Hello all,

I'm wondering if anyone has paddled across most of Burntside Lake from the eastern side (near Burntside Lodge) to EP 4 at Crab Lake portage. I've never been to this part of the BWCA , and the map shows Burntside as a pretty sizable lake with an irregular shoreline and studded with dozens of islands. I'm wondering about the feasibility of paddling that distance across the lake and navigating among the many islands. Does anyone have experience with this, tips, or advice? Any info about the beauty and feel of Burntside Lake (loons? wildlife? favorite islands?) are also appreciated! I know most of it is not in the BWCA, but I believe its islands are part of the superior national forest. Being on a lake connected to Sigurd F. Olson is also a draw for me.

Thank you!

-Hannah

Hi Hannah, I have no personal experience paddling Burntside but I just happened to be looking at this thread the other day about paddling/shuttling to the crab portage across Burntside and thought it might have some helpful info for you. Good luck with your trip planning!

Burntside to Crab Portage

We've paddled across Burntside on 2 trips. Both times we started from the parking area at the south end of the lake (near Wolf Lake). I don't believe any part of Burntside is within the BWCA and many of the island have private cabins on them. Only one time across was the wind much of a factor and then we were able to use the lee of the islands to get into some calmer waters. We didn't time it but I would guess it took 30-45 minutes to reach the portage. Crab Lake, Cummings Lake and the area in between is really a nice area. We only saw one other group on each of our trips into this area. That first portage must clear out quite a few.

The photo was taken on Burntside lake as you approach the portage to Crab.

Hi Hannah,

I have paddled Burntside as well as used a tow. If you are familiar with maps/compass or electronic guidance, you should be fine with wayfinding. My notes say it took us about an hour and a half to complete the paddle but we did have good weather. I'm a slow paddler and we did a few unnecessary weaves in between some of the islands. :)

My concern with Burntside is how quickly it can get bad and, when it does, how bad it can be. Big rolling waves that have a long way to gain size. I'm on the cautious side of paddlers so you may be more skilled and confident. I wouldn't want to be on Burntside when it's bad and, from my perspective, the tow removes those concerns at the beginning and end of a trip.

The tow worked great for us and when I go back to this entry point, I'll use it again. SunrisePaddler sent a good link with good info about the first portage. It is long, but not onerous or tricky. When you reach the clearing pictured below, you are over halfway and there is a good spot to take a break if needed.

The Crab Lake area has lots of cool options for trips, they all do, but I guess I sure like it a lot. Happy to answer more questions if I can help you plan and prepare. Good luck!

Hey YetiJedi, I think I know where your photo was taken.

I’ve paddled across Burntside several times. All times we were heading back from the Crab portage to the boat landing. If I remember correctly, it was pretty windy with whitecaps. However, the islands provided us enough protection to get us to the landing safely. We also crossed Vermilion to start where not only the wind was a problem, but boat traffic was as well. If you get an early start, you should be fine.

Oops, I had the wrong link in my prior post!

Here is the thread I was looking at recently that addresses paddling on Burntside.

Paddling on Burntside

Lightfoot: "Hey YetiJedi, I think I know where your photo was taken.


"

That's the spot! Colors in your photo are beautiful! Fall trip? Also looks like you had more water than when I was through there last...2019, I think.

egknuti: "If you get an early start, you should be fine. "

Really good advice if you plan to paddle it.

SunrisePaddler: "Oops, I had the wrong link in my prior post!


Here is the thread I was looking at recently that addresses paddling on Burntside.


Paddling on Burntside "

Excellent find, Sunrise! I remember this thread was one I used for planning. Really appreciate the folks on this board!

YetiJedi: "

Lightfoot: "Hey YetiJedi, I think I know where your photo was taken.



"

That's the spot! Colors in your photo are beautiful! Fall trip? Also looks like you had more water than when I was through there last...2019, I think."

This photo and our trip were also 2019, 3rd week of Sept.

Thank you all for your thoughts. The linked thread about paddling Burntside was super helpful.

--Hannah