West Branch Pathway

West Branch Pathway

Trail Distance:

Trail Length: 1.4 (Miles) with one loop.

Directions:

Pathway Directions to Trailhead: Trailhead located at West Branch SF Campground.

West Branch State Forest Campground

Dickinson County - 7 miles North of Ralph via Co Road 581

Camping fee per night - $10.00

Descriptions:

Phone number indicated above is for the Management Unit. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. 18 sites for tent or small trailer use located on the west branch of the Escanaba River. Hiking pathway at the campground. Rustic campground includes vault toilets and potable water from well hand pump.

Features:

Designated Watchable Wildlife Site

Gene's Pond (15 miles SW) wetland area is home to ducks, geese, loons, cormorants, great blue heron, bald eagles, osprey, and more.

Fishing

West Branch of Big West Branch Escanaba River (on site): Trout.
O'Neil Lake (4.5 miles NW): Panfish.
Pickerel Lake (12 miles South): Panfish.

Canoeing

Excellent canoeing opportunity on the Escanaba River. Closest canoe rental in Iron Mountain (38 miles SE).

Hiking

West Branch Pathway (on site): 1.4 miles of rolling terrain.

Mountain Biking

West Branch Pathway (on site): 1.4 miles of rolling terrain.

Other

22 miles NE to the Bass Lake ATV Trail

Area Information and Special Events

Nearby Town:

Ralph ( 7 miles South), Felch (15 miles South), and Iron Mountain (38 miles SE)

Food:

All have Grocery, Bar. Felch and Iron Mountain have Sit Down. Iron Mountain has Fast Food.

Services:

Iron Mountain has Gas, Auto Repair. Ralph has Gas, Auto Repair, Laundry, Bait, Hunting and Fishing Licenses.

Special Events:

Ralph and Felch: 800-236-2447

Phone Numbers:

Information courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources

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