Hack Lake
The name of this lake may have some reference to logging. A 'hack' is a rough cut or heavy blow.
If camping on Hoe Lake, little Hack Lake would provide a nice day trip if you don't feel like lounging around camp.
There was a large fire in this area around 1863-1864. This fire is known as the North Kawishiwi River/Alice Lake/Cypress Lake/Saganaga Lake Complex. This burn began south of the current BWCAW's southern boundary near the town of Isabella, Minnesota.
Approach to Hack Lake
Along the south shore of Hoe Lake, proceed to the point where Hoe Lake comes closest to the western most of the two bays on the north side of Hack Lake. At this location, there MIGHT be a tiny creek flowing in that originates in Hack Lake. If there is no creek here, satellite images allow one to “imagine” a trail going through the woods connecting Hoe Lake and Hack Lake along this route. Without having visited the area, there is no way to tell for certain.
Bushwhack to Hack Lake
From Hoe Lake to the western bay on the north side of Hack Lake, the route is through the forest either along a very small creek or with luck, a faint trail. The distance is about 45 rods and is pretty much a straight shot. Make sure to bring a compass or GPS. It is surprisingly easy to get turned around in dense forest.
Exploring Hack Lake
Hack Lake is surrounded by a rocky shoreline that is lightly forested intermixed with peat bog. A small island dots the lake along the south shore. A fairly long underwater point extends out from the east shore of Hack Lake (place to fish?). There is really no information to be found on this lake and it is probably seldom visited.
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