Some hikes stay with you forever – not because they were easy, but because they pushed you farther than you thought you could go. This frozen Fife Lake hike in Northern Michigan became one of the hardest and most unforgettable adventures I’ve ever experienced.
A few years ago, shortly after joining the “Fife Lake Soul Mates” hiking group, I signed up for one of the most unforgettable hikes I’ve ever done: walking across the frozen Fife Lake in Northern Michigan.
At the time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Some members of the group stayed closer to shore, while the rest of us decided to attempt the long walk across the frozen lake and around the island. I wanted to be brave and challenge myself, so I followed along, hoping I was more prepared than I actually was.
As the sun started setting, the lake stretched endlessly in front of us. The snowmobile tracks were supposed to make the walk easier, but most of them had already been covered with packed snow and ice. Every step felt heavier than the last.
I’m not gonna lie – it was hard.
The cold felt different out on the open lake. The wind cut through my coat, my feet were freezing, and I quickly realized I had not dressed properly for a trek like this. Still, there was something beautiful about being out there with a group of strangers who already felt like friends.
The sky slowly turned shades of blue, purple, and orange as we made our way farther across the ice. Even exhausted, I couldn’t stop taking it all in.
I never did make it completely around the island that first night. I turned back before the full loop because I still had the long walk back across the lake ahead of me. But honestly? I was proud of myself anyway.
I had pushed myself farther than I thought I could.
When I got home that night, I immediately ordered warmer hiking gear – a better coat, gloves, sock warmers, and winter boots – determined that next time would be different.
And it was.
The next hike across Fife Lake was a success. I made it all the way around the island. I was still freezing and exhausted by the end, but it felt completely worth it. Standing out there on the frozen lake under the winter sky, surrounded by laughter, snow, and new friendships, I realized something important: Sometimes healing starts the moment you say yes to something that scares you.
And yes… that’s me in the blue coat!