This trail is an old road that ends at Beaver Lake in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest. This is the site of the old Wilcox Hotel and sawmill. Both are long gone, but this is still an enjoyable walk on a wide road with open glens around the lake.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 275 feet
- Hike includes
Hiking to Beaver Lake
Starting at the parking area past the Moose River bridge, the 2.25 mile hike brings you through old growth timber, with a particularly tall white pine you need to see. In a short amount of time, you'll come close to the South Branch of the Moose River, which is a very scenic spot. The trail is mostly flat with only minor rolling hills to the northern shore of Beaver Lake, where there are a few primitive tent sites. Some people do pull canoes to the lake for paddling.
Beaver Lake in the winter
The Moose River Plains is a snowmobile corridor and not open to cars or trucks during the winter.
Experience more trails in Hamilton County
Looking to find some more trails to hike in Hamilton County? With hundreds of miles of trails, we can help you find more amazing hikes in the big outdoors.
Birding
This remote location is wonderful for all kinds of boreal and water birds. Black-backed Woodpeckers nest along this trail. Many woodland warblers live nearby, and at Beaver Lake, Common Loons, Osprey, and Great Blue Heron fish.
Camping
Beaver Lake Tent Site (Site 90) is reached off Otter Brook Road, near the Beaver Lake access road. This is an accessible, designated roadside campsite.
How to get there
Beaver Lake Trailhead is located at the end of a short spur road off the Otter Brook Road. A 12 mile drive into the Moose River Recreation Area from the Limekiln entrance in Inlet. Continue on the main road to the big "T" and turn right. Follow that for 1.3 miles to the Beaver Lake trailhead on the right, just over the Moose River Bridge. The actual trailhead is roughly 0.2 mile down the small side road. Depending on its condition it might be best to park along the main road. The access road has a gravel and dirt surface.
