Trail Overview

North Side Sauk River is a 10.1-mile out-and-back route that follows the Sauk River corridor and provides access to several nearby trails and river access points. The road is generally smooth gravel and well-maintained, with only occasional potholes along the route. Numerous dispersed campsites are located throughout the area, making it a popular base camp for exploring the surrounding forest. The route ends at a small turnaround and is open year-round. North Side Sauk River is legally accessible by highway-legal vehicles only.

Photos of North Side Sauk River - FS 22

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Difficulty

North Side Sauk River is suitable for all vehicles, as the road is generally smooth, well-maintained, and free of significant obstacles. Occasional potholes may require minor speed reduction, but overall, the route is straightforward and easy to navigate. Weather conditions such as heavy rain may create additional potholes or standing water. As with most trails in the area, bringing a chainsaw or equipment to clear fallen trees is recommended.

Technical Rating

Zach Williams

Jul 01, 2026

2018 Toyota 4Runner

Open

NormalDusty

Started from the boat lunch located off mountain loop highway, definitely not a huge road at all, you will have to pull to side for another car or truck either way. The road wasn’t bad at all, nice smooth gravel road for the most part. You got a good amount of pull offs as well. You will have 3 roads on your right hand side that will take you off on other trails, the first is Dan’s Creek, it’ll take you back to Sauk Prairie Rd, 2nd back on the right will be Dan’s Creek divide which will take you back to top of mountain, 3rd and final road will be hidden with a small entrance, ranger told me not to try that road as it is not in good shape that’ll be Goldhill. Either way stay straight and you’ll go down a hill and you’ll have an area that you can go right or left or a u turn, stuck to the right and head down the road, not many potholes or bumps, just a nice gravel road for the most part. Pretty if forest surrounds you .