Mille Lacs County Highpoint Trip Report

Dates: August 15 and September 3, 2004
Author: Mark Ness

Two small hills, northern hill climbed on August 15. From the intersection of US 169 and County Road 26, south of Lake Mille Lacs, went south on 26 for 0.6 mile, where I turned right onto Kathio State Park Road ($7 entrance fee) and continued on that road to the sign for the Trail Center and Observation Tower and Horse Camp. Entered woods to the right. I kept between the depression and the swamp. I followed an old jeep trail for a few minutes and, where it veered left around the summit, I walked right up to the HP. Found 3-rock cairn at highest ground.

Came back on September 3 for the second hill. From intersection of State Highway 27 and County Road 25, went north for about 1.7 miles, parked in approach, slogged through swamp, then up to ridge, and found a vehicle trail (not shown on topo). Continued on this trail until it veered too far left then went through woods to HP area. Found three boulders and identified the highest. Turned a nearby rock upside down and put it on the highest boulder.

Returned on vehicle trail all the way to C.R. 25 -- no need to slog through the swamp.