Superior National Forest Forest Road 385 Crooked Lake Circuit
Boundary Waters backcountry without the paddle
Forest Road 385 cuts deep into the Boundary Waters country where most folks only travel by canoe, threading between Crooked Lake and a maze of beaver ponds that’ll test your water crossing skills. The route splits off the Echo Trail near Fenske Lake, winding through old-growth red pine stands and granite ridges that haven’t seen logging since the 1930s. Watch for the unmarked spur to Devil’s Cascade around mile 7 — it’s worth the detour if your rig can handle the rock shelves.
This is solid intermediate terrain requiring high clearance and 4WD for the water crossings and loose granite sections. Best tackled May through October when the beaver dams are manageable, though early season means mud and mosquitoes thick enough to choke a moose. Stock up on fuel in Ely — there’s nothing out here but wilderness and the ghosts of old logging camps. You’ll earn every mile of this 18-mile loop through some of Minnesota’s most pristine backcountry.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1680 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Ely, Minnesota |
| Land manager | Superior National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| 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 the granite outcroppings and water crossings?
Yes, a stock Wrangler with decent tires can navigate this trail. The granite sections require careful tire placement and the beaver pond crossings are typically 12-18 inches deep.
Is Forest Road 385 passable after spring snowmelt?
The trail opens reliably by mid-May once frost goes out and beaver pond levels stabilize. Avoid the first two weeks of May when crossings can be deeper from snowmelt runoff.
Do I need any permits to run the Crooked Lake Circuit?
No permits required for the forest road itself, but you'll need a vehicle pass for Superior National Forest if camping overnight at dispersed sites.
What's the most challenging section of this 18-mile loop?
The granite ledge climbs around mile 8-10 demand precise wheel placement and momentum control. The rock is slick when wet and offers little forgiveness for poor lines.
Are there reliable dispersed camping spots along the circuit?
Several established dispersed sites exist near Crooked Lake itself and along the eastern section. Most are tucked back in the pines about 100 yards off the main track.