Hiking Trails

Please note: The Salmi Road entrance to the Kab-Ash Trail in the Kabetogama community is closed (click to see map). This multi-day trail connects the Kabetogama and Ash River communities through an extensive system of interconnected backcountry forests and wetlands. With multiple trailheads, you can explore smaller sections or plan an adventurous thru-hike with primitive camping opportunities along the way. Difficulty: Strenuous; Hiking Distance: 27.9 miles (44.9-km) one-wa

This narrow, winding, rocky trail exposes users to the wonders of the boreal forest. This path is great for birding, it is also frequented by deer and other wildlife. From closed in forest to post card worthy views of Kabetogama Lake, this lollipop loop trail has it all. 

Wander through deciduous and conifer forest as the trail twists around the edge of a cattail filled wetland and past rocks deposited by ancient glaciers. Look for signs of wildlife as you hike to two different overlooks with marsh and lake views.

A short uphill hike through an aspen and pine forest leads to a rocky outcrop high above a beaver pond. Although beavers are no longer active at this pond, this trail provides great birding opportunities, and the possibility of spotting large wildlife.

This easy hike along an old forest road leads you through both coniferous and deciduous forest. The trail ends at a viewpoint on Sullivan Bay with a picnic table and fire ring. It treats those who are interested in geology with lots of exposed rock, created by volcanic activity over 2 billion years ago.

This trail accessible year-round. Once sufficient snowfall accumulates, the trail will continue be groomed for classic, cross country skiing that leads to the Tilson Bay Trails that are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Rainy Lake Recreation Trail offers visitors a peaceful experience as it meanders along the park road, into the woods, and around rock outcrops. This paved trail is a great option for leashed pets, bicyclists, walkers, runners, and snowshoers to take in the views of forest, lake, and marsh scenery. It is a non-strenuous, accessible trail that requires about 1.5 hours round trip to complete.

This short trail takes you through a section of forest revealing the changes in the forest at different elevations. Growing trees have blocked the overlook that used to be at the parking area. There are picnic tables and grills by the parking area.

This short handicap accessible trail takes you through a pine forest to a viewpoint where you can sit on a bench and see Kabetogama Lake framed by the trees.

This wide trail showcases the transition between deciduous and boreal forests as you pass through lowlands and rocky outcrops. With views of wetlands created by the engineering genius of the North American Beaver, and dense forest, the trail is popular with birders. Sightings from warblers to woodpeckers and even raptors are common.

Please note: The Cranberry Creek Portage Trail into Locator Lake from Rainy Lake has been permanently closed. Explore this two-mile, one-way hike as an afternoon adventure, or use it as a starting point for an exciting backcountry camping experience. It twists its way through forest and wetlands from Kabetogama Lake until it ends on the southern shoreline of Locator Lake - one of a series of unique interior lakes with rental canoes and reservation-only campsites. 

Take a boat one mile from the visitor center and hike this trail through northern pine country to a scenic, active beaver pond.

Accessible only by boat, the Mukooda Trail meanders through a mix of deciduous and coniferous forest and over rocky ridges, scraped bare by ancient glaciers. Take a journey through natural and cultural history on this narrow strip of land separating Sand Point Lake and the glacially carved Mukooda Lake. Look for picturesque views from high ridges and signs of wildlife as you wander through this unique and remote part of the park. 

This rugged trail crosses over the peninsula, up rocky cliffs and down into remote wetland areas. See parts of the park many people do not visit. Start your hike either at Anderson Bay on the Rainy Lake side or Lost Bay on the Kabetogama side. Reserve a backcounrty campsite to turn this into a multi-day trip. Hiking this trail increases your chances of spotting a moose or hearing the howl of a wolf.

This trail takes you through the forest past rocky clearings and beaver ponds to spectacular views of Rainy Lake form the shoreline and Anderson Bay from the top of the cliffs.