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The wide diversity of forest ages in the Snake River area means a diversity of birds. The Campground road winds through several different habitat types. Listen for Sora at the wetland one-half mile after leaving State Highway 65. Red-breasted Nuthatches may be found in the Red Pines about a mile east of State Highway 65. As the forest changes to a mix of conifers and deciduous trees, watch for Chestnut-sided Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. During the winter months, this area will be filled with the calls of Black-capped Chickadee and Purple Finch, common birds of the area.
Take the one mile (two mile loop if coming back along campground road) walking trail from the campground southeast along the Snake River. Watch for Hooded Merganser in the spring and Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron and Spotted Sandpiper during the summer. Swamp Sparrows will be calling during the spring and summer. The trail starts in the campground near campsite number 12. Wander alongside the Snake River with maples and oaks arching over the trail, mixed in with a few Balsam Fir and White Spruce. There is a good shrub layer throughout; as the trail winds along, you’ll find younger patches of alder and aspen in a regenerating forest patch. Look and listen for warblers in the spring, summer and fall. Ruffed Grouse are year round denizens. Northern Flicker, most abundant in the fall, are here in spring and summer, too. When the trail meets with an ATV trail, take a right, the trail then rejoins the campground road, where another right will get you back to the campground.
The Snake River Campground and surrounding public lands are a multi-use area. Small game hunting and fishing are popular. The Red Top ATV Trail Loop connects the Soo Line Trail to the Snake River Campground. Please be respectful of other recreationists drawn to the woods.
Directions: The Snake River Campground is located on the banks of the Snake River, approximately six miles south of McGrath on State Highway 65. The three mile long, one-way loop from State Highway 65 consists of a two mile leg to the campground and canoe access and one mile leg back to State Highway 65.
Contact Information: Aitkin County Land Department, 209 – 2nd Street NW, Aitkin, MN 56431, Phone: 218-927-7364, E-mail: acld@co.aitkin.mn.us.
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