West Gemmell Ridge Forest Road runs 5 miles west from its junction with East Gemmell Ridge Forest Road in southern Pine Island State Forest, about 56 road miles from International Falls. A routed DNR sign and the standard state-forest motor-vehicle rules board mark the east entrance; three miles in, the road meets Lost River Forest Road in a stand of mature red pine, where a destination sign points onward toward Kelliher and Waskish. Near the west end, a Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trail — Corridor 84 West — crosses the route, and hay-meadow edges, tamarack snags, and aspen walls fill out the drive.
Pine Island is Minnesota’s largest state forest at 900,153 acres, its pine “islands” a legacy of glacial Lake Agassiz, and from late May into June its numerous orchid species reach peak bloom. The forest’s roads carry the DNR’s “managed” classification — highway-licensed vehicles may drive any forest road not posted closed, ATVs are allowed on roads, routes, and designated trails — and dispersed camping is allowed at least a mile outside campground areas at no fee. Watch for logging trucks; road status is posted weekly by the DNR (road-conditions line: 218-888-9050).
Rules for this place
Camping away from a developed campground in a state forest is allowed under the DNR’s dispersed camping rules, which set how far from water, from a designated site and for how long. In a state forest the DNR’s state forest rules apply: firearms unloaded and cased near campgrounds, picnic areas and parking lots, and forest roads open to off-highway vehicles unless they are posted closed. This is public land open to hunting in season under the Minnesota hunting and trapping regulations.
Verified 2026-09-07. Rules change; check the official page before you go.
