Upper Red Lake Area, Waskish MN
A couple years ago, I was up north in Baudette, Minnesota, visiting some friends, camping, and searching for parts to rebuild my Jeep Wagoneer. Instead of traveling back the way I came, I decided to head directly south past the East Shore of Red Lake and down into the Chippewa National Forest. It was a little out of the way, but it had been a long time since I had visited this area, plus I wanted to find new camping areas and hiking spots for later adventures.
Traveling south on Highway 72, it was very gloomy and rainy. So much so that I almost missed the sign to turn into Big Bog Recreational area, the North Unit. The drive into the park is maybe a mile. Once arrived at the parking lot, I unloaded the dogs, grabbed my daypack, and headed toward the informational board. I did not know a thing about this park and was happy to find out it had a quick 2-mile out-and-back hike on a boardwalk. Perfect for getting the dogs a little exercise and taking minimal time.
I took off down the trail; the entrance was unique; the willows had formed a naturally arched walkway for a few hundred feet; they were thick and hid what was coming on this hike.
Once through the willows, the Bog presented itself in all its glory with hundreds of varieties of trees and plants. Jack Pines, Tamarack, and Cedar, with Black and White Spruce, populate the marsh without overtaking it. The Bog's smaller plant species are more striking and have been a medicinal source for the Ojibwe. Everywhere I look, I see something I have never seen before, from the Cottongrass to the carnivorous plants and mushrooms. Unfortunately, the Bog is also home too yellow-eyed grass, bog rush, and two kinds of sundews on Minnesota's endangered or threatened species list.
The Boardwalk is impressive; it is an environmentally sensitive decking that allows the vegetation to grow around and under the structure with minimal intrusion to the landscape. However, if you are with your pets, keep them on a leash; damaging the ecosystem here would be easy, and retrieving your pet from the Bog would be difficult.
This is not a strenuous hike but an educational walk through an exceptional landscape. You will see something new every time you visit, so bring your camera and a macro lens. If you are within a few hours, purposely take the time to drive here and walk the plank; no matter the weather or the season, there will always be something new here.
Hike Length: 1 hour, maybe 2 if you really get into it.
Type of Sites: No camping at Northern Unit, Southern Unit Does.
Wi-Fi: Very Minimal.
Wood: None.
Pets: YES, MUST BE ON LEASH TO PROTECT THE VEGITATION!
Activities: Hiking and Fishing in pond.
Water: I would bring your bottle full
Favorite Hikes: The Boardwalk, there are two other trails, but I did not check them out.
Winter: According to DNR Site Snowshoeing is allowed, something I need to try.
Link to DNR site: Big Bog Recreational Area
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