Great trails await hikers in Washburn County

Wild River Trail north of Minong, Wis.

Located in Wisconsin’s northwest corner, Washburn County is an outdoor recreational paradise. During summers, bicyclists and off-road vehicle enthusiasts ply a number of wooded trails while fishermen and canoeists try their hand at their sport on freshwater lakes and a nationally protected riverway. Come autumn, the roads turn busy with drivers out to enjoy the colorful blaze of autumn leaves. Throughout winter, cross-country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers sail across white paths while ice fishing shacks pop up on frozen lakes. And, of course, day and backcountry hikers alike enjoy the county’s hundreds of miles of trails, some routes well-groomed and others primitive, but all rambling through fabulous scenery.

Three major attractions stand out for day and backcountry hikers in Washburn County. Across much of the county’s southern section, the 1200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds its way toward its western and northern terminus, loosely marking the edge of where glaciers once stood more than 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. Cutting north to south through the county is the Wild River Trail, which follows an abandoned rail line between the city of Rice Lake to the south and the port city of Superior to the north. Finally, splitting the county almost in half, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway curves from the Namekagon’s headwaters to the northeast toward a meeting with the great St. Croix River to the west.

Among the best day hiking trails in Washburn County to hit include:
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
• Trego Lake Trail
• Trego Nature Trail
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
• Cumberland segment
Wild River Trail
• Spooner segment
Others
• Tuscobia State Trail
• Bear Trail (Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary)

Learn more about these and other nearby trails in Day Hiking Trails of Washburn County.