Ottawa National Forest

Ottawa National Forest encompasses a total area of about one million acres of land situated in the northwestern tip of Michigan's upper peninsula, near Wisconsin state line. The protected forest resources can be accessed using several routes including US 2, US 45, MI 28 and MI 64. Some of the cities or towns that surround the forest include Ironwood, Iron River, Bessemer, Trout Creek, Kenton, Wakefield, Ontonagon, and Watersmeet. 

The forest was established as a national forest on January 27, 1931, and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Once visitors get to Ottawa National Forest, they are usually surprised by a lot of points of interest at the forest. Some of the interesting facts and features about the forest are as follows. First, the forest includes several bodies of water including about 500 named lakes, many waterfalls, and 2,000 miles of streams. 

Additionally, the Black River Harbor, which is the only Great Lakes harbor in the U.S. Forest Service is a favorite attraction. Also at the Ottawa National Forest, there are several trails including the 108-mile North Country National Scenic Trail. Besides these features, the forest also has several amenities to facilitate the visitor’s activities. 

Some of the available facilities include picnic sites, group camps, 22 campgrounds, dispersed camping, trails (200 miles), scenic drives, boat launches, ski areas, and a visitor center. Some of the most popular activities include camping, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, ice fishing, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. 

If you bring your dog into Ottawa National Forest, you should know that some basic rules must be followed. For example, the management of the forest expects that you will always clean up after your dog and dispose of your dog's poop in the right place. Additionally, the forest management expects that you keep your dog restrained with a leash at all times. When your dog is not restrained, they should be kept in a secure enclosure.