So I've pulled the trigger, I have read enough to know that I want to explore the Crab Lake entry lakes. I have read many previous threads talking about whether to paddle or get a tow across Burntside. Right now I'm on the fence but that's not important yet. What I'm looking for is advice IF I decide to not use a tow service, how do I handle the logistics. I'm not looking for advice why I should get a tow to avoid big waves/water, I've read the pros and cons of that already.

So, if you've already made a trip to Crab Lake entry and you chose not to use a tow service, how did you do it? Where did you park? I've seen references to some people using "Van Vac Rd" and some "Wolf Lake Rd" but not specifics. Are there public boat launch areas on those roads? If they are not public, where/how do you pay to park? Where do I find details? Are those areas safe to leave a car or have there been issues with vandals?

I plan to call an outfitter that does tow service and ask the same questions for both tow and no tow options. I'm looking for answers from people with experience. Thanks.

It's been 6-7 years since I did that one with a group of scouts and I don't remember specifically where we parked but it was a public boat launch with parking. I remember it had a long floating dock. I believe it was the public launch west of Van Voc Camp on 404.

Launch site #2 on the DNR map.

One of the memorable details is finding the portage. It's behind a bunch of islands northwest from the launch site. We went by it 3-4 times before asking a resident on one of the islands. It was right across the bay from them.

The other thing I recall is that the portage itself is hell. It's long and it seems like it's uphill all the way (both ways) with a large swampy area in the middle. Our original intent was to go to Cummings, but after the portage we decided to stay on Crab. The portage was rough but we also had a group of inexperienced scouts to deal with which was a factor.

The first campsite in is on the left, we passed it by. We took the second campsite in on the point on the right. That was a nice site but a rocky landing. In fact it's a huge, flat boulder. Another group with us proceeded across the lake to what appeared from our site to have a sandy beach. Never checked it but they said it was.

In retrospect we should have had a tow.

gsfisher13: "So I've pulled the trigger, I have read enough to know that I want to explore the Crab Lake entry lakes. I have read many previous threads talking about whether to paddle or get a tow across Burntside. Right now I'm on the fence but that's not important yet. What I'm looking for is advice IF I decide to not use a tow service, how do I handle the logistics. I'm not looking for advice why I should get a tow to avoid big waves/water, I've read the pros and cons of that already.

So, if you've already made a trip to Crab Lake entry and you chose not to use a tow service, how did you do it? Where did you park? I've seen references to some people using "Van Vac Rd" and some "Wolf Lake Rd" but not specifics. Are there public boat launch areas on those roads? If they are not public, where/how do you pay to park? Where do I find details? Are those areas safe to leave a car or have there been issues with vandals?

I plan to call an outfitter that does tow service and ask the same questions for both tow and no tow options. I'm looking for answers from people with experience. Thanks.
"

Call my shop in the mornings from about 9:30 until noon or so, and I can explain the pros and cons of the Wolf Lake Road and the Van Vac entry.
It's easier to explain than writing on a forum. I live on Burntside and know either route very well. 218-365-4744

Thanks, will call Monday, limited phone time this weekend.

If you decide to get a tow, you can give us a call.

VoyageurNorth: "If you decide to get a tow, you can give us a call. "

... and they're great! We decided to come out early - and it was raining! Called them from my cell phone at the Crab portage on Burntside - had amazing cell service there with Verizon, and no kidding within 35 minutes the guys were there to tow us back.

ps. This has been one of our favorite locations so far!

Thanks MN!

I love the area too & the smallmouth action is enough at almost any time of year to make fishing fun too.

Someone had asked me about the Crab Lake creek and as far as I know, since we haven't had much rain and from last year I heard of lots of branches etcetera across the creek, not a good idea to try.

But if I hear that changes, will post it.