Wetlands Loop Trail

The Wetlands Loop Trail is a mile-long trail that goes around and over a wetland habitat in Irving and John Anderson County Park. Irving and John Anderson County Park is located southwest of North Branch, Minnesota in Oxford Township on County Road 18, a quarter mile north of County Road 9 and two miles south of County Road 5. Parking for this hike is located in the eastern portion of the park near the picnic shelter. There are vault toilets located here as well as a unique natural playground. There are no fees to enter the park and dogs are allowed on the trail when on a leash.To begin this hike head past the picnic shelter down to a boardwalk over wetlands. In the middle to the boardwalk there is an observation platform which provides views of the wetlands and Horseleg Lake to the north. After taking in the views, continue on boardwalk. After leaving the boardwalk, take a right onto a mowed grass trail which takes you through a restored prairie. After leaving the prairie, the trail enters a hardwood forest and becomes a wide gravel path. Soon there is a trail to the right that crosses the wetlands via another boardwalk, continue straight here unless you would like to shorten the hike. Continue following the gravel path around the wetlands. There are a number of trail intersections along the way, but following the trail back to picnic shelter is easy. The trail is quite flat which makes the trail suitable for almost all abilities. For hikers wishing to do more exploring, there are a total of 5 miles of multi-use trails that run through hardwood forests, prairie habitats, and wetlands in this 404-acre Isanti County park. Trail uses include hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.A map of the park and trails can be found here.