Ambles are what we in the Driftless Drifters* call hikes that are up to 2.5 miles long on flatter trails. They are perfect for people who like a slower pace, are recovering from illness or injury or just like to spend time enjoying nature.
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| The La Crosse River |
This wetlands stretches out from behind a hotel and hospital to the banks of the La Crosse River. The trailhead is located just to the west of Stoney Creek Inn. You climb down a short hill into the wetlands. From there the trails are mown but can be marshy (spring is not a good time to walk this trail if water is high).
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| One of the few large trees in the marshland |
At the junction you can go the right or the left. Both options take you right along the a Crosse River. To the right on the west trail, there is a small area closed from April1 - August 1 during nesting season. When that area opens up, hikers can head to the natural bedrock mound and a bench on top before heading back.
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| A view of the WI bluffs |
Returning to the T, head to the right on the east trail along the river. until you reach the end of the property.
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| Sandhill crane |
Be prepared for some dampness even in summer. The wetlands is alive with wildlife including birds like the sandhill crane and many types of herps. We were lucky to see a pair of cranes and a colt ampng the trails on the day we were hiking.
This is an awesome snowshowing destination for winter - the views of the WI bluffs and river are great and the on-trail or off-trail snowshowing is outstanding.
THE HIKE
This 2.5 mile out-and-back hike brings you up close and personal to a restored riparian marshland that features the unique birds, amphibians and reptiles of wetlands. The hike descends from the street level down to river level for an easy out-and-back 2 mile hike of flat mown trails. Because it is a marshy area, waterproof hiking shoes are a good idea. It is an outstanding winter snowshoe destination.
Location: 3060 S. Kinney Coulee Rd, Onalaska, WI
From Losey Blvd in La Crosse, head north on Hwy 16 to S. Kinney Coulee Rd. Park along the road near Stoney Creek Inn or in the Gundersen Clinic ramp. The trailhead is west of Stoney Creek Inn.
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| Wet mowed trail |
* The Driftless Drifters is a member-led hiking club program sponsored through the La Crescent-Hokah Community Education Department of MN ISD 300. Begun in 2021, the group goes on weekly "under 5 mile" hikes around the Driftless area and weekly "Ambles - shorter hikes on flat surfaces for hikers looking for a slower pace. All hikes feature learning opportunities as they identify flora, fauna and fungi around the area. New members are welcome - the fee for the club is $14 /yr (July through June). Members have access to a weekly newsletter with hike locations and tips as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.
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