"Yellow River's backpacking trails were featured in an article which appeared in the April 1996 edition of “Outside” magazine entitled “America’s Top 50 Hikes--The Finest in Every State”. The best hike in Iowa was chosen to be the Backpack Trail at Yellow River State Forest. We are honored to have been given this distinctive endorsement, and anticipate lots of usage on the backpack trails as a result.
Incidentally, if you haven’t had the opportunity to hike our trails, they are open year ‘round. Degree of difficulty ranges from relatively easy to moderate. If you have a scout or other youth group looking for a backpacking experience, or if you are planning a “real” backpacking trip out west and need some place to train, this is for you.
There are over 25 miles of marked & maintained trails in the Paint Creek Unit alone. There is no charge or registration required for the use of our backpack trail facilities. We have two camp areas along the trail which are not accessible by vehicles so you can really “get away from it all”. If you are looking for something in particular in a day hike or an overnighter, give us a call and we’ll be happy to give you some ideas and places to go.
Our backpack areas are large enough to support a large group or several small groups. They are not organized areas so you can spread out if you arrive to find a group or individuals already at the site. On nice weekends, slight but not overwhelming traffic can be expected. Our backpack trail is also part of our equestrian trail for some of its length, so horses may be encountered. On weekdays, you will seldom encounter other users.
It also contains 6 miles of trout stream stocked from April through October and a marsh from which bass and panfish may be taken."
Who: Venturing Crew 2016 Crew Members and Adults
When: July 20-22nd
Drop Off: Friday July 20th, TBD, most likely early afternoon or late morning.
Return: Sunday late morning or early afternoon
Where: Yellow River State Forest (130 miles)
What are we doing: We will do some hiking and fishing. We will practice our outdoor skills/cooking. We may do a side hike to Effigy Mounds National Monument.
What to bring: Isle Royale participants need to bring all Philmont gear so you can practice using your gear and camping. . You will also need money for lunch on Friday and possible lunch on Sunday. Other crew members will need to bring regular camping gear. There is opportunity for trout fishing, so you can bring fishing gear. Those 16 and over need a fishing license with trout stamp.
https://tinyurl.com/Crew2016PhilmontGear
Cost: $36 per participant
Deadline for Registration: Sunday July 15th.
Registration Link: Click on the link below to sign up for this campout.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf955arTndDAVnE6-T7OJQtwcg8lVcdgZpjU9mQ09dq3i_Grg/viewform
