Cloquet Valley State Forest

Cloquet Valley State Forest is a large woodland covering more than 327,000 acres across wetlands, river valleys, and higher forest lands in northeastern Minnesota. Extensive trails for hiking and biking connect through the terrain, offering multiple ways to explore the landscape.

The forest developed across the valleys of the Ush-kab-wan, Whiteface, and Cloquet rivers, becoming integrated into Minnesota's Arrowhead region as it was formally established. These river systems have shaped the forest's natural structure over time.

The forest serves both as a recreation area for outdoor enthusiasts and as working land for timber management. This balance between use and conservation shapes how people experience the landscape today.

The forest is located roughly 20 miles (32 km) north of Duluth and is accessible via County Road 4, which runs north-south through the central area. Camping facilities at Indian Lake serve as a convenient base for exploring the trails and landscape.

The forest hosts rare animals including wolves, lynx, and pine martens that roam the expansive terrain. Its waters support specialized fish species like walleye and musky, making it an important ecosystem for wildlife.

Location: St. Louis County

Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/forest.html?id=sft00013#homepage

GPS coordinates: 47.11310,-92.03520

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:05