Hill River State Forest park
Hill River State Forest
One of the main reasons to visit Hill River State Forest is for its excellent hunting and fishing opportunities. The forest is home to a variety of game species, including deer, black bear, and grouse. The nearby Hill River also provides excellent fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.
In addition to hunting and fishing, visitors to Hill River State Forest can enjoy a variety of other activities, including hiking, bird watching, and camping. The forest has several miles of hiking trails, including the popular Hill River State Trail, which follows the path of an old railroad line. There are also several campsites available for overnight stays.
One of the most interesting points of interest in Hill River State Forest is the Hill Annex Mine State Park, which is located within the forest. The park features a historic iron mine that was in operation from the late 1800s until the 1970s. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about the history of the iron mining industry in Minnesota.
Another interesting fact about Hill River State Forest is that it is home to several rare plant and animal species, including the northern goshawk and the small white lady's slipper orchid.
The best time of year to visit Hill River State Forest depends on what activities you are interested in. Spring and summer are great for hiking and camping, while fall is prime hunting season. Winter offers opportunities for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
In summary, Hill River State Forest is a beautiful and diverse destination in Minnesota that offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and natural wonders. Whether you're a hunter, fisherman, hiker, or history buff, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this unique and fascinating forest.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Hill River State Forest, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy Lake-Coe | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Hill Lake City Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Land O'Lakes Sf - Baker And White Oak Lake | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Aitkin County Campground | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Land O'Lakes Sf - Clint Converse | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Clint Converse - Land Olakes State Forest | ✗ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Hill River State Forest as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Hill River State Forest
What can I do at Hill River State Forest?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Hill River State Forest?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Hill River State Forest.