Don Lake
Not sure who or what “Don” is or if they are related to “Din”, the name of another nearby lake in this PMA. Don Lake will take a lot of effort to reach as it is quite remote and not on any route. A creek connects Don Lake’s south tip through a couple small ponds and marshes with a bay on the southwest part of Ragged Lake. This creek provides one of the suggested routes from Ragged Lake out to Don Lake. Don Lake is also connected to Myth Lake by a small creek that flows into Don Lake's southwestern bay.
A large 1875 fire that likely ignited somewhere near Lake Insula and the Hog Lake area. The fire is known as the Alice Lake/Ogishkemuncie Lake/Tuscarora Lake/Cherokee Lake Complex.
One of the huge 1863-64 fires, namely the North Kawishiwi River/Alice Lake/Cypress Lake/Saganaga Lake Complex, ravaged this area. This fire likely started near the town of Isabella, Minnesota.
This fire started within what is now the Hairy Lake Primitive Management Area. The ignition point was probably somewhere between Mass Lake and Auk Lake. This fire, which took place in 1846, is called the Auk Lake/Long Island Lake/Cross Bay Lake Complex.
Way back in 1727, the Gordon Lake/Brule Lake/Winchell Lake Complex burned this area. It probably began somewhere near Sawbill Lake.
Approach to Don Lake
Two options seem to present themselves, both originating from Ragged Lake. The first choice is to follow the creek that connects Ragged Lake to Don Lake. The second choice, a shorter route, is to go to the north end of Ragged Lake and proceed into the forest from a bay on the west shoreline (it is possible that a small creek flows in here).
Bushwhack to Don Lake
If following the creek, bushwhack for about 35 rods through the forest from the southwest bay of Ragged Lake until you reach a marsh-filled pond. Paddle across this pond and exit its south end continuing to follow the small creek which is not navigable. Drag canoe and gear for about 50 rods south along the creek until the forest canopy opens up. At this point, the creek widens slightly and you may be able to float a canoe in it. It is another 20 rods further south until you reach another small pond which is noticeably less mushy than the previous one. Hang a right and head to the west end of this pond. From here, bushwhack straight west through the woods for 35 rods until you come to the southeast corner of Don Lake.
The other option is to look for a small bay about 500 feet south of the north end of Ragged Lake along its west shoreline. There might be a small creek entering here. Head southwest from this point for 50 rods until you reach a peat bog which is at GPS point: 48.008013, -90.866263. From here, follow the south edge of the peat bog until you can go no further west. From here, plow into the forest heading west/southwest and in less than 15 rods you should reach the shore of Don Lake.
Exploring Don Lake
There is no data on Don Lake. It looks like a nice little lake with a couple of points that could be good locations to camp. The lakes shore is forested and rocky (particularly the south end) with a few interesting bays to explore. If you make it to Don Lake and still have any energy, Fungus Lake is about 80 rods through the forest from the north end of the lake; you will never likely have a better opportunity to reach it. Myth Lake is also in this area and can be found by following the small creek that trickles into the southwest bay of Don Lake. Follow this creek to the southwest, upstream to Myth Lake.
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