Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Hiawatha Forest’s Hidden Hotspots

Ready for some off-the-beaten-path adventures? This guide spills the beans on hidden gems in Hiawatha Forest! From tackling the 26-mile Pine Marten Run Trail (hike, bike, or giddy-up!) to choosing your lakeside escape (think swimming at Swan, quiet time at Triangle, or a bit of motor fun at Ironjaw – just maybe skip the swimming there!), we've got the scoop. Fancy a rustic retreat? Check out the reservable primitive cabins. Consider this your insider's peek at some seriously cool outdoor fun!

Baldy Shores Kayaking and the Indian River are located in the heart of Hiawatha Forest, and beyond the excellent kayaking in the area are many unique camping, fishing, and recreation opportunities.  

A few of our favorites:

The Pine Marten Run Trail is a 26-mile system of non-motorized trails that crisscrosses and runs parallel to much of the Indian River in the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area. Open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, the trail system has five designated loops allowing some shorter routes that start and end in the same location. Several reservable campsites, outhouses, shelters, and trailheads exist offering a complete and diverse wilderness experience off the beaten path. 

Swan Lake (52 acres): one of the most popular and picturesque lakes in the area. Filled with large and smallmouth bass, bluegills, and pumpkinseeds as well as excellent swimming areas. Four primitive campsites are available, but due to that small number reservations fill up quickly so plan accordingly. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with an especially serene experience. 

Ironjaw Lake (62 acres): located in the heart of the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area, which is managed for both motorized and non-motorized uses. Offering reservable campsites but not good swimming areas, it’s one of the better fishing lakes in the area with crappie, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, and bullheads. 

Triangle Lake (169 acres): Near Ironjaw Lake and similarly managed by the forest service, Triangle Lake provides quiet and peaceful recreation opportunities in a semi-primitive setting. With just two campsites available, reservations can require some planning but promise a less crowded experience and both are located on the Pine Marten Run Trail. Triangle Lake is filled with northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegills, crappie, and perch. 

Lake Nineteen: Also located nearby in the Ironjaw Semi-Primitive Area, Lake Nineteen has just one reservable campsite that can only be accessed by boat or foot/horseback from the Pine Marten Run Trail. This makes it unique and caters to the more adventurous. Lake Nineteen has been stocked with rainbow trout. 

Primitive cabins are available for reservations at both McKeever and Tom’s Lake in the nearby area and are suitable for groups or families. 

As you can see, the forest around the Indian River is filled with lesser-known opportunities for a complete adventure you can plan around your reservation with Baldy Shores Kayaking. Further information about these sites can be found at Forest ServiceU.S. Department of Agriculture. Make your plans today!