Koochiching State Forest

Koochiching State Forest
Geography
Location	Itasca, Koochiching and Saint Louis counties, Minnesota, United States
Coordinates	48°09′05″N 93°34′58″W / 48.1513315°N 93.5826709°W / 48.1513315; -93.5826709[1]
Elevation	1,312 feet (400 m)
Area	567,985 acres (229,855 ha)
Administration
Established	1943
Governing body	Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Website	www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/sft00028/index.html
Ecology
WWF Classification	Western Great Lakes Forests
EPA Classification	Northern Lakes and Forests
Dominant tree species	Picea mariana, Thuja occidentalis, Larix laricina
Fauna	White-tailed deer, gray wolf, American black bear, ruffed grouse

The Koochiching State Forest is a state forest located near International Falls in Itasca, Koochiching, and Saint Louis counties, Minnesota. The forest borders the Pine Island State Forest to the west, the Big Fork State Forest and George Washington State Forest to the south, the Nett Lake Indian Reservation and the Kabetogama State Forest to the east. A leg of the forest touches Rainy Lake to the north, which forms part of the international border with Ontario. Of the 565,500 acres (2,288 km²), 344,300 acres (1,393 km²) are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, making it one of the largest forests in the Minnesota state system.

The forest's level terrain and abundance of lowland sites are due to the influence of Glacial Lake Agassiz in the area. Tree species predominantly include lowland species such as black spruce, northern whitecedar, and tamarack, although aspen and pine are present in the scattered upland sites.

Popular outdoor recreational activities are largely centered on the forest's access to Rainy Lake, the Little Fork River, and the Big Fork River, and include boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Picnicking and dispersed camping are possible throughout the forest. Trails are designated for hiking, snowmobiling, and 26.7 miles (43.0 km) set aside specifically for cross-country skiing.^[2]

• List of Minnesota state forests

• Koochicing State Forest - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)