Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United States
Minnesota
Hennepin County
Maple Grove

Rice Lake Loop Trail

Easy

4.9

(7678)

13,779

hikers

Rice Lake Loop Trail

01:26

5.55km

30m

Hiking

The Rice Lake Loop Trail offers an easy hike through lush Pacific Northwest scenery. You'll follow a well-maintained gravel path that meanders through old-growth rainforest, providing a peaceful escape. Keep an eye out for reflections of the towering trees on the tranquil surface of Rice Lake, a key visual landmark along the way. This route is a gentle 3.4 miles (5.6 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 86 feet (26 metres), making it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing. Most hikers complete the loop in about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Planning your visit to the Rice Lake Loop Trail is straightforward. Parking is usually available right at the trailhead, making access convenient for most visitors. You'll find useful amenities like benches, washrooms, and water fountains spaced along the path, ensuring a comfortable experience. This trail is popular and suitable for hiking year-round, so you can enjoy its natural beauty in any season.

This trail stands out as a serene escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural ambiance of the region. The predominantly flat terrain and well-kept gravel path make it particularly welcoming for beginners and families looking for an accessible outdoor experience. While hiking, you might even spot local wildlife, adding to the peaceful charm of this loop.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

3.32 km

Rice Lake

Highlight • Lake

A path runs along the edge of Rice Lake which is a lovely way to take in the surroundings. It's right next to the highway but the noise is very minimal, especially in the summer when the trees are in full leaf.

Tip by

B

5.55 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.39 km

162 m

Surfaces

5.42 km

< 100 m

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Sunday 17 May

18°C

10°C

94 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

This route was planned by komoot.

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Print

Share

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike the Rice Lake Loop Trail?

The loop around Rice Lake is approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) long and typically takes about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace.

Is the trail suitable for beginners or families with children?

Yes, the Rice Lake Loop Trail is remarkably easy and suitable for nearly all ages and abilities, making it ideal for beginners and families. It's predominantly flat with minimal elevation gain.

What is the terrain like on the Rice Lake Loop Trail?

The trail features a predominantly flat, well-maintained gravel path. While generally stroller-friendly, be aware that some sections may have rocky patches. It winds through lush greenery and old-growth rainforest.

What amenities are available along the route?

Along the trail, you'll find benches, washrooms, water fountains (for both humans and dogs), a gazebo, and informative plaques. There's also a floating walkway at Rice Lake offering great photo opportunities.

What is the best time of year to visit the Rice Lake Loop Trail?

The trail is enjoyable throughout the year. Its shaded forest setting makes it a pleasant walk even on warmer days, and it's a great option for less ambitious outdoor activity on rainy days.

Is the Rice Lake Loop Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. You'll even find water fountains specifically for dogs along the route.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the Rice Lake Loop Trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Rice Lake Loop Trail.

Where can I park to access the trailhead?

The Rice Lake Loop Trail is located within the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. Parking is available at the main entrance to the reserve, which provides direct access to the trailhead.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

You can potentially spot local wildlife amidst the lush greenery and old-growth rainforest. Rice Lake is also annually restocked with 5,000 Rainbow Trout, making it a popular fishing spot.

Does the trail connect to other hiking paths?

Yes, the Rice Lake Loop Trail can be easily integrated with the more adventurous routes of Lynn Canyon Park, allowing you to extend your journey to highlights like the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge and the 30 Foot Pool. The route also passes through sections of the Shadow Creek Link and the Medicine Lake Regional Trail.

Are there any specific viewpoints or landmarks along the trail?

The tranquil Rice Lake itself is a picturesque focal point, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding trees. A floating walkway on the lake provides an excellent vantage point for photos, and there is also a gazebo.

Nearby routes

Moderate

16

Sunny Lake Loop Trail

02:49h

10.9km

60m

Trail Reviews

Renner Anderson
December 15, 2023, Hike on Medicine Lake Regional Trail and Rice Lake Trail Loop 2023-12-15

This is hike #42 on our virtual hiking tour of The Thames Path, which you can follow at https://www.komoot.com/collection/2457863/-virtual-hiking-tour-of-the-thames-path. Here is a link to our komoot collection of all the Virtual Hikes we have completed so far: https://www.komoot.com/collection/1791712/-collection-of-virtual-hiking-tours.

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy