Chippewa National Forest Forest Road 2114 Squaw Lake Loop
Sandy logging roads through historic timber camps
Forest Road 2114 follows the ghostly remains of a 1920s logging railroad grade around Squaw Lake, where rusted steel cables and rotting skidway timbers still mark the spots where white pine giants met their end. The sandy two-track winds through regenerated jack pine and aspen, hitting deep sand pockets that’ll bog down anything without momentum. The old Camp 7 site at mile 6 still shows concrete foundations and a collapsed commissary building slowly being reclaimed by the forest.
Moderate difficulty with a few tricky sand sections that require aired-down tires and confidence in loose surfaces. Stock high-clearance vehicles can make it with careful line choice, but 4WD helps in the sand. Open May through October, though spring can be muddy. Excellent dispersed camping along the lakeshore, and the fishing for walleye and northern pike is legendary. Bring bug spray—the mosquitoes here are vicious but the solitude is worth it.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1420 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Deer River, Minnesota |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Cherokee handle the sand sections on this trail?
Yes, but you'll want to air down to 15-18 PSI and carry a shovel. The deep sand patches can bog down stock vehicles quickly if you're not prepared.
Is Forest Road 2114 accessible in early spring or late fall?
Best to stick to May through October - spring brings muddy conditions and fall hunting seasons can make the area busy. Winter access requires snowmobiles only.
Do I need permits to camp along the Squaw Lake Loop?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Chippewa National Forest. Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 100 feet from water sources.
What's the most challenging part of this trail?
The deep sand sections through the jack pine forest around mile 8-12 where old logging roads cross. Keep momentum up and don't stop in the soft spots.
How far can I go without cell service on this loop?
Zero cell coverage for the entire 24-mile circuit. Download offline maps and let someone know your planned return time before heading out.