DUNCAN LAKE CAMPSITES:
Campsite 1 (#662): Just west of the West Bearskin Lake portage
Campsite 2 (#659): On the point just north of the Moss Lake portage
Campsite 3 (#658): Just east of the Partridge Lake portage - NOT FOUND OR CLOSED
Campsite 4 (#660): Fourth campsite west of the Stairway Portage along the northwest shoreline
Campsite 5 (#661): Third campsite west of the Stairway Portage along the northwest shoreline
Campsite 6 (#664): Second campsite west of the Stairway Portage on the point along the northwest shoreline
Campsite 7 (#663): First campsite west of the Stairway Portage along the northwest shoreline
There are four portage routes into Duncan Lake. The majority of the portage traffic will be moving between the Stairway Portage to Rose Lake and the West Bearskin Lake portage. The portage to both Moss Lake and Partridge Lake receive light amounts of traffic.
It is possible to access both the Border Route Trail and the Caribou Rock Trail from Duncan Lake. The Border Route Trail intersects the Stairway Portage and the Caribou Rock Trail ends at the Border Route Trail just east of the Stairway Portage.
It is worth visiting the Stairway Portage to see the unique rock stairway. But the other reason to visit is to see Rose Falls.
Duncan Lake is primarily a lake trout fishery.
Duncan Lake's water flows north into Rose Caribou Lake over Rose Falls. East Otter Lake flows into Duncan Lake from the west near the Partridge Lake portage. Moss Lake flows into Duncan Lake from the south. There are scenic views of this creek from the portage trail between these lakes. West Bearskin Lake flows into the southeastern part of Duncan Lake.
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PADDLING FROM THE WEST BEARSKIN LAKE PORTAGE TO BWCA CAMPSITE 662
From the West Bearskin Lake portage, paddling just a short distance west along the Duncan Lake shoreline to the campsite. Visit BWCA Campsite 662 -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 662 TO THE MOSS LAKE PORTAGE
Paddle west around the peninsula and east of the small island before reaching the portage landing to Moss Lake. A small stream flows in here. Portage to Moss Lake -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM THE MOSS LAKE PORTAGE TO BWCA CAMPSITE 660
Paddle north towards the sharp point where BWCA Campsite 659 is located (was occupied). From there, head generally northwest to the north shoreline of Duncan Lake where you will find the campsite. Visit BWCA Campsite 660 -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 660 TO THE PARTRIDGE LAKE PORTAGE
Follow the shoreline to the west back into the long western arm of Duncan Lake. The portage is at the back of the arm, on the north shoreline. Portage to Partridge Lake -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM THE PARTRIDGE LAKE PORTAGE TO BWCA CAMPSITE 661
After pulling away from the Partridge Lake portage, follow the north shoreline of the long western arm of Duncan Lake towards the east. Make a brief shoreline foray to look for BWCA Campsite 658. It appears that this campsite no longer exists, as it couldn't be located. Continue out into the main body of Duncan Lake, staying along the north or northeast shoreline. Pass by BWCA Campsite 660. You find BWCA Campsite 661 near a small island. Visit BWCA Campsite 661 -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 661 TO BWCA CAMPSITE 664
A quick paddle east to the next campsite, which is located on a point. Visit BWCA Campsite 664 -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 664 TO BWCA CAMPSITE 663
To reach the next campsite, follow the shoreline to the northeast. The campsite is on a rounded point. Visit BWCA Campsite 663 -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 663 TO THE ROSE LAKE STAIRWAY PORTAGE
Paddle to the northeast into this increasingly narrowing and shallow part of Duncan Lake. The start of the Stairway Portage is on the left (west) at a large flat rock shelf. Portage to Rose Lake -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM THE ROSE LAKE STAIRWAY PORTAGE TO THE WEST BEARSKIN LAKE PORTAGE
Proceed down the eastern shoreline of Duncann Lake until you find the start of the portage to West Bearskin Lake. Portage to West Bearskin Lake -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
Route Connections for Duncan Lake
From Duncan Lake you can portage to Moss Lake, Partridge Lake, Rose Lake or West Bearskin Lake. West Bearskin Lake is where the parking lot for BWCA Entry Point 60 and 61 is located. The portage to Rose Lake is named the Stairway Portage. This portage follows a steep staircase down to the shore of Rose Lake. The descent from Duncan Lake to Rose Lake is 138 feet in elevation.
