Oswald Viewing Platform via the North Country Trail

It is a 1.2 mile out and back hike to visit the Oswald Viewing Platform located in the University of Wisconsin-Superior MacQuarrie Wetlands via the North Country Trail. The hike to the Oswald Viewing Platform is very flat making it a suitable hike for most abilities. Dogs on a leash are allowed on most parts of the North Country Trail, including this segment. The Gordon MacQuarrie Wetlands includes a created group of ponds that is managed by the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The Oswald Viewing Platform was built in 2015 as a memorial to Atley Oswald. Oswald, who passed away in 2013, was a charter member of the North Country Trail Association Brule-St. Croix Chapter. This hike starts at the MacQuarrie Trailhead. To reach the trailhead from downtown Superior, Wisconsin, drive 8 miles south on Wisconsin Highway 35 to County Highway C. Take a right on County Highway C and drive for just over 8 miles to Hilpiper Road. Turn south onto Hilpiper Road and drive for 0.4 miles to the trailhead. Parking is on the right side of the road just past a private residence. Google maps can be used for the directions; search for MacQuarrie Trailhead.

To start this hike head southwest on the mowed trail that follows the shores of a pond in the MacQuarrie Wetlands. This trail was established in 2015 as a new segment of the North Country Trail. After 0.4 miles the trail moves away from the pond and at about the half mile mark follow the spur trail to the Oswald Viewing Platform. This viewing platform is on another pond in the MacQuarrie Wetlands. Look for waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans. After visiting the viewing platform hikers can return to the trailhead or continue further down the North Country Trail as it passes by more ponds before leaving the MacQuarrie Wetlands.