Overview
The Suomi Hills Trail loops through one of the quieter corners of Chippewa National Forest, a section of the forest east of the main Leech Lake basin where small, loon-inhabited lakes are set in rolling aspen and birch forest. The name comes from the Finnish settlement history of the area: Suomi is the Finnish word for Finland, and Finnish immigrants were among the early homesteaders in this part of northern Minnesota.
The trail sees a fraction of the foot traffic of the Shingobee Recreation Area, making it a natural choice for anyone who wants the Chippewa experience without the company. The lakeside dispersed camping is a genuine backcountry opportunity for those willing to carry in camp gear.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 2.0: Trailhead to First Lakes
The trail begins in a dense aspen-birch mix and follows a broad, flat track east from the parking area. The first lake appears to the north at mile 0.8: a small, dark-water pond with lily pads around the edges and a resident great blue heron most mornings. The trail continues to a larger lake at mile 2.0 with a sandy spit that is the most-used dispersed camping spot on the loop.
Miles 2.0 to 4.5: Eastern Arc
The eastern section of the loop passes through older jack pine and a brief stretch of open bog before climbing slightly through a mixed hardwood section. Two more small lakes are visible from the trail at miles 3.2 and 4.0. The forest is quiet here: distant traffic noise is absent, and the main sounds are wind in the aspens and occasional raven calls.
Miles 4.5 to 7.2: Return Leg
The return leg follows a slightly different route back through the western forest sections. The trail crosses two small seasonal streams on log bridges before returning to the trailhead area. The western sections have the tallest birch on the loop, with trunks reaching significant diameters.
When to Hike
June through August: Bugs are significant in June: carry quality repellent. By mid-July the mosquitoes drop and the trail is pleasant. Loon calling peaks in June and July mornings.
September and October: The best hiking months. Aspens turn gold in late September, creating one of Minnesota's most beautiful forest scenes. Dispersed camping in fall is ideal: cool nights, no bugs, brilliant color.
Winter: The trail doubles as an ungroomed snowshoe route. Ski tracks may be set by local users on good snow years.
What to Bring
Water from the lakes requires treatment. Many hikers carry all water from the trailhead for day trips. Bug repellent from June through mid-July. A filter or purification tablets for overnight stays. Trekking poles are helpful on the wet bog crossing section.
Trailhead Access
The Suomi Hills Recreation Area is off County Road 13 east of Bigfork. The gravel road to the parking area is accessible to most passenger cars in dry conditions. No fee, no permit required for day hiking or dispersed camping (as of 2026). Dogs welcome on leash.
Nearby
The North Country Trail Chippewa Segment is a longer backcountry route through similar terrain. The Shingobee Recreation Area Trail near Walker offers a more developed alternative with nearby amenities. See Leave No Trace principles before camping at any of the lake sites, and check current conditions for road status before making the drive on gravel roads.