ROUTES/PORTAGES FROM BAKER LAKE:
To Peterson Lake: Walk the 10 rod portage
To BWCA Entry Point 39: Exit or enter the BWCA
Baker Lake
Tofte Ranger District
This is a small, weedy lake where BWCA Entry Point 39 is located. The only route from Baker Lake is to the north into Peterson Lake over a 10 rod portage. This portage can be skipped if water levels are high enough. However, if water levels are really low, this portage can quadruple in length.
From Peterson Lake you have to portage one more lake further north into Kelly Lake before more route options open up. This second portage into Kelly Lake can also be avoided if there is enough water. The Temperance River flows through Baker Lake and out its south end. It's a scenic route from Baker Lake up to Brule Lake.
There are no campsites on Baker Lake. The lakes does support a population of northern pike and walleye.
Besides the Temperance River, another small creek named Horn Creek flows into Baker Lake.
The Baker Lake Rustic Campground is also located here. You can camp here for free and reservations are not required. It is a small campground, so don't arrive too late, otherwise you may find it full. You could just basecamp at the campground and explore the other lakes in the area with an empty canoe. Sure would make those portages easy.
References:
Beymer, Robert, Boundary Waters Canoe Area – Volume 2 – Eastern Region (Berkeley: Wilderness Press, 2006), 64, 65, 68, 72, 79.
Pauly, Daniel, Exploring the Boundary Waters (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2005), 230, 258.
Exploring Baker Lake
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Baker Lake from the entry point landing. Heading to your left leads to Peterson Lake. The Temperance River flows out of Baker Lake to the right just out of view.
Looking northeasterly from the entry point landing.
A view of the south end of shallow Baker Lake. (Image not expandable.)
From the entry point canoe landing, you can see the majority of Baker Lake. The entire lake is only 20 acres.
Route Connections for Baker Lake
From Baker Lake, you can portage into Peterson Lake. You can also exit the wilderness through BWCA Entry Point 39.
