Superior National Forest Forest Road 336 Honeymoon Bluff Trail
North Shore overlooks through boreal wilderness
Forest Road 336 winds up from the Cascade River valley through thick stands of birch and spruce to Honeymoon Bluff’s spectacular Lake Superior overlook. The route starts innocuous enough off Highway 61 but quickly turns into a rocky, root-crossed climb that’ll test your approach angles and ground clearance. Honeymoon Bluff itself rewards the effort with sweeping views across Superior’s endless blue and the Sawtooth Mountains stretching inland.
This is moderate-difficulty territory requiring high clearance and 4WD capability during wet conditions when the clay sections turn slippery as hell. Best tackled May through October when the worst frost heaves have settled. No permits needed, but fuel up in Grand Marais since it’s a dead-end route. Multiple primitive camping spots exist along the way, and the bluff makes an excellent base camp for exploring the Superior Hiking Trail connections.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1800 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Grand Marais, MN |
| Land manager | Superior National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| 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 Wrangler handle Forest Road 336?
Yes, a stock Wrangler with decent tires will handle this trail fine. The rock sections and ruts require high clearance and 4WD engagement, but nothing beyond stock capability.
Is the Honeymoon Bluff Trail accessible in early spring?
Not recommended before May due to frost heaves, mud, and potential snow patches at higher elevations. October is your cutoff before winter conditions return.
Do I need permits to camp along Forest Road 336?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Superior National Forest. Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 150 feet from water sources.
What's the most challenging part of this trail?
The steepest rock ledges about 3 miles in require careful line choice and momentum. Loose rocks and off-camber sections demand attention, but nothing requiring lockers.
How far can I get on a tank of gas starting from Grand Marais?
Grand Marais is 25 miles from the trailhead, so factor 66+ miles total for the round trip. Most vehicles will have plenty of range, but top off in town since there's no cell service for emergencies.