Recreation
Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area
Surrounded by swamps, bogs and other watery lowlands, the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area is isolated from roads and development. This remoteness, along with its natural shoreline, draws visitors from around the state and region. For a wilderness experience described as "almost Canada," come visit the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area.
Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on all interior roads and trails on the Willow Flowage, including the Nature Trail and Hiking Trail. Please be courteous and use caution if hikers or hunters are also using the trails.
Boating, Canoeing and Kayaking
Boating, Canoeing and Kayaking at Willow Flowage
Camping
Dogs
Due to nesting loons and waterfowl, leashes are required on the flowage from April 1 until July 1 each year. In addition, dogs must be prevented from damaging the fragile shorelines and banks at campsites. If any damage occurs due to dogs, owners may receive citations or be held liable for repair costs.
Fishing
Hiking
An accessible Nature Trail is located a quarter-mile mile north of the dam on Willow Dam Road. A paved parking lot provides access to the trail, which includes over 1 mile of crushed-granite surface and another mile of mowed trail out to Indian Shack Point if water levels allow. Interpretive signs and benches are located along the trail. Walk-in access is available to campsites 1, 3 and G5 via the Nature Trail.
Another primitive, multi-loop Hiking Trail is located about two miles north of Willow Dam Road on Cedar Falls Road. The trailhead is about one mile west of Cedar Falls Road. The Hiking Trail provides visitors with more than five miles of mowed and signed trails, multiple scenic vistas and many benches for relaxing.
Horses
Horseback riding is allowed on all interior roads and trails of the Willow Flowage, except for the Nature Trail or other signed and posted areas.
Hunting and trapping
All lands are open for hunting only during the scheduled seasons and with the appropriate licenses. Ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, white-tailed deer, black bears, and turkeys are the primary game species. Willow Flowage contains more than 20 miles of hunter walking trails which are periodically maintained and mowed for access. Trappers can find beaver, muskrat, otter, raccoon, fisher and mink on the property. Please review the most current regulations before you hunt or trap. Firearms must be cased and unloaded while in or within 100 yards of designated campsites.
Snowmobile and ATVs
Wildlife Viewing
White-tailed deer, bear, ruffed grouse, ducks, eagles, loons, wolves and even occasionally moose roam the area. According to 2016 surveys, there were seven nesting pairs of ospreys on the flowage that provide lucky visitors with dramatic fishing displays from April through October.