Superior National Forest Forest Road 173 Isabella Lake Loop
Forgotten logging road to wolf country
Forest Road 173 cuts a narrow ribbon through some of the Superior’s most untouched timber, where 200-year-old white pines tower over a maze of beaver ponds and granite outcrops. The route starts innocuously enough from the Gunflint Trail but quickly turns into a proper bushwhacking adventure, with fallen timber regularly blocking the path and creek crossings that’ll have you checking your differential clearance. Isabella Lake sits at the end like a hidden jewel, ringed by massive pines that somehow escaped the logging era.
This is genuine backcountry driving that demands high clearance and four-wheel-drive — stock SUVs will struggle with the rock gardens and mud holes that appear without warning. May through September offers the best conditions, though spring can be dicey with frost heaves and washouts. No permits needed, but bring a chainsaw for inevitable deadfall cleanup. What you get is solitude most Minnesotans never experience, plus some of the best brook trout fishing in the state if you pack a rod.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1820 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Grand Marais, Minnesota |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| 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 or 4Runner handle Forest Road 173?
Yes, any stock 4WD with decent ground clearance will do fine. The dirt road has some ruts and rocks but nothing technical.
Is the Isabella Lake Loop accessible in early spring or late fall?
Stick to May through September. Snow can linger into April and return by October, making the remote forest roads impassable.
Do I need permits to camp along Forest Road 173?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Superior National Forest. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and camp 150 feet from water sources.
What's the trickiest part of this trail?
The water crossings can be sketchy during spring snowmelt or after heavy rains. Scout on foot first - some creek beds are deeper than they look.
How far should I plan to drive for gas before hitting this trail?
Fill up in Grand Marais before heading out. At 18 miles plus getting there and back, you're looking at 60+ miles total with zero services once you're in the forest.