Douglas County Highpoint Trip Report
one area - Bear Knob (1,624 ft)
Date: July 29, 2005
Author: Bob Schwab
Andy Martin’s book reports two contours in Douglas County but the western area,
in my opinion, does not quite enter Douglas County (1620-) and clearly isn’t the
county highpoint when contrasted with the eastern contour, known locally as Bear Knob.
The eastern contour has a benchmark (BM Parker) with stated elevation of 1,624 feet.
After talking with several people, I met the property owner and this
report reveals the appropriate approach route for Bear Knob.
From the Douglas/Otter Tail County Line on Route 29, drive 1 mile south to CR 63.
Turn right and proceed west for 1 mile to Parkers Road. Turn right again
and drive north for about 0.75 mile to a blue/grey house on your left (20270
Parkers Road). This is the home of Nels Olson, who owns Bear Knob and its
approach routes. He was quite congenial and not only granted me permission to
visit the site but offered to drive me to the top on his ATV. He has created
several ATV trails on his property, although the "trail" to the top was very faint.
This prominent HP has traces of cement on the ground at the top -
remnants of BM Parker. The top is wooded and brushy, with a fair bit of poison oak.
I gave Mr. Olson a copy of my map and have sent him the data sheet on BM Parker.