Sonju Lake Hike via the Superior Hiking Trail

The hike to Sonju Lake using the Superior Hiking Trail is a 3.2 mile out-and-back hike through a mixed forest of hardwoods and conifers. This hike does not have any big elevation gains (the total gain over the entire hike is just over a hundred feet), but does have roots and rocks to contend with which is typical of the hiking trails in this area. To get to the trailhead for this hike from Finland, Minnesota head northeast on Cramer Road (County Roads 7) for 6.7 miles, then take a left onto Sonju Lake Road. The parking area for trailhead is located on the left after a 2.4-mile drive on Sonju Lake Road.  Dogs are allowed on the Superior Hiking Trail but must be on a leash.

This hike begins by taking a short spur trail from the parking area to the Superior Hiking Trail. Take a right onto the Superior Hiking Trail and cross over the East Branch of the Baptism River on the footbridge. The Superior Hiking Trail is well-maintained and well-marked with blue blazes. After about a third of a mile the trail crosses a gravel road.  After about another mile, there is a spur trail to the North Sonju Lake Campsite. Unless you are interested in checking out the campsite, continue on as the views of Sonju Lake from North Sonju Lake Campsite are very limited. In less than a half mile, Lake Sonju will come into view. Head over to Lily’s Island using a sturdy boardwalk to get great views of Sonju Lake. There is a notebook on the island than can be signed and dated by hikers. There is a campsite located nearby, the South Sonju Lake Campsite, which is a multi-group campsite.  After taking in the beauty of the lake, take the Superior Hiking Trail back to way you came.