Chippewa County Forest Forest Road 105 Chippewa Flowage Circuit
Northern Wisconsin's wildest lake circuit
Forest Road 105 circles the remote northern arms of the Chippewa Flowage through some of Wisconsin’s most pristine northern forest, following old CCC logging roads and fire breaks that haven’t seen regular maintenance in decades. The 18-mile circuit navigates through dense stands of second-growth timber and wetlands, with the tricky Teal Creek crossing near mile marker 8 requiring careful line selection during high water periods in spring.
Easy to moderate difficulty with most sections accessible to stock high-clearance vehicles, though the creek crossings and seasonal muddy sections demand attention. Best traveled late summer through fall when water levels stabilize and mosquito populations drop. No permits required and dispersed camping is allowed throughout county forest lands. This route offers access to some of the most secluded fishing spots on the flowage and excellent opportunities to spot black bear, deer, and occasional timber wolves in their natural habitat.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1340 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Hayward, WI |
| Land manager | Chippewa County Forest Department |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Cherokee or Toyota Tacoma handle this trail?
Yes, any stock 4WD with high clearance will do fine. The dirt and gravel roads are well-maintained logging routes, just muddy in spots after rain.
Is the trail passable in spring or should I wait until summer?
Wait until July - spring snowmelt and logging activity make the creek crossings sketchy and roads muddy. October is your last reliable month before winter closures.
Do I need any permits to drive Forest Road 105?
No permits required. It's public Chippewa County Forest land with free access to the logging roads and dispersed camping areas.
How deep are the water crossings and what's the worst section?
Creek crossings are typically 6-12 inches deep with rocky bottoms. The deepest crossing is about halfway around the circuit - check water levels after heavy rain.
Can I get cell service anywhere on the loop for emergencies?
Zero cell service once you're in the forest. Bring a satellite communicator if you're concerned about emergencies on this remote 18-mile circuit.