Superior National Forest Forest Road 424 Temperance River Technical
Gnarly bedrock trail through North Shore wilderness
Forest Road 424 starts innocently enough as a gravel logging road but quickly deteriorates into a boulder-strewn nightmare that separates the posers from the real drivers. This 12-mile route parallels the Temperance River’s upper reaches, climbing over Precambrian bedrock shelves and dropping into ravines where ancient cedars block out the sky. The crux comes at Cross River crossing near mile 8—a technical ford over basketball-sized granite boulders that’s claimed more than a few oil pans.
This trail demands serious 4WD with rock sliders and skid plates, plus the driving skills to match. Late summer offers the best conditions when water levels drop, but even then you’ll need recovery gear and a spotter for the worst sections. No services and spotty cell coverage make this a committed run. The reward is access to some of the North Shore’s most pristine backcountry, including hidden waterfalls and old-growth forest that tourism hasn’t discovered yet.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1750 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Tofte, 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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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of vehicle modifications do I need for this trail?
You need heavy skid plates, rock sliders, and 33"+ tires minimum. Stock vehicles will get destroyed on the bedrock ledges and sharp granite drops.
Can I run this trail in early spring or late fall?
No, stick to July through September only. Ice makes the rock ledges deadly, and snow obscures the technical lines you need to see.
Do I need any permits to run Forest Road 424?
No permits required, but you need to stay on designated forest roads. Camping requires following dispersed camping rules - 150 feet from water sources.
What's the gnarliest section I should be ready for?
The granite staircase drops near mile 7 will test your line choice and departure angles. One wrong move and you're body shopping.
Are there any reliable water crossing depths on this trail?
Creek crossings vary from 6 inches to 2 feet depending on recent rain. The Temperance River ford can be impassable during spring melt or heavy storms.