Fast Lake
Fast Lake is connected to Cache Lake by a creek. This creek drains Fast Lake into Cache Lake. Fast Lake and Coon Lake are probably the most scenicly interesting lakes in this chain.
This area of the BWCAW was burned by a fire that scorched the forest between Muzzle Lake and Kiana Lake in 1903.
The forest fires of 1885-1889 affected the area from Fire Lake up to Disappointment Lake, just to the west of Cache Lake, Fast Lake and Jut Lake.
Approach to Fast Lake
From Cache Lake: Look for the creek that comes from Fast Lake in the northeast corner of Cache Lake. It may be hard to find late season because it will probably be choked with lily pads.
From Jut Lake: Proceed to the back of the western most of the two bays on the south end of Jut Lake. Here you should see a small creek flowing out of Jut Lake that can be followed to Fast Lake.
Bushwhack to Fast Lake
Bushwhack from Cache Lake: This route will be easier during high water, especially in the spring before the creek is choked with lily pads. From Cache Lake, proceed up the creek toward Fast Lake. The entire length of the creek between the lakes passes through peat bog. Perhaps the first 15 rods of the creek can be paddled in the canoe. The remaining 30 to 40 rods will likely involve dragging or carrying your canoe along the creek. The whole bushwhack is straightforward as the creek guides you the entire way up to Fast Lake.
Bushwhack from Jut Lake: A short but intense bushwhack of around 20 rods. From Jut Lake, carry your gear along the tiny creek that passes through the forest. The creek runs straight south. Highly doubt that this creek is navigable so you will be thrashing through the trees the whole way. Have fun.
Exploring Fast Lake
There is no written information on this small lake. However, satellite images show a large island nearly connected to the south shoreline of Fast Lake by a submerged isthmus. A boggy arm of the lake extends to the southeast where one finds the creek flowing to Cache Lake. A prominent rock outcropping is visible on the west shore of the lake which may offer a suitable place to camp.
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