Churn Lake
Churn Lake is the smallest of the three lakes in this chain. Hotfoot Lake drains into the west end of Churn Lake and Churn’s waters flow into Birl Lake. The name ‘churn’ probably refers to churning water (a reference to logging) or perhaps churning butter which loggers likely did in order to get high calorie data for the extreme physical demands of their work.
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 Churn Lake
From along the shoreline on the west side of Birl Lake, you should be able to see Churn Lake through the trees since it is so close.
Bushwhack to Churn Lake
A lift over bushwhack of a few rods.
Exploring Churn Lake
Churn Lake is half the size or less, but similar to the other two lakes in this grouping of three lakes. There is a large cliff or rock ledge dominating the northwest shore of this small lake.
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