Briar Lake
This tiny lake is truly in the middle of nowhere and is not on a route to any other destination in the Fungus Lake Primitive Management Area. Baskatong Lake offers some access to this lake from the long north arm of that lake. There were many old forest roads criss-crossing this area at one time, which may still exist as remnants. The recent forest fire will not make this an easy bushwhack.
This area was scorched by the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire that burned much of the southwestern part of the BWCA and was the largest fire in recorded history at about 100,000 acres (almost 10% of the entire BWCA).
There was a large fire in this area around 1863-1864. This fire is known as the North Kawishiwi River/Alice Lake/Cypress Lake/Saganaga Lake Complex. This burn began south of the current BWCAW's southern boundary near the town of Isabella, Minnesota.
Approach to Briar Lake
Perhaps begin from the north end of the long northern arm of Baskatong Lake. Head north along the creek that flows north towards its confluence with the Kawishiwi River.
Bushwhack to Briar Lake
Follow the creek that flows north out of the long north arm of Baskatong Lake. Stay along this creek for about half a mile. When you reach GPS point: 47.883388, -91.132533, strike out due west for about 100 rods until you reach Briar Lake. You are shooting for GPS point: 47.883628, -91.139220 which is the eastern most point on Briar Lake’s shoreline.
Exploring Briar Lake
There is another unnamed lake due west of Briar Lake about 50 rods away. If you still have energy for bushwhacking, check that lake out too. The area around Briar Lake is completely burned out.
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