Ragged Lake
The lake almost certainly got its name from its wavy outline. There are several trip reports on this lake available on the Internet and they report that Ragged Lake is a very nice lake, worthy of a visit, struggle though it may be.
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 Ragged Lake
Start from the very north tip of Iris Lake and follow the western most of the two creeks found in the small bay in that part of the lake.
Bushwhack to Ragged Lake
Bushwhack less than 20 rods along a creek heading northwest to an unnamed pond/lake. Proceed directly across this lake to its far side. Along the way, the lake becomes peat bog/swamp and this section may or may not be passable in a canoe. It appears a channel runs through the more peat “boggy” area. After exiting the unnamed lake, continue along creek to the northwest for about 55 rods and you will have reached Ragged Lake’s southeastern bay.
Exploring Ragged Lake
There is a large island and many points and bays to explore on this lake. Trip reports indicate the point on the north end of the lake is decent for a campsite. From satellite images, the lake appears to have several underwater islands to explore and/or fish over. The entire shoreline is forested and rocky.
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