West Caribou River Camp: Unforgettable Ridge-Top Vistas on the Superior Hiking Trail

**Introduction / Overview**

The West Caribou River Campsite, situated along the legendary Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) near Silver Bay, MN, offers an experience that defines North Shore backpacking. This is not a recreational vehicle park or a facility with modern amenities; it is a true backcountry, hike-in campsite designed for the intrepid explorer. Managed and maintained by the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), this site is a designated, primitive stopover, offering essential infrastructure to minimize environmental impact while maximizing immersion in the stunning Minnesota wilderness.

Located in a particularly rugged and beautiful stretch of the trail, the campsite is often described by local hikers as a rewarding destination. Reviews frequently highlight the location's dramatic setting, with one customer enthusiastically calling it a "breath taking view atop a ridge to camp on on the vast Forest below and of the lake Superior," and declaring it "s must do." The West Caribou River Campsite caters specifically to backpackers and through-hikers who seek solitude, challenging terrain, and the incomparable panoramic vistas of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains that are characteristic of this region. Due to its first-come, first-served nature, the camp fosters the core value of the SHT—sharing the trail and its resources with fellow adventurers.

**Location and Accessibility**

The West Caribou River Campsite is officially located along the Superior Hiking Trail near Silver Bay, MN 55614, and its access is strictly by foot. It sits strategically in a section of the SHT between George Crosby Manitou State Park and the Caribou Falls State Wayside, both critical landmarks for local hikers.

Accessibility to the camp involves navigating the rugged, continuously ascending and descending terrain of the SHT. Hikers typically begin their trek from the Caribou River Wayside Trailhead (located off Highway 61 near mile marker 70.5) or a nearby overnight parking lot like the one off Sugarloaf Road. The campsite is known to be less than a mile from Highway 61, making it a relatively short, though potentially steep, hike-in option for those seeking a quick overnight trip or those who need a spot near a resupply or shuttle point. The proximity to the Caribou River also means hikers in this section often cross the spectacular gorge, experiencing bridges over rushing water and views of the 35-foot Caribou Falls. It is important for all local users to note that SHT campsites are deliberately secluded from motorized traffic, and parking is not allowed overnight at State Waysides, requiring careful planning regarding vehicle placement. The location, being on a prominent ridge, contributes to its primary draw—the sweeping, dramatic views of the vast forest and the "vast Forest below and of the lake Superior."

**Services Offered**

As a primitive, backcountry campsite managed by the SHTA, West Caribou River Camp adheres to the Leave No Trace ethic, providing only the essential infrastructure required to accommodate hikers and concentrate impact.

Tent Pads: The campsite is considered one of the smaller SHT sites, often described as having only two or a few tent pads. This small capacity suggests a quieter, more secluded experience compared to larger group sites, though sharing is required during busy periods.
Backcountry Latrine: A wilderness latrine (out-house or privy) is provided nearby to ensure responsible disposal of human waste away from the main camping area and water sources.
Fire Ring: A communal, established fire ring or fire pit is available for contained campfires. Hikers are expected to source their own dead and downed wood and ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
Water Source: The campsite is located near the Caribou River, which serves as the primary natural water source. **Crucial Note:** All water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption, as no potable water is provided.

**Features / Highlights**

West Caribou River Campsite is one of the more sought-after stops on the Superior Hiking Trail due to its unparalleled scenic value and rustic charm.

Spectacular Ridge-Top Views: The most celebrated feature is its location atop a ridge, which affords stunning, expansive views of the surrounding vast forest canopy stretching out to meet the horizon of Lake Superior. This feature makes it a premier spot for sunrise and sunset viewing, as attested by the customer who called it a "breath taking view."
Proximity to Caribou Falls: The campsite is situated less than a quarter mile from the majestic Caribou Falls, a 35-foot cascade on the river that is easily accessible and a major point of interest along this SHT section.
True Wilderness Experience: Unlike developed campgrounds, this site offers a highly primitive, "pure" backpacking experience. The small number of tent pads (often only two) ensures a quieter night under the stars, away from large crowds, reinforcing the sense of escape into the wilderness.
Geological Interest: The surrounding trail section is part of the rugged Sawtooth Mountains, characterized by dramatic ascents and descents along billion-year-old rock formations, making the hike itself a geological adventure.
First-Come, First-Served Simplicity: The absence of fees, permits, or reservations aligns with the democratic and community-focused ethos of the SHT, making it immediately available to any hiker on the trail.

**Contact Information**

As a designated backcountry site, there is no direct address, mailing address, or operational phone number for the West Caribou River Campsite. All operational information, including trail conditions, maps, and specific mileage, is managed by the Superior Hiking Trail Association.

Address: Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA (This serves as the general area locator.)

Phone: N/A (The SHTA website and guidebooks are the primary resource for hikers.)

The nearest highway access point for logistics or emergency services (where cell service is typically more reliable than on the trail) is the Caribou River Wayside off Highway 61. It is mandatory for all hikers to carry detailed maps and be prepared for self-rescue or to use a satellite communication device if hiking solo.

**Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals**

The West Caribou River Campsite is an ideal destination for Minnesotans because it represents the highest quality of the state's iconic North Shore backpacking. For local users, the SHT is a celebrated regional treasure, and this campsite provides a sought-after, genuine wilderness challenge coupled with truly "beautiful place" views that are typically reserved for remote mountain ranges. Its rugged nature—being small, primitive, and often requiring careful foot placement on the surrounding trails—is part of the draw, promising a deeply fulfilling sense of accomplishment. It is perfectly situated for a quick escape from the Twin Cities or Duluth, allowing for a concentrated dose of the region’s best scenic hiking and camping. By utilizing this first-come, first-served backcountry resource, Minnesotans directly participate in and support the outdoor heritage of the Northwoods, ensuring the continuation of the Superior Hiking Trail's tradition of shared, respectful wilderness access. It’s an essential notch in the belt of any serious Minnesota hiker.