Simpson Creek Trails - Deer River

[KonaKing]

I'm thinking of doing a ride with camping at Deer River. I have an old Burley from when my kids were small I intend to put camp gear in. I will have my kids on bikes (ages 9 &11) Any thoughts, suggestions, advice welcome. Has anyone else camped there?

[TrailPatrol]

I have camped there often, and by bike most of the time. (Actually, I am--or was before I became a state park ranger--the volunteer trail steward of Simpson Creek Trails.) We were going to build a bike/hike/ski in campsite in the middle of the Simpson system, but it did not get done yet. Now, I doubt we will get to it until next spring. Simpson is a really nice area, but offers little in the way of diversions which you might want with kids. There are a number of USFS pay campgrounds in the area.

If you are open to options, may I suggest Trout Lake? The trail is 3 miles long, fairly easy, old access road to the historic Joyce Estate. There are two dispersed sites on Trout Lake at the Joyce Estate, and another on Spider lake, and a couple on Day Lake. We have not checked those out yet. Trout Lake is an A-1 bike camping destination! In addition to the trail, the sites are on water, so you can fish, the Joyce Estate is preserved as a historic monument, but since it is three miles to the nearest road, it sees very little visitation. The area is legally "non-motorized" and so it is very quiet. The campsites have wilderness biffys and the Estate has a vault latrine. It is located 14 miles north of Grand Rapids, east of MN Hwy. 38.

I would get there (either place) this weekend though, since deer season starts next week. It is already small game season, so wear bright colors.

Let me know if you have any questions. There are pictures of our spring patrol at Trout Lake, and some of the interior of Simpson Creek on our website, http://www.trailpatrol.org on the "Trail Patrol" page.

Ride safe,
Hans