Basswood / Wind Lake Loop

Interested in exploring a legendary Boundary Waters lake Then this route is for you. It offers ample opportunity to explore dozens of bays, islands, and campsites. The route loops back along the U.S. – Canadian border, as you return to your where you began. If it wasn’t for the potentially rough waters on Basswood Lake, this fine route would be classified as an easy route.

Detailed Route Info

Paddle across Moose Lake, travel 6.5 miles, including a portage of 190 rods (L5) to Wind Lake and 130 rods (L5) to Basswood Lake.

From the landing on Moose Lake, paddle to a shallow bay on the northwest side of Moose where you will find an excellent trail that gently winds up to Wind Lake. Camp on Wind Lake or portage over to Wind Bay of Basswood Lake. From here you can either camp or travel west into Hoist Bay and Back Bay if your schedule permits, or turn northeast and head up along the border, where you will also find numerous campsites.

For a nice side trip, head over to a 120-rod portage to Manomin Lake, located a couple miles west of Prairie Portage, where there are two Forest Service campsites.

Paddle and portage 17 miles across Basswood Lake, over the 20-rod Prairie Portage, and back to your start on Moose Lake.