Exploration of Moose Lake

A few days on Moose Lake, with optional side trips up to neighboring lakes, is a great introduction to new campers and also a perfect getaway for the seasoned veteran. Even in the dead of winter these lakes get occasional visitors, so expect to see other people on your trip.

Detailed Route Info

Put in on Moose Lake and paddle north. Moose Lake is very popular, so you won’t be alone on this journey. If this is your first trip into the Wilderness, this will provide a certain sense of comfort. For this reason, plus the lack of portages, this is a fine introduction to the BWCAW.

You can seek out one of the five campsites on Moose Lake or travel 2 1/2 miles up to the narrows leading into Newfound and Sucker Lakes, all without ever taking a portage. On Newfound and Sucker you have numerous nice designated campsites from which to select. On all three lakes you have the opportunity to seek out walleye and northern pike, as well as smallmouth bass.

If you want some solitude, an easy 30 rod portage out of Newfound Lake heads up over a short rise to Found Lake. The trail is not heavily traveled, but short and easy. One campsite exists on Found Lake, but walk the portage first to see if it is open before hauling all of your gear across. Alternatively, you can take a 35 rod portage out the far eastern bay of Newfound Lake over to little Splash Lake, where you will also find one campsite. This campsite is on the opposite shore from the portage landing, but is visible across the lake.

*Route information provided courtesy of Dan Pauly, and have been modified from his book, Exploring the Boundary Waters: A Trip Planner and Guide to the BWCAW. University of Minnesota Press, 2004