BETH LAKE CAMPSITES: Campsite 1: (#836) - Middle of the three campsites along east shore north of the Sawbill Lake portage Campsite 2: (#837) - First campsite along east shore, south of the Sawbill Lake portage Campsite 3: (#839) - South end of lake west of peninsula near Wonder Lake portage
Campsite 4: (#838) - Right next to the Grace Lake portage
Beth Lake is easternmost of the "Lady Chain" of lakes. These lakes were named after the aunts of a forest service ranger named Bill Mulligan.
If you are debating whether you should take the 285 rod portage to Grace Lake or the two shorter portages through Ella Lake, the easiest route is the 285 rod portage. The portage from Beth Lake to Ella Lake is relatively easy, being mostly flat with good landings on each end. The portage from Ella Lake to Grace Lake is very rocky with a rough landing on the Grace Lake end of it.
The portage between Beth Lake and Alton Lake crosses the Laurentian Divide. Beth Lake is located along the north side of the Laurentian Divide, therefore all water from this lake eventually flows to the north to Hudson Bay. A small creek flows out of the western end of Beth Lake to Grace Lake. Another little stream feeds Beth Lake via Ella Lake.
Beth Lake is mostly a smallmouth bass fishery, with a few northern pike. The smallmouth are plentiful, but tend to run on the small side. Grace Lake and Phoebe Lake further west are better bets for fishing along the "Lady Chain".
PADDLING FROM THE ALTON LAKE PORTAGE TO BWCA CAMPSITE 836
View of Beth Lake from the Alton Lake portage. This is looking to the southwest.
Brief paddle to the west along the north shoreline to the campsite landing. Visit BWCA Campsite 836 -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 836 TO BWCA CAMPSITE 837
Generally following the north shoreline of Beth Lake on a westbound heading. BWCA Campsite 837 is located on the large point that stretches out from the north shore of the lake. Visit BWCA Campsite 837 -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 837 TO THE ELLA LAKE PORTAGE
Round the point heading westbound and then head north into the long narrow channel. The Ella Lake portage is near the north end of the channel on the east side. Portage to Ella Lake -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM THE ELLA LAKE PORTAGE TO THE GRACE LAKE PORTAGE
Paddle south until exiting the narrow bay. Pass by BWCA Campsite 838, which was occupied. Continue following the shoreline, now mostly southbound until reaching the nearly mile long Grace Lake portage. Portage to Grace Lake -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM THE GRACE LAKE PORTAGE TO BWCA CAMPSITE 839
Paddle for a short distance south down the western end of Beth Lake to the campsite. Visit BWCA Campsite 839 -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
PADDLING FROM BWCA CAMPSITE 839 TO THE ALTON LAKE PORTAGE
This paddle stretches nearly the entire length of Beth Lake. From the campsite, paddle to the east staying along the south side of the lake. The portage to Alton Lake is on the very eastern end of Beth Lake. Portage to Alton Lake -or- Explore Another Route ***********************************************END OF ROUTE***********************************************
Route Connections for Beth Lake
From Beth Lake, you can portage into Alton Lake, Ella Lake or Grace Lake. Note: If your goal is to go to Grace Lake from Beth Lake (or vice versa) in the easiest manner possible, take the 285 rod portage.
