Skip to main content
Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyGround

Northwest Passage

Amherst, Wisconsin · Portage County

Northwest Passage is a easy hiking trail near Amherst in Portage County, Wisconsin.. The surface is ground. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Advertisement
44.43813, -89.40571
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Northwest Passage

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High89°F
Avg Low62°F
Peak Rain Chance22%
Humidity72%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality66 · Moderate
Today
Partly Cloudy
78°/54°
🌬 10mph
5:36 AM8:31 PM
Sat
☁️
Overcast
85°/60°
💧 2%🌬 11mph
5:37 AM8:30 PM
Sun
🌦
Rain Showers
97°/67°
💧 18%🌬 17mph
5:38 AM8:29 PM
Mon
🌧
Rain Showers
95°/66°
💧 22%🌬 12mph
5:39 AM8:28 PM
Tue
🌦
Drizzle
88°/65°
💧 3%🌬 11mph
5:40 AM8:27 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Northwest Passage

Northwest Passage is a easy hiking trail near Amherst in Portage County, Wisconsin.. The surface is ground. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Wisconsin

Trail conditions in Wisconsin change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Northwest Passage?

Northwest Passage is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Can I ride a bike on Northwest Passage?

Yes — bicycles are allowed on this trail.

Are horses allowed on Northwest Passage?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

What is the trail surface on Northwest Passage?

The surface is ground. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Northwest Passage?

Wisconsin has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.