West Branch Forest Preserve
Location
The main entrance is located on the south side of Army Trail Road, two miles east of Route 59 at Gerber Road. Another entrance is on the west side of Fair Oaks Road south of Army Trail Road and north of Lies Road.
Preserve Maps
- West Branch Trail map (640 KB PDF)
The 631-acre West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett is one of DuPage County's best locations to spend an afternoon fishing and boating.
Outdoor Recreation
Fishing
Two lakes are located within the preserve: the 40-acre Deep Quarry Lake and the 15-acre Bass Lake. Deep Quarry Lake has a maximum depth of 45 feet; Bass Lake's lowest point is 30 feet. Both lakes contain bass, sunfish, channel and flathead catfish, carp, bluegill and crappie. Two fishing piers at Deep Quarry Lake are accessible to visitors with impaired mobility and provide anglers with easy access to the water. The West Branch of the DuPage River also snakes through the preserve for 2.2 miles, offering scenic beauty for all preserve users in addition to the ample opportunities for fishing. All anglers 16 and older (except legally disabled persons) are required to have valid Illinois sport fishing licenses in their possession and must follow District and state regulations.
Boating
Deep Quarry Lake allows carry-in boating. A District private-boating permit is required. A steel lockbox is available near the lake to collect daily permit fees; annual fees may be purchased through the District headquarters in Wheaton. Nongasoline-powered watercraft up to 20 feet in length including boats, canoes, kayaks, and multichambered inflatables with factory-installed hardened floors and transoms are permitted. All watercraft must be registered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and must be transported on or in a vehicle (no trailers) and carried to the lake. Watercraft must also contain one well-fitting personal flotation device for each member on board; children under 13 are required to wear their PFDs at all times. In addition, District regulations require that all individuals, regardless of age, must wear PFDs when in private canoes and kayaks. For details, call Visitor Services (630) 933-7248.
Trails
A 1.6-mile multipurpose trail ideal for hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding winds through the preserve. If you're interested in picnicking, numerous picnic tables are available just off the parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, latrines and a water pump are located nearby for your convenience.
Preserve History
West Branch Forest Preserve was purchased by the District for flood control during the 1970s. The forest preserve contains a reservoir that collects and holds storm water to help prevent flooding in the surrounding communities. The preserve was officially opened to the public in 1989.
This land preserves a portion of the river's corridor. It also provides a continuation of the natural habitat and filters and improves water quality while providing a trail and grassland area for outdoor enthusiasts. Habitats within West Branch include marsh, wet prairie, tall-grass meadow, immature wetland forest and lake. Beavers, coyotes, red foxes and numerous species of birds make their homes in the forest preserve.
Accessibility
For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857