Northshore Drive Scenic Byway Extended Loop

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.