La Crosse Nature Guide
A one-stop resource of outdoor places for nature connections in La Crosse County
Coulee Experimental Forest
Hiking/Walking
Biking
Cross Country Skiing
Snow-shoeing
(Select Trails)
The Coulee Experimental State Forest is characterized by its deep ravines formed by water erosion, distinctive of southwestern Wisconsin's Driftless Area. Specific details for each trailhead can be found numbered, respectively, below. Alternative access points are marked on the map in green.
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To enlarge the map of access points, click on the image.
Location / Access
Access Point #1
Address:
Russlan Coulee Rd.
La Crosse, WI 54601
(Lat-Longitude: 43.848035, -91.040790)
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Directions:
To access the western parking lot, take Hwy 33 east from La Crosse, then north on County Road M. Turn right on Russlan Coulee Road, just east of Barre Mills. Parking is at the end of the road.
Accessible By Public Transport?
No
Map View of Location
Parking:
Gravel parking lot
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Street View of Trailhead & Parking
Access Point #2
Address:
Russlan Coulee Rd.
Bangor, WI 54614
(Lat-Longitude: 43.860702, -91.023699)
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Directions:
To access the eastern parking lot and trailhead from Bangor, take Hwy 162 south towards County Road II. Turn right onto Russlan Coulee Road. The parking area and trailhead are at the end of the road.
Map View of Location
Parking:
Gravel parking lot
Street View of Trailhead
Accessible By Public Transport?
No
Site Information
Dominant Features
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Biodiversity Rating: 4/5
Trees
Scenic
Overlook
Coulee Experimental Forest Trail Map
Ski Trail Map - (click for map)
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Terrain:
Uneven
Unpaved
Moderate to steep inclines
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Difficulty:
Moderate
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Pets not allowed on ski trails during ski season.
Otherwise allowed on leash.
Additional Notes:
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Cross country ski trails are signed and taken care of by volunteers, but not patrolled regularly.
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Snowmobiling and target shooting are prohibited.
Property Management and Link to More Information:
Coulee Experimental Forest is run by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. More information here.
