The 169 acre, Lost Lake State Natural Area is located deep in the Baraboo Hills and about 10 minutes drive from Devil’s Lake State Park. This is a spot where there are no trails and often no cell signals, a place where if you are not careful, you could get, well, lost!
Why Go: For folks looking for a wet and wild, more natural wilderness experience this is a great place to explore. There is an amazing variety of wetland plants, critters, birds and insects. You’ll also be amazed by the large number of trees which have grown over and around the rocks creating an endless variety of maze-like roots that will keep any photography buff happy for days.
Description: The natural area forms a bowl depression with the small lake at the bottom. The size of the lake changes depending on weather and season but it always surrounded by a nearly impassible border of bog and grassy wetlands. Large quartzite boulders, exposed rocky conglomerate and layers of sandstone cover the north-facing slope. Much of the area is wet year-around.
When You Arrive: There is one small parking area which will hold 2-3 cars, located along Beich Rd. It’s nearly impossible to see when coming from the north, so use your GPS to get close then watch for it. A small sign and worn trail will lead you west from the parking area into the forest and down the slope. The trail will end fairly quickly and you’ll be on your own from there. We recommend you take along plenty of water, bug spray, snacks, a paper topo map and an old fashioned compass.
More Photos
“Trailhead” 
Deer Trail 
Amazing Roots 
Tree Roots 
Conglomerate Ledge 
Into the wet! 
Lost Lake