Trail Overview

Norway Flat has some excellent camping locations and is not a very difficult trail. At the end of the road is a hiking trailhead that will get you the rest of the way to Big Elk Lake. There are some fantastic campsites along the trail as well. Watch for water crossings, which seem to be more prevalent the further north you travel. Also, keep an eye open for livestock which may be grazing in the area or simply hanging out on the road.

Photos of Norway Flat - FR 80035

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Difficulty

Steep and extremely rocky. Large ledges that have been built up with rocks in order to climb over. 4 LO is definitely needed as well as proper tires and decent ground clearance. Rock sliders are also recommended to protect your rockers. This is a difficult trail.

Technical Rating

Rysn B

Jun 07, 2026

Open

Snow be gone, just some standing water here and there.

thomas L

May 10, 2026

Open

Snow blocks 3/4 up. Still needs few weeks

Zach Wallin

Aug 16, 2025

Open

This trail proved to be a lot rougher than I originally anticipated. There are several sections with large rocks and shelves that need to be climbed and then descended. Doing this trail in a stock Tacoma should be a cake walk if the rating of 2 were accurate, but there were several sections where I bottomed out and used my rock sliders. It's a rough, steep long grind up to the trailhead. That being said, it is a beautiful trail and the hike to the lake is well worth it, just be prepared for a jarring hour and a half ride to the end. This trail really ought to have the rating changed so someone in a Subaru or a RAV4 doesn't get themselves in trouble.

Liam Snihurowych

Apr 19, 2025

Open

Trail was open about halfway and then the snow got too deep. Up until the snow the road was a little muddy, but mostly dry.