South Hope Lake
South Hope Lake used to have one maintained campsite along its northwest shoreline. This area has been burned by the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire so this location would have to be visited to see if it is still there.
Hope Creek enters the south end of South Hope Lake from Maniwaki Lake. Hope Creek then flows out the west end of South Hope Lake through some small rapids. There used to be an 8 rod portage around these rapids on the north side of the creek.
Flowing into the northwest bay of South Hope Lake is the creek coming from Lethe Lake, a good bushwhack to the north.
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 South Hope Lake
The entire approach into South Hope Lake is from Hope Creek after passing through Hope Lake, North Hope Lake and other sections of Hope Creek. It is about two miles from Lake Insula to South Hope Lake.
Bushwhack to South Hope Lake
The entire bushwhack into South Hope Lake is along Hope Creek.
Exploring South Hope Lake
South Hope Lake is the jumping off point for an ambitious bushwhack up to Lethe Lake. Also, the journey to Maniwaki Lake is begun out the south end of the lake. Look for the 140 rod portage along the north bank of Hope Creek if you head out toward Maniwaki Lake. See if the old campsite is still discernible along the northwest shoreline of the lake. South Hope Lake contains northern pike if you don't feel like bushwhacking anymore.
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