberry bushes and ferns can be found along the route as well.
Rawley Point Lighthouse
When the Red Loop meets the Ice Age Trail at 4.6 miles, go left/northwest into it. Once a bike trail joins the path from the left, the hiking surface turns to crushed limestone.
Upon reaching the entrance road, take the road right/east. In about 100 feet, you’ll pass the trailhead. Continue on the road back to your vehicle.
Once back at the parking lot, drive east on the park road and check out the Rawley Point Lighthouse. The 113-foot steel tower still operates and can be seen up to 19 miles away. Constructed in 1894, it replaced the 1853 brick lighthouse that was refurbished as the lightkeeper’s house. The lighthouse generally is no open to the public but still makes for a pretty sight. A dog trail runs from the lighthouse to the beach.
Definitely bring insect repellent for the trip, as the swales supports a vibrant mosquito and mayfly population. Dogs are allowed on the trail and beach if leashed, except during ski season. Always stay on the trail or the beach to avoid harming rare plants and the fragile dunes.
