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Flambeau River State Forest wilderness guide
State Forest · WI

Flambeau River State Forest

Flambeau River State Forest offers a serene environment with opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring the Wisconsin wilderness.

State Forest90,1474+ Trails

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

90,147

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Flambeau River State Forest

Flambeau River State Forest offers a serene environment with opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, fishing, and exploring the Wisconsin wilderness.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Flambeau River State Forest, located in northern Wisconsin, spans over 90,000 acres and is home to the beautiful North and South Forks of the Flambeau River. The forest's geography features rolling hills, dense woodlands, and picturesque waterways, making it a haven for outdoor activities. Established in 1930, the state forest has a rich history tied to conservation efforts and sustainable forestry practices. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing, with plenty of chances to see eagles, black bears, and deer. The forest also has numerous campsites offering a rustic experience. Popular activities often revolve around the river, including fishing and kayaking, where anglers can catch musky, walleye, and smallmouth bass. Its lush ecosystem supports various flora and fauna, attracting nature lovers year-round.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Flambeau River State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Colors of Chequamegon-Nicolet⌖ 37 miHiking
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Discover the Colors of Chequamegon-Nicolet

Explore the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Park Falls, WI. Ideal for hiking and admired for its vibrant fall colors and diverse wildlife. Quiet year-round and great for photography with a 9/10 rating.

Copper Falls: Nature’s Spectacle in Wisconsin⌖ 43 miHiking
Copper Falls

Copper Falls: Nature’s Spectacle in Wisconsin

Explore Copper Falls State Park in Wisconsin, featuring moderate trails with stunning waterfall views. Ideal for hiking, camping, and fishing, the area offers scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Best visited in spring and fall.

Waterfall Wonders at Copper Falls State Park★ 8.5⌖ 43 miHiking
Copper Falls State Park

Waterfall Wonders at Copper Falls State Park

Copper Falls State Park features a stunning display of waterfalls and ancient rock formations in Mellen, WI. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in a setting that offers the best views in spring and fall. Visit for adventure and scenic landscapes.

Brownstone Falls: A Hidden Gem in Wisconsin⌖ 43 miHiking
Brownstone Falls

Brownstone Falls: A Hidden Gem in Wisconsin

Explore Brownstone Falls in Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin. Enjoy hiking trails with scenic views of the waterfall and lush surroundings. A paradise for photographers and nature lovers, it's best visited in spring or fall. Keep an eye out for local wildlife!

Waterfall Wonder of Saxon: Wren Falls★ 7.2⌖ 47 miHiking
Wren Falls

Waterfall Wonder of Saxon: Wren Falls

Wren Falls near Saxon, Wisconsin offers easy hiking to scenic waterfall viewpoints with peaceful surroundings. Ideal for family-friendly hikes, camping, and photography from spring to early fall. Enjoy rustic drives and quiet nature away from crowds.

Scenic Waterfalls at Potato River Falls near Gurney, Wisconsin★ 7.5⌖ 50 miHiking
Potato River Falls

Scenic Waterfalls at Potato River Falls near Gurney, Wisconsin

Potato River Falls near Gurney, WI offers easy hiking with scenic views of multi-tier waterfalls, natural swimming pools, and wildlife. Accessible viewing platforms and summer swimming make it great for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quiet, natural setting.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Big Falls - a scenic area along the river known for its rapids and natural beauty.✦ Rare sighting of bald eagles, which are often seen fishing along the river.✦ Historic logging campsites that tell the story of Wisconsin's logging history.✦ Remote paddling routes that offer solitude and immersive nature experiences.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Flambeau River State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Flambeau River State Forest
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Flambeau River State Forest
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Flambeau River State Forest
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Flambeau River State Forest
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Flambeau River State Forest
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Flambeau River State Forest
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Flambeau River State Forest
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Flambeau River State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee required, but camping requires permits.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Flambeau River State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Lake of the Pines Campground

Nestled near Lake of the Pines providing visitors with water access and nature immersion.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Flambeau River State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Winter
⌖ 4.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Winter, Wisconsin

A small, quiet rural town offering peaceful outdoor adventures with access to northern Wisconsin's lakes, forests, and trails for seasonal activities.

Winter and SummerExplore Town
Brunet
⌖ 7.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brunet, Wisconsin

A peaceful rural town offering classic Wisconsin outdoor experiences focused on forests, lakes, and rivers, ideal for paddlers, anglers, and backcountry hikers seeking quiet.

Late Spring through Early Fall for most activities, Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Radisson
⌖ 13.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Radisson, Wisconsin

A quiet lakeside town offering diverse outdoor adventures in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and surrounding waterways.

Late Spring to Early Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Tony
⌖ 21.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tony, Wisconsin

A quiet rural community offering easy access to northern Wisconsin’s forests, rivers, and trails for outdoor enthusiasts seeking peaceful natural settings.

Late Spring to Early Fall for warm weather activities; Winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Ladysmith
⌖ 23.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ladysmith, Wisconsin

A quiet riverside town offering diverse outdoor adventures including hiking, paddling, and seasonal activities in a natural, low-key setting.

Late Spring through FallExplore Town
Park Falls
⌖ 25.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Park Falls, Wisconsin

A tranquil northern getaway offering an abundance of outdoor adventures in vast forests and waterways.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Flambeau River State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.