Pembina Gorge Backcountry Loop
North Dakota's secret canyon
The Pembina Gorge slices 400 feet deep through the flat Red River Valley, creating North Dakota’s most unexpected terrain where aspen and oak forests hide ancient river meanders. The backcountry loop follows old logging roads through Frost Fire ski area and drops into the gorge at Icelandic State Park, crossing the Tongue River multiple times through rock gardens and beaver dam remnants.
This difficult route requires experienced 4WD drivers and solid skid plates for the rocky creek beds and fallen timber obstacles. The clay approaches turn into skating rinks when wet, and flash flooding can trap vehicles in the narrow canyon sections. Best run June through August when water levels drop and the mosquitoes thin out slightly. Limited camping at Icelandic State Park, but the payoff is exploring North Dakota’s hidden forest canyon that most residents don’t even know exists.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1680 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Cavalier, ND |
| Land manager | North Dakota Parks & Recreation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of clearance do I need for the creek crossings?
Minimum 9 inches of ground clearance and skid plates are essential - the creek beds have sharp rocks and the water can reach 18+ inches in spring runoff.
Is the trail accessible in early spring or fall?
Stick to June-August only - spring runoff makes crossings dangerous and fall hunting seasons close access through private land sections.
Do I need permits to run Pembina Gorge?
No permits required, but you'll cross private land where gates must be left as found and camping is prohibited.
What's the hardest obstacle on this trail?
The third creek crossing has a 3-foot rock ledge drop into flowing water with loose rocks - many rigs scrape bottom here even with proper lines.
Where can I camp since it's a full-day trail?
No camping allowed on the trail itself due to private land, but Icelandic State Park is 15 miles east with developed sites and showers.