Contentment Lake
Have not yet visited this Primitive Management Area lake. The information displayed on this page are notes used for planning a future trip to this area. Use the information on this page at your own risk.
Lying just to the west and above Thumb Lake. The most recent map indicating a maintained portage between Contentment Lake and Thumb Lake is the 1993 Fisher F-16. A 1994 map no longer shows the portage. Recent trip reports indicate that this is a uphill climb from Thumb Lake with vestiges of the old portage still visible.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does not have survey data on this lake, but several sources on the Internet mention northern pike being present in the depths of Contentment Lake that could provide "contentment" for a desperate fisherman's heart.
This area of the BWCA has escaped fire for a long time. The most recent fire was in 1755. That fire is known as the Big Moose, Oyster and Lac La Croix complex. Another fire affected the area in 1681.
Approach to Contentment Lake
Contentment Lake is usually approached from Thumb Lake. From Thumb Lake, an old portage used to be located starting on the lakes very west end. The portage parallels a small, unnavigable creek to Contentment Lake. The drainage that you would follow south into Nahimana Lake is also located in this area.
Bushwhack to Contentment Lake
There used to be a 50 rod maintained portage between Thumb Lake and Contentment Lake that was quite steep as the elevation change between these two lakes is between 50 and 60 feet so you will need to be part mountain goat. Recent trip reports found on the Web indicate that traces of this old portage are still visible and that the bushwhack is not completely overgrown.
Exploring Contentment Lake
Contentment Lake used to support a campsite on its south shore. Recent investigations of this site indicate it is not worth looking for or staying at. Contentment Lake has a long shoreline so you should be able to find a flat spot somewhere in which to throw up a tent.
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