Whisker Lake Wilderness
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Whisker Lake Wilderness Outdoors Guide

Whisker Lake Wilderness in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, near the town of Florence, Wisconsin, is a beautiful place to explore and offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, hunting and fishing.

Destination Details

Destination TypeWilderness Area
ActivitiesHiking, snow-shoeing, camping, fishing, hunting
Size7,500 acres
General Coordinates45.956886, -88.441127
MapDownload Topographic Map
StateWisconsin/Michigan
LocationChequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
ManagementUS National Forest Service
Official WebsiteGo to Website

Whisker Lake Wilderness Overview

Whisker Lake is a 7,500 acre tract of land that was designated as wilderness in 1978. The area got its name from the large pines near shoreline which were called “chin whiskers” by old timers. These ancient trees escaped burning by wildfires which ravaged much nearby forest after it was logged for railroads in the early 1900s. The terrain within the Whisker Lake area ranges from rolling upland to beaver flooded wetlands.

Whisker Lake Wilderness Boundaries
Whisker Lake Wilderness Boundaries

Camping in Whisker Lake Wilderness

Camping in Whisker Lake Wilderness is a great way to experience the beauty of the area. There are no designated campsites in this area, so you’ll need to find a spot that’s suitable for your needs. There are plenty of campsites to choose from, and most of them offer great views of the lake. 

Camping within 100 feet of water or the North Country National Scenic Trail is prohibited.  Make sure to pack enough food and water for your trip, and be prepared for any weather conditions that may occur. 

Whisker Lake Wilderness Hiking and Cross Country Skiing

There are six different trails in Whisker Lake Wilderness, making for around 9.5 miles of maintained trails for hikers and, in winter, cross-country skiers.

The trails are well marked and there are plenty of them to choose from, making it a great destination for a day hike or an overnight camping trip. Here’s a high-level overview of some of the trails.

The 2.5 mile Whisker Lake Wilderness Trail is a great way to explore the area, bringing you across the wilderness. It’s a moderate hike, and it offers great views of the lake.

This video features a day hike to Riley Lake in the wilderness:

Whisker Lake Hunting and Fishing

Trout fishing is available at Riley Lake, Edith Lake, Wakefield Creek and the Brule River. Deer hunting is allowed in season.

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