Shortly after the route begins, ND 43 enters Turtle Mountain State Forest, where the highway curves slightly but eventually straightens out again.

In Roland Township, ND 43 passes south of Lake Metigoshe and crosses Oak Creek.

About 12 miles (19 km) east of ND 14, ND 43 again passes through a small section of Turtle Mountain State Forest.

Three miles (4.8 km) east of the state forest, the highway enters Rolette County.

ND 43 travels on a straight east–west course for six miles (9.7 km) in Rolette County before it comes to its eastern terminus at U.S. Highway 281 (US 281) and ND 3, which run concurrently.