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Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion Forums >> Other Places to Paddle >> Big Island Lake Wilderness https://quietjourney.com/community/YABB.cgi?num=1443624227 Message started by Chris M. on Sep 30^th, 2015 at 2:43pm

Title: Big Island Lake Wilderness
Post by Chris M. on Sep 30^th, 2015 at 2:43pm

Has anyone paddled this before? I am looking for a good map and possibly a garmin GPS file I can use here. I want to go in the next couple weekends. Think it would be a great paddle.

Title: Re: Big Island Lake Wilderness
Post by Old Salt on Sep 30^th, 2015 at 2:49pm

Chris,

Welcome aboard to QJ. I've never heard of this place. Where is it? We have folks all over the country here, so hopefully someone can chime in.

8-)

Title: Re: Big Island Lake Wilderness
Post by Yellowbird on Sep 30^th, 2015 at 4:18pm

It is in the Hiawatha National Forest (central UP of Michigan). I've done this once as a day trip. All the lakes along the main NW to SE route can be paddled in one day. No loops, just an in and out from the access. I entered from the west, though I think there is an access from the east side. One large group was camped on the eastern most lake. I remember that being the most "fishable" lake due to the perch population. Some of the smaller lakes had appealing Quetico type campsites which were not overused. Lots of maple & hardwood types so should be very colorful during October. On Labor Day weekend, FH13 was closed at the US 2 junction. So you may need to plan your access accordingly.
-YB

Title: Re: Big Island Lake Wilderness
Post by solotripper on Sep 30^th, 2015 at 4:31pm

I've never been but had a friend who said it was well worth the effort but said that if he did it again it would be in the fall, not the summer.

I have to think with the fall colors it would a spectacular trip this time of year.

This link has some good info and there is a map you can click on for a bigger view.

Take special note of the camping/campfire rules. ;)

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Title: Re: Big Island Lake Wilderness
Post by Chris M. on Oct 8^th, 2015 at 5:26pm

Thanks guys.
Yes its one of two larger wilderness areas in Michigans UP. There is also sylvania wilderness which is larger.
Thanks for the heads up I appreciate it.
I am looking forward for 2 days in the woods again.

Title: Re: Big Island Lake Wilderness
Post by Chris M. on Oct 8^th, 2015 at 5:28pm

Do you know which lake the eastern most was that was fishable. I am going to try to fish but it looks like there are some really tight regs on the fishing.

Title: Re: Big Island Lake Wilderness
Post by Yellowbird on Oct 9^th, 2015 at 11:31am

Byers Lake

Title: Re: Big Island Lake Wilderness
Post by Srobocop on Mar 1^st, 2016 at 10:28pm

I live only an hour from there. Went 3 times last summer. Not a bad place to spend a weekend when you don't want to go far. Idk if i've ever caught Perch without live bait. Sounds interesting. I usually camp on Klondike Lake.