It runs east–west in north central Wisconsin from Ogema to Tomahawk.

After crossing the Pine Line Trail in Ogema, WIS 86 then turns north and then east again.

[5][6] In 1956, WIS 86 extended northwest along former CTH-A (now CTH-O) to US 8 east of Catawba.

[7][8] In the fall of 1983, WIS 86 extended eastward towards the newly built US 51 Tomahawk bypass.

[9][10] By 1993, most of the 1956 northwestern extension was reverted to its county maintenance, replacing with CTH-O in the process.