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Ottawa National Forest Hiking Trails

Potowatomi/Gorge Fall

Park in the Gorge Fall parking lot off of the National Black River Scenic Byway to start this hike. Follow the paved double loop to observe Gorge Fall from several different angles. There are observation platforms where you can rest and watch the falls.

Length: 0.25 Miles

Intensity: Easy
Cooks Run

The trailhead for this trail is about one mile west of the intersection of Forest Service Road 2010 and U.S. Highway 2. This trail runs through aspen, hardwood, and conifer stands. It is near the Cooks Run Stream, so bring along your fishing equipment. Hunters often use this trail during hunting season.

Length: 7 Miles

Intensity: Difficult
Pine Bluff Trail

Find this trailhead about 0.25 miles east of Sinnaw along Highway M28. You will love hiking through the northern hardwood forest to see Sturgeon Falls.

Length: 0.5 Miles

Intensity: Easy
Deer Marsh Interpretative Trail

Deer Marsh Interpretative Trail

This trail begins slightly east of the intersection of FR 2125 and Sidnaw South Road. As you hike across the sandy, gently rolling ground, read the interpretative signs placed along the trail to learn more about the forest. This trail leads through pine and northern hardwood forests until you reach a puncheon bridge above a beaver’s dam.

Length: 3 Miles

Intensity: Moderate
O Kun De Kun Trail

O Kun De Kun Trail starts near Bruce Crossing off U.S. 45. It runs through aspen and mixed hardwoods, and you can see several waterfalls. Watch for frogs! This trail also is a great place to see a beautiful bridge across a creek, which can make a great family photo setting. The area where it ascends can get slippery when damp, but you will be rewarded with incredible views of the O Kun De Kun Waterfall.

Length: 1 Mile

Intensity: Easy

Activities in Ottawa National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

Ottawa National Forest is home to about 1,000 vascular plant species, about 240 moss and liverwort species, and 200 lichen species. A great place to go to learn more about this area’s plants is the Bergland Cultural Heritage Center and Museum, where you can stroll through a native plant garden. Many species of rare orchids can be seen in the Sylvian Wilderness.

Fishing

Generally, spring is the best time to go lake fishing in Ottawa National Forest. There are over 500 named lakes and numerous smaller ponds in this forest, so anglers have many different options. Some of the best fishing for trout and walleye are the three lakes in the Lake Ottawa Recreation Area. There are more than 2,000 miles of streams in this forest. Consider fishing for brown trout and steelhead trout in the Sturgeon River.

Geocaching

There are three EarthCaches in the Ottawa National Forest. One is found in the visitor center, and one at a nearby location is accessible when the visitor center is closed. Each of these two EarthCaches is designed to indicate where a raindrop falling at Ottawa National Forest could eventually end and they tell more about the three possible watersheds. The third EarthCache is located at N46 degrees 16.486 minutes and W89 degrees 10.576 minutes.

Nature and Bird Watching

A variety of birds, including bald eagles, loons, and ospreys, can be seen in Ottawa National Forest, especially in the Sylvian Wilderness area. The forest is home to whitetail deer, black bears, gray wolves, and coyotes. Many visitors find wildlife along the Deer Marsh Interpretative Trail, which is near Lake Ste. Kathryn Campground.

Stargazing

There are numerous places to go stargazing. Consider heading to one of the beaches because there will be a break in the thick forest, allowing you to see the sky. You can find beaches at Black River Harbor, Lake Ottawa, Bob Lake, Bobcat Lake, Courtney Lake, Hagermen Lake, Imp Lake, Marion Lake, Norway Lake, Clark Lake, and Teepee Lake.

How to get to Ottawa National Forest

Address: Ottawa National Forest Headquarters, E6248 US 2, Ironwood, Michigan 49938

Fee: Entry Fee (per person)

There is no entry fee.

Ottawa National Forest is a beautiful place to visit. You can go on hikes to see wilderness and wildlife, including a variety of species of birds. It is also a fantastic place to go fishing in the many lakes and streams. Trout fishing is a popular hobby in this forest throughout the year. This forest’s remote location also makes it a terrific place to go stargazing, especially from its numerous beaches. Since you will want to move around in the forest and visit other nearby attractions, bring your RV. If you do not have one, then rent one on RVshare.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ottawa National Forest

Is there a fee to get into Ottawa National Forest?

No, there is no fee to get into Ottawa National Forest. However, there may be fees or permits to use certain areas, or for certain recreational activities.

Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Ottawa National Forest?

Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Ottawa National Forest. You may stay a maximum of 16 days in any one location. Campers must then move at least five miles away to set up camp again.

Is Ottawa National Forest open all year round?

Yes, the Ottawa National Forest is open year-round. In summer, visitors can hike, fish, canoe, and camp while in winter, visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe, and try other outdoor winter activities.

Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Ottawa National Forest?

Yes, you can kayak, canoe, or raft in Ottawa National Forest. Michigan's Upper Peninsula is known for its many lakes and waters, so there are plenty of spots for paddling!

What type of wildlife lives in Ottawa National Forest?

Wildlife in the Ottawa National Forest includes whitetail deer, bears, wolves, coyotes, eagles, rabbits, and other small animals. You'll also find a variety of birds and fish who live in the forest.

Ottawa National Forest Guide

RV Rentals Near Ottawa National Forest

Ottawa National Forest Hiking Trails

Potowatomi/Gorge Fall

Cooks Run

Pine Bluff Trail

Deer Marsh Interpretative Trail

O Kun De Kun Trail