NOTE This entire parcel, trail and parking area are only open May through October. THIS PARCEL & TRAILS CLOSED NOVEMBER THROUGH APRIL
The Blue Dasher, a dragonfly found in only a few places in northern Minnesota (including this property) is the namesake of Blue Dasher Bog. The property was purchased in 2016 through donations from our Bog Buddies and the generosity of Arvella Greenway, who sought to honor the life of Rachel Carson as well. Wedged between East and West Stone Lakes, this 24 acre parcel hosts species such as Canada Jays (year-round), Trumpeter Swans on the lake, Rattlesnake and Royal Fern, Spotted and Early Coralroot Orchids, floating bog habitat, and dragonflies.
Trail Length:
0.38 miles
Activities at this tract:
Birding, photography, botanizing, and canoeing. There is a public boat access on Stone Lake that allows one to canoe/kayak to East Stone Lake via the channel in spring/early summer before dense growths of Wild Rice grow thick enough to block passage. The hiking/snowshoeing trail is marked by flagging.
Location:
Address– East Stone Lake Road, Forbes, MN
Trailhead– 47.279120, -92.546432
Directions:
From Cotton/Hwy 53: West on Arkola Rd (Co Rd 52), Turn right (north) on Hwy 7. Turn right (east) on Stone Lake Rd (CR331).
From Stone Lake Boat Landing: Head east along East Stone Lake Road. Stay right at first bend in road. At Y in road (1/10 mi south) stay left and you will cross between West Stone Lake and a backwater area. Continue along the road for another 1/10 mi. Parking along the east side of the road may or may not be cleared. Parking is also possible in the powerline corridor just down the road.
See our Birding Map for more details.
Parking:
There is a small (2-3 car) pull-in area off the road or park at the snowplow turnaround, before the road narrows, for winter parking.
NOTE This entire parcel, trail and parking area are only open May through October. THIS PARCEL & TRAILS CLOSED NOVEMBER THROUGH APRIL since this road is not plowed in winter.