Ive been on the north arm a handful of times. However, I've never been on the main body of the lake.

Its always seemed to me like it was one of those giant lakes that you want to avoid in a canoe.

Today though, I was looking a little closer and started to think that if you can get into the islands on the west side past dollar island that you could get out of the wind and waves for the most part and it wouldn't be so bad. (Aside from navigating)

Am I accurate in this assessment? Or is this lake still a bear either way?

Also- are there a lot of rocks around the islands?

Thanks in advance

Burntside is a beautiful lake to paddle. Great scenery, excellent campsites, some cool houses, relatively light boat traffic; a fantastic maze to get lost in. Yes best be avoided in high winds, but in moderate wind and waves it is one of my favorite spots to paddle. I routinely paddle (or ski) a loop starting on Everett and then East Twin, Dead River, Burntside, North Arm, West Twin and back to Everett. Can be extended by getting lost in the islands for as long as you want.

What Banksiana said. It's a great lake to explore by canoe. I would just add that if the wind is up and coming from certain directions, the islands can certainly help provide shelter, but invariably there are channels between islands where the waves are whipped up. Best to do on a calm day, or failing that, then in a sea-worthy canoe with at least two strong paddlers.

You asked about rocks around the islands. There are shoals in areas, a lot of them are marked by buoys since motor boats use the lake. I don't think this is something you have to worry about. Navigating and high winds are the issues.

Ok. Thanks that's what I figured. Sounds like we're still at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Anyone taken a motorboat back in the islands? Could I get through the rocks w with a 25 hp 14' Lund tiller? ... or would a be bumping rocks?

Burntside is well marked with many big boats. You will have no problem. I think someone sells a map with hazard buoys marked on it.

You might be "at the mercy" of mother nature, but she's often merciful. I paddle Burntside often- my canoe of choice a quick and slender solo that is not noted for seaworthiness. Motoring is no trouble. Most reefs are marked and the water is clear- but Burntside is a beauty by paddle.

quote Grizzlyman: "Ok. Thanks that's what I figured. Sounds like we're still at the mercy of Mother Nature.


Anyone taken a motorboat back in the islands? Could I get through the rocks w with a 25 hp 14' Lund tiller? ... or would a be bumping rocks?"

What do you mean "back in the islands?" I travel the west end/north arm area many times a week and there is no problem.

quote The Great Outdoors: "

quote Grizzlyman: "Ok. Thanks that's what I figured. Sounds like we're still at the mercy of Mother Nature.



Anyone taken a motorboat back in the islands? Could I get through the rocks w with a 25 hp 14' Lund tiller? ... or would a be bumping rocks?"

What do you mean "back in the islands?" I travel the west end/north arm area many times a week and there is no problem."

I mean inside the barrier of all the islands on the west side- like this

Piece of cake, only one strange spot in that area slightly north of Tamarack Creek near the east shore, otherwise everything is marked.
The buoys were not out as of yesterday, but should be soon.
Just stay well away from them since there is a new crew that's been putting them out, and some are "off" a bit.
Where will you be launching from??

Saw them putting out the buoys today.

quote The Great Outdoors: "Piece of cake, only one strange spot in that area slightly north of Tamarack Creek near the east shore, otherwise everything is marked.
The buoys were not out as of yesterday, but should be soon.
Just stay well away from them since there is a new crew that's been putting them out, and some are "off" a bit.
Where will you be launching from??"

Not sure where- tbd. Likely the public landing.

Thank you though- this is exactly what I was looking for.