GUNFLINT, SOUTH, ROSE
BWCAW Entry Point 58 South(3 entry permits), 60 Duncan(3 entry permits)
Minimum Trip Length 3 Days
BWCA Maps Needed:
- Fisher Maps: F-13
- McKenzie Maps: 3, 2E
- Voyageur Maps: 9
Fast Facts:
| Lake | DNR # | Fish Species | Maximum Depth | Acres | Elevation | Campsites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunflint | 16035600 | Walleye, lake trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike | 200 | 4009.04 | 1543 | 6 |
| Little Gunflint | 16033000 | Walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike | 16 | 95 | 1543 | 2 |
| Little North | 16032900 | Walleye, northern pike | 23 | 98 | 1546 | 0 |
| North | 16033100 | Walleye, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike | 125 | 2695 | 1546 | 5 |
| South | 16024400 | Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass | 140 | 1190 | 1551 | 7 |
| Rat | 16022900 | Smallmouth Bass | 5 | 56 | 1551 | 0 |
| Rose | 16023000 | Walleye, lake trout, smallmouth bass | 90 | 1315 | 1678 | 7 |
| Duncan | 16023200 | Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass | 130 | 481 | 1658 | 7 |
| Bearskin | 16022800 | Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike | 78 | 493 | 1678 | 1 |
Portages:
| Portages out of Gunflint | Portages out of Little Gunflint | Portages out of Little North | Portages out of North |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW to Magnetic -NE to Little Gunflint | NE 20 rods to Little North -SW to Gunflint | SW 20 rods to Little Gunflint -East to North | -South 80 rods to South |
| Portages out of South | Portages out of Rat | Portages out of Rose | Portages out of Duncan |
|---|---|---|---|
| NW 80 rods to North -East 57 rods to Rat | West 57 rods to South -East 4 rods to Rose | South 80 rods to Duncan -SE 337 rods to fork, 87 rods to Daniels or 291 rods to Rove -West 4 rods to Rat | South 53 rods to Moss -SW 230 rods to Partridge -SE 75 rods to Bearskin -NE 80 rods to Rose |
| Portages out of Bearskin | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| -North 60 rods to Daniels -South 21 rods to Hungry Jack -West 75 rods to Duncan |
Route Description:
This route starts with a 15 minute shuttle to Gunflint Lake. You will get dropped off at the Gunflint Boat Landing, where you will set off across Gunflint Lake. You will travel northeast for about 6 miles until you reach a shallow channel that leads to Little Gunflint Lake. If you have extra time, plan to stop for the short hike up to Bridal Falls, where you will find one of the most beautiful waterfalls that the Gunflint Trail has to offer! At the end of Little Gunflint Lake, you will find a short 12 rod portage into Little North and North Lakes.
Once you reach North Lake, you will paddle a short 2 miles to the Height of Land Portage. This portage was paved by the indigenous people who traveled through the area, and was also used by the Voyageurs in the fur trade era. It also holds geological significance as it marks the Laurentian divide. All the water that falls on the west side of the portage flows north up to Saganaga, over Silver Falls, and eventually to Hudson Bay. All of the water that falls on the east side of the portage flows south towards the Mississippi watershed and eventually makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean. This portage is about 80 rods in total, and will lead you into your first BWCA Lake, South Lake. This is a great lake to find a camping spot for the night!
Travel across South Lake towards a 79 rod portage into Rat Lake and then a short lift over portage from Rat Lake into Rose Lake. Follow the narrow channel of Rose until you reach the larger part of the lake, with big overlooking cliffs and beautiful views! Rose is a great lake to make camp for a night before you head up the Stairway Portage that offers incredible views of Rose Falls up to Duncan Lake. If Rose Lake is full Duncan holds some additional great campsites and makes for an easy trip on your last day, where you only need to take one flat 80 rod portage out to Bearskin Lake. You have exited the BWCA just have a short paddle to the parking lot between Bearskin and Hungry Jack where we can pick you up!