Platte Plains Trail — Lasso Loop

Overview

This entry follows the Lasso Loop portion of the Platte Plains trail system, with a campground approach from the NPS Lasso Loop trailhead on Lake Michigan Road. It is a loop with a short approach that is retraced at the end, totaling about 7.6 miles for the mapped walk. Allow roughly 4 hours, with extra time for breaks.

Route and distance

From the trailhead parking area, walk the mapped campground roads through the Loop 4 area to Railroad Grade Trail. Follow the old railroad grade north, then turn east onto the Lasso circuit. The route winds through pine-oak-aspen woods and wetlands, passes the signed junctions near the White Pine backcountry-campground spur, and continues south along the western side of the Bass Lake Loop area. Follow the Lasso signs through the Lasso Road junctions and around the southern woodland section, then return north on Railroad Grade Trail and retrace the campground approach to the start.

The Lasso circuit itself measures about 6.5 miles in the mapped geometry; NPS describes it as 6.3 miles, while the park-partner trail map labels it 6.6 miles. The additional campground approach and return bring this specific walk to about 7.6 miles. The former 14.7-mile figure describes the wider Platte Plains network, not this hike. Bass Lake Loop and Otter Creek Loop are separate outings. Lake Michigan beach spurs and a visit to White Pine Backcountry Campground are optional side trips and are not included in the mapped route or distance.

Terrain and navigation

Much of the walking is gently rolling forest trail, but the Lasso section has short steep ridges and tight turns over old shoreline dunes. Expect natural earth and occasional sand, roots, and damp areas near wetlands. The campground approach uses paved access roads. This is a moderate half-day hike because of the total distance and short climbs; it is not a paved accessible loop. Carry the park trail map and check numbered junction posts, since not every intersection is signed. Watch for campground traffic on the approach.

Access and planning

Use designated parking at the Lasso Loop trailhead near Platte River Campground; do not occupy a campsite or block access roads. Start and finish at the same trailhead. A park entrance pass is required. Bring drinking water, insect repellent, and footwear suitable for sand and uneven forest tread. Mosquitoes can be intense near the wetlands. Overnight stays at White Pine Backcountry Campground require a separate backcountry permit; this route is described as a day hike.

Pets and trail use

Keep pets leashed and clean up after them. Pets are prohibited on this trail from December 1 through March 31. Bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trails. Stay on the signed route and use designated beach access paths if adding a separate Lake Michigan visit.