Swan Lake Tamaracks State Natural Area features a southern tamarack swamp and southern sedge meadow found within the larger confines of Swan Lake Wildlife Area, together with 2 other SNA’s: Swan Lake Sedge Meadow & Barrens and Swan Lake Wet-Mesic Prairie (the subjects of the next 2 posts). All 3 SNA’s are located just east of Portage and approximately 7 miles south of the subject of the last post, French Creek North. Swan Lake Tamaracks SNA can be accessed via a parking area off of STH 33. A degraded prairie/old field stands between the parking area and a tree line, which marks the northern boundary of the SNA.
While access is straightforward in a sense, one can certainly make it harder depending on the route taken. Initially, you will cross what seems to be an old field replete with common/aggressive prairie species, mostly goldenrods and find a route through the trees. Interestingly, the topo map available on the DNR website shows a airplane landing strip in this old field area. I didn’t see evidence of this landing strip, though the area was unusually flat, as noted.
As you enter the trees, the western side leads to another open area and in turn into a poison sumac-dominated wetland. To the east, a sedge meadow fills the space between the trees and tamaracks. As such, my preferred route is to enter the trees on the west side, traverse the open area, and then cut through the trees back to the east side to the sedge meadow and tamaracks, thereby avoiding a sumac-heavy area denoted by the red ‘X’ below. Some poison sumac still skirts the southern treeline, but it should be much more manageable to get through on the east side.
Taking the poor route I did from the west, I was more tired than I should have been. Floral life was minimal in the northern reaches of the tamaracks, though the tamaracks themselves were beautiful to behold as always. I think a late August trip that meanders further south into the more open areas of the SNA would be a worthwhile adventure in the coming years. Late spring may be quite nice as well. Long-term, it may be a fun adventure to paddle to the southern boundary for a deeper exploration of the more open areas of the site.
Additional photos can be found on Flickr.
| SNA # | 666 |
| County | Columbia |
| Natural Communities / Geology | Southern Sedge Meadow, Calcareous Fen, Tamarack Swamp, Shrub-Carr, Marsh, Springs |
| Size (Acres) | 444 |
| Parking | Parking Area |
| Trails | No |
| Easy to Find | Yes |
| Best Seen By | Foot |
| Recommended Footwear | Rubber boots |
| Marked Boundaries | No |
| Ownership | Wisconsin DNR |
| Located Within | Swan Lake State Wildlife Area |
| # Visits (at time of posting) | 2 |
State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 
