Gogie Lake
Since there is close to zero information on this lake, might as well try to figure out the origin of the name Gogie. It seems to refer to an individual who creates art from nature. Seems somewhat fitting.
The small creek flowing from the south end of Gogie Lake flows into the northern tip of North Hope Lake (this is the unnamed lake on maps northwest of Hope Lake). It appears that some of this creek is navigable. Perhaps wise to venture this creek during spring when the water is high. The entire creek is about 180 rods or so. Gogie Lake barely qualifies as a lake since it is only about 7 acres. Most of Gogie Lake appears to be surrounded by a large peat bog that covers more area then the existing lake. Since Gogie Lake is on a dead end to nowhere, it probably hasn't seen a human visitor in a while.
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 Gogie Lake
You approach Gogie Lake through North Hope Lake. Check out the North Hope Lake web page for information.
Bushwhack to Gogie Lake
Follow the creek leading to the northeast out of the north tip of North Hope Lake. The bushwhack is about 180 rods; much of it may be floatable in a canoe if the water is high. The creek seems to die out as it approaches Gogie Lake so the going will get tougher the farther you go up the creek. The creek makes navigation easy through what remains of the forest after the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire.
Exploring Gogie Lake
You won't have to spend much time here since Gogie Lake is only about 10 acres. There does appear to be an interesting rock formation on the northwest shore of the lake that looks like it is surrounded by mud which is itself within a giant peat bog that rings the northern two-thirds of the lake. The rest of the lake appears quite shallow from satellite images, but doesn't seem to be choked by vegetation.
|
