Trail Run Project Logo

Enjoy this family-friendly loop around a beautiful lake.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

99%

Runnable

1,403' 428 m

High

1,343' 409 m

Low

103' 31 m

Up

97' 29 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This area is closed during deer rifle season. For more information, check out the brochure linked below.

Overview

Make your way around a beautiful small lake through the prairie and forest.

Runner Notes

The short NCT segment of this route (the north end) is not very good for trail running, as it's made of railroad ballast rock.

Description

Run around beautiful Clausen Lake on the North Country Trail and the Clausen Springs Loop Trail within Clausen Springs Wildlife Management Area/Clausen Springs Park. The trail surface is partially grassy singletrack trail, partially paved/gravel road, and partially old railroad grade.

With generally easy grades, and a scenic lake to admire, this is a perfect place for a family outing. The water draws plenty of birds, which can make for an exciting lesson on the non-human inhabitants of the area. If you're seeking an easy spot for a first camping trip, this park is a great choice. With campsites located around the lake, you're almost guaranteed great views. Thankfully, none of the sites are located too far from the trailhead, which makes it easy to get back and forth from the car.

Camp at the campground operated by Barnes County Parks Department. Visit the Barnes County Parks Department Site to learn more about the campground, and see their brochure to learn more about the rules and fees for camping.

Flora & Fauna

You'll have opportunities to see typical prairie wildlife including songbirds, deer, etc.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matthew Davis

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 2 votes

#5256

Overall
  2.5 from 2 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
50%
Recommended Route Rankings

#23

in North Dakota

#5,256

Overall
2 Views Last Month
792 Since Jan 8, 2018
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

View of the lake and the trailhead
Jan 8, 2018 near Valley…, ND
SRV Chapter volunteers gather before a trail workday
Jan 5, 2018 near Valley…, ND
Looking west across the lake
Jan 8, 2018 near Valley…, ND
Trailhead signage
Jan 8, 2018 near Valley…, ND

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.