LARCH LAKE CAMPSITES: Campsite 1: (#437) - Just to the southeast of where Larch Creek flows into Larch Lake Campsite 2: (#2004) - On the lakes largest island in the northwest part of the lake Campsite 3: (#436) - Middle of the eastern shoreline
Shallow Larch Lake is reached by a roughly 45 minute paddle and beaver dam hopping adventure down Larch Creek from the Larch Creek Entry Point 80 located along the Gunflint Trail. Larch Creek is navigable even in really dry years. Did I mention the beaver dams?
Most of the Larch Lake shoreline was scorched by the 2007 Ham Lake Fire, but several patches of forest remain, especially at the north end of the lake. Only the campsite on the lakes largest island escaped the ravages of the fire. The campsite on the south end of the lake was partially damaged. The eastern campsite was fully impacted.
Larch Lake has good fishing for northern pike, especially lots of eater sized fished. There are some walleye in the lake. Look for the deeper areas of the lake (near the middle of the lake) for the fish. The area between the large island and the point to the south was productive.
Water flows through Larch Lake from the southwest to the northeast through Larch Creek.
The portage to Clove Lake is short and straightforward with satisfactory landings on both ends.
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PADDLING FROM THE MOUTH OF LARCH CREEK TO BWCA CAMPSITE 437
Where Larch Creek flows into Larch Lake, the water can be very shallow; shallow enough that you can get stuck if the water levels are low. Once you enter Larch Lake, turn south and pass a small island. Just south of the island on the very south end of Larch Lake you arrive at the campsite.. Visit BWCA Campsite 437 -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 437 TO BWCA CAMPSITE 2004
Paddling due north across the heart of Larch Lake to the island campsite. Your next campsite destination is visible even as you leave the campsite you were just at. Visit BWCA Campsite 2004 -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 2004 TO BWCA CAMPSITE 436
Paddling southwest across the open expanse of water to the small campsite on the eastern shoreline of Larch Lake. The campsite is situated in a burn area affected by the 2007 Ham Lake Fire. Visit BWCA Campsite 436 -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 436 TO THE CLOVE LAKE (LARCH CREEK) PORTAGE
Paddling north up the eastern shoreline from the campsite to the Clove Lake portage. Portage to Clove Lake (Larch Creek) -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM THE CLOVE LAKE (LARCH CREEK) PORTAGE TO THE MOUTH OF LARCH CREEK
This route takes you across the middle of Larch Lake on a mostly southwest heading to the mouth of Larch Creek. Paddle Larch Creek -or- Explore Another Route **********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
Route Connections for Larch Lake
From Larch Lake, you can paddle into Larch Creek heading upstream or you can portage to Clove Lake. The portage to Clove Lake follows the section of Larch Creek between the two lakes.
