CANOE LAKE CAMPSITES: Campsite 1 (#700): Westernmost of the three campsites on this lake Campsite 2 (#701): Middle of the three campsites on this lake Campsite 3 (#702): Easternmost of the three campsites on this lake
The lakes shape resembles a canoe with a paddle hanging off each side, thus its name.
You will probably find a quick side trip to Paddle Lake worth your time. The short stretch of river between Canoe Lake and Paddle Lake is scenic. Kids would probably enjoy playing in the clear and shallow water in this spot. Paddle Lake also holds plenty of walleye and small northerns.
Most groups will find the two western most campsites on Canoe Lake to be the best. The eastern site gets less use.
The portage from Canoe Lake to Pine Lake is a beast. It has approximately 300 feet of elevation change and is fairly long. On the Pine Lake end of this portage you will find the trail to Johnson Falls. It is easy to spot. Visiting Johnson Falls is definitely a worthwhile hike.
The Crocodile River flows into Canoe Lake from Alder Lake and then flows out into Paddle Lake.
References:
Beymer, Robert, Boundary Waters Canoe Area – Volume 2 – Eastern Region (Berkeley: Wilderness Press, 2006), 235, 239, 241, 242, 244, 261, 268, 269.
Pauly, Daniel, Exploring the Boundary Waters (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2005), 393.
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PADDLING FROM THE ALDER LAKE PORTAGE TO PADDLE LAKE
On a generally northwest heading, cross Canoe Lake. You will pass just south of BWCA Campsite 700 on the west end of Canoe Lake, along the north shore. You'll then leave Canoe Lake and paddle a 0.1 mile stretch of the Crocodile River before arriving at Paddle Lake. Paddle into Paddle Lake -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM THE PINE LAKE PORTAGE TO THE ALDER LAKE PORTAGE
Paddling west through the northeast arm of Canoe Lake out into the main part of the lake. From there continue southwest to the Alder Lake portage. Shortly before the portage, you'll see where the Crocodile River flows into Canoe Lake from Alder Lake.
Landing for the Alder Lake portage. Portage to Alder Lake -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM THE CRYSTAL LAKE PORTAGE TO THE ALDER LAKE PORTAGE
View of Canoe Lake from the Crystal Lake portage. This is a great portage landing.
Brief paddle heading west along the south shore of Canoe Lake. You'll pass the location where the Crocodile River flows into Canoe Lake shortly before reaching the Alder Lake portage. Portage to Alder Lake -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM THE PINE LAKE PORTAGE TO THE CRYSTAL LAKE PORTAGE
Following the gradual bend while traveling from the northeast arm of Canoe Lake to the Crystal Lake portage. Watch the red-headed mergansers. Portage to Crystal Lake -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM PADDLE LAKE TO BWCA CAMPSITE 700
Short paddle from the creek flowing to Paddle Lake, eastward to the campsite. This is perhaps the top campsite on this lake.
View from the campsite's canoe landing. You'll have no trouble pulling up a canoe to this site. Visit BWCA Campsite 700 -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 700 TO BWCA CAMPSITE 701
Traveling eastward along the north shore of Canoe Lake to the next campsite. This is also a really nice site.
Looking south from the campsite. Visit BWCA Campsite 701 -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 701 TO BWCA CAMPSITE 702
Continue following the north shoreline to the east until you get to the next campsite. You'll go from the open main body of the lake into the lakes northeast arm. This campsite receives less use than the other two on this lake.
Fine view to the southwest down the northeast arm of Canoe Lake. Visit BWCA Campsite 702 -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 702 TO THE PINE LAKE PORTAGE
Quick paddle from the campsite to the Pine Lake portage. This is a difficult portage, so fuel up. Portage to Pine Lake -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
Route Connections for Canoe Lake
From Canoe Lake you can portage to Alder Lake, Crystal Lake or Pine Lake. You can also paddle into Paddle Lake. Also the Crocodile River flows through Canoe Lake from Alder Lake into Paddle Lake.
