About 25 miles east of Dickinson off of Hwy 94 is the Schnell Lake Recreation Area near Richardton ND. The following information can be found on the BLM web site: http://www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/fo/north_dakota_field/schnell.html
Activities: Schnell is a non-motorized area with good opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature photography, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, camping, and environmental education. Dispersed primitive tent camping is allowed on the property except along an established 1.5 mile nature trail
Facilities: Each of the six campsites has a fire ring, grill, picnic table, lantern holder, and garbage can. Potable water is easily accessible from every site but is only available from mid-April to mid-October. Three vault toilets are easily accessible from the camp sites. Grass, trees, and shrubs have been planted to reduce dust and to provide shade and a more pleasant surrounding.
Please help to preserve the area--use only trash receptacles for your garbage. Be careful with fire. Use the fire rings that are provided and make sure your fire is completely out when you leave. Use only dead and down wood for fuel. Enjoy natural and cultural objects, such as rocks, flowers, and antlers, but please don't remove them.
Fees: $5 per campsite per night. Payment of fee must be made within 30 minutes of occupying site. All valid federal recreation passes are honored.
Season/Hours: Open year-round.
Location/Access: The Schnell Recreation Area is located in eastern Stark County approximately three miles northeast of Richardton, North Dakota.
From I-94 Richardton Exit #84, drive 0.75 mile north to Highway 10. Turn right and go 1.5 miles east. Turn left and go one mile north, following the curve to the right. Go one one mile east to the headquarters.
Exiting off of Hwy 94 it is incredibly simple to find with great signage from prior to the exit till the parking area itself.
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| ND view |
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| Schnell Lake Recreation Area Western Entrance |
Today's hike started at the Western Trail dead, about 2 miles south west from the main park entrance. This parking area is easy to find and looks like it will be a great place to cross country ski this winter.
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| Slater Pond Picnic Table |
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| Slater Pond |
I started off to the left and within a 1/4 mile came across this stunning view. In another 1/4 mile I had arrived at Slater Pond. Slater Pond is a small dammed up area that looks to be mucky in the spring or after a large rain, but was excellent in late October
At Slater Pond I headed to the right for another 1/4 mile to discover a whole new trail, the Bur Oak trail (1.5 miles total).
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| Bur Oak Trail Crossing |
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Natural Chairs
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Along the way there are several natural chairs and benches to sit and enjoy the tranquility of the forest. About 3/4 of a mile into the trail you come to a group picnic area. Just beyond this area is the official park entrance.
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| Bur Oak Picnic Area |
It so happens that today a truck was dropping off a house just outside the park entrance and I was able to get a snap of the house unloading. The house is still attached to the truck and is being slowly propped up on supports.
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House Unloading
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| 400 Year Old Tree |
After watching the house for a moment, I spent some time looking at the park history kiosk and than continued on the Bur Oak Trail. Soon I came across a tree that they informational sign says is over 400 years old! The trail winded its way in and out of the creek grove and on back towards the trail crossing I had first come across. I passed by Slater pond and stayed to the right to bring me back to the parking lot on a different path. about 1/4 mile before I got back to the parking area I found a doe hiding in the brush eyeing me intently, and smartly so, its getting to be hunting season.
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Deer in the brush
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