Northshore Drive Scenic Byway Extended Loop
Superior's most dramatic coastal wilderness drive
This route follows Minnesota’s legendary North Shore along Lake Superior, but extends beyond the typical tourist stops into the rugged Sawtooth Mountains backcountry. The main highway offers stunning views of the world’s largest freshwater lake, but the real adventure begins when you turn inland on Forest Road 336 toward the Cascade River State Park backcountry and connect through a network of logging roads that climb through dense boreal forest to remote overlooks. Key waypoints include Devil’s Kettle Falls, the Temperance River Gorge, and the technical descent into the Cross River valley.
Most of the route is accessible to stock vehicles, but the forest road sections require high-clearance and can be muddy in spring or after heavy rains. Late fall through early spring sees snow and ice, making summer through early October the prime season. No permits needed for the main route, though some backcountry camping areas may require reservations. Fuel up in Grand Marais or Duluth – services are sparse in the interior. This is Minnesota’s premier scenic overlanding route, combining Lake Superior’s raw power with deep wilderness solitude.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Paved |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 147 mi / 236.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1980 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Duluth, Minnesota |
| Land manager | Minnesota DNR/Superior National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Subaru Outback handle this loop?
Yes, a stock high-clearance SUV like an Outback can handle most of the route, though some rougher logging road sections may scrape. The paved scenic byway portions are fine for any vehicle.
Is the trail open in winter?
The paved Scenic Highway 61 stays open year-round, but the backcountry logging roads are typically inaccessible from November through May due to snow and mud. Stick to June-October for the full loop.
Do I need permits to camp along the route?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Superior National Forest areas, but follow Leave No Trace principles. Some developed campgrounds along the route do charge fees.
What's the roughest section of this loop?
The inland logging roads through the Sawtooth Mountains have the deepest ruts and rockiest sections. The coastal Highway 61 portion is smooth pavement with dramatic overlooks.
How's cell service for the 147-mile loop?
Cell service is reliable along Highway 61 near the coast but becomes spotty to nonexistent on the inland forest roads. Download offline maps before heading into the backcountry sections.