Twin Lakes Canoe Route

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota's paddling enthusiasts and those craving a genuine wilderness experience, the Twin Lakes Canoe Route offers a captivating journey through the heart of the Northwoods, all without the complexities of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) permit system. Located near the picturesque town of Grand Marais, this canoe route provides a unique opportunity to explore a chain of beautiful lakes interconnected by portages, delivering a backcountry feel with relative ease of access. Unlike highly developed campgrounds, the Twin Lakes Canoe Route focuses on a primitive camping experience, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the tranquility and raw beauty of the Superior National Forest.

The Twin Lakes Canoe Route is a cherished gem for those seeking solitude, excellent fishing, and scenic paddling. It's an ideal choice for families looking for an introduction to canoe camping, or for seasoned paddlers who appreciate a less-traveled path. The route's design, linking six lakes via four portages, creates a manageable circuit that offers both adventure and serenity. The campsites along the route are designed to provide basic necessities while maintaining a minimal impact on the environment, ensuring that the natural splendor remains intact for all to enjoy. It's a place where the rhythmic dip of a paddle and the call of a loon define the day, offering a profound escape into Minnesota's revered natural landscapes.

Location and Accessibility

The Twin Lakes Canoe Route is conveniently located near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA, with its primary access point at Winter Wren Rd. This strategic position places it within the Superior National Forest, making it a relatively accessible wilderness experience for many Minnesotans. Grand Marais itself is a popular destination on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior, approximately four hours drive north of the Twin Cities. The journey along Highway 61 to reach Grand Marais is a scenic delight, setting the tone for the natural beauty that awaits.

Accessing the Twin Lakes Canoe Route typically involves driving part of the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) from Grand Marais, then turning onto Forest Road 325 and subsequently Forest Road 152 to reach the East and West Twin Lakes boat landing. There is also a canoe landing on Pine Lake, accessible from County Road 27. While these roads are generally well-maintained, they may transition to gravel as you get closer to the entry points, so always check local conditions. The fact that this route is outside the BWCAW means you don't need the same type of quota-based permit, making spontaneous trips a bit easier, though proper planning for backcountry travel is always essential.

Once on the water, the Twin Lakes Canoe Route involves navigating several lakes and undertaking portages to connect them. These portages are known to vary in length and terrain. For instance, the portage between Pine Lake and West Twin Lake is notable for following an old railroad bed. While relatively easy to access by northern Minnesota standards, the route still demands self-sufficiency and preparation for a wilderness environment. This blend of manageable access and a genuine backcountry feel makes it a perfect local destination for those ready to paddle into the wild.

Services Offered

• Primitive Campsites: The route features five backcountry campsites, designed to provide basic needs. These are cleared areas for pitching tents, offering a rustic overnight experience.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a designated fire ring for safe campfires (subject to current fire restrictions) and outdoor cooking.
• Picnic Tables: While not always guaranteed at every primitive site, some areas may have basic picnic tables to facilitate meal preparation and dining.
• Vault Toilets: Simple, non-flush latrine facilities are typically available a short distance from the main camping area at designated sites, ensuring proper waste management.
• Water Access: Access to the lakes for water. All water collected from the lakes must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption to ensure safety.
• Canoe Landings: Each campsite usually has a natural canoe landing spot, allowing for easy and safe entry and exit from the water. Some landings, like those on Brule Lake (a nearby BWCA lake with similar characteristics), are noted for "superb landing areas" including sandy/gravel beaches.

Features / Highlights

• Wilderness-Like Experience Without BWCA Permits: Offers a deep immersion in nature with primitive camping and portaging, providing a feel similar to the BWCAW but without the competitive permit lottery system, making spontaneous trips easier to plan.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Twin Lakes Canoe Route is renowned for its superb fishing. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of species including walleye, lake trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. Some sources specifically mention "good fishing in the channel to the southwest" and catching "quite a bit of walleye right off of this campsite" in similar areas.
• Scenic Paddling Circuit: The route connects six beautiful lakes via four portages, creating a manageable and diverse paddling loop through dense forests and serene waters.
• Portages on Historic Trails: One of the portages follows an old railroad grade, offering a unique historical element to the wilderness trek.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The remote setting increases the chances of observing diverse Minnesota wildlife, including moose, bear, eagles, loons, and various bird species.
• Seclusion and Tranquility: Provides a peaceful escape from crowds, allowing for quiet contemplation and a strong connection with nature.
• Hammock-Friendly Sites: While not explicitly stated for every site on this route, similar primitive campsites in the region often offer "trees for hammocks," providing alternative sleeping options.
• Ideal for Skill Levels: The route's combination of lake paddling and relatively short portages can be suitable for a range of skill levels, from those new to canoe camping to more experienced paddlers.
• Beautiful Forest Environment: Campers are surrounded by the lush, mixed forests of the Superior National Forest, offering shade, natural beauty, and the sounds of the Northwoods.

Contact Information

Address: Winter Wren Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone: (218) 626-4300

Mobile Phone: +1 218-626-4300

For the most current information regarding the Twin Lakes Canoe Route, including trail conditions, specific campsite details, water levels, or any advisories (like fire restrictions), it is highly recommended to contact the Superior National Forest or the local Forest Service office serving the Grand Marais area. The provided phone numbers are a good starting point for general inquiries. Additionally, local outfitters in Grand Marais can provide invaluable real-time information, gear, and guidance for planning your canoe trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, the Twin Lakes Canoe Route represents an ideal local escape into the state's iconic wilderness, perfectly balancing accessibility with a true backcountry feel. Living in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," residents have a natural affinity for paddling and the quiet solitude of the Northwoods. This canoe route, strategically located near Grand Marais, offers a convenient yet profound wilderness experience, sidestepping the often-competitive permit system of the larger Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness while still delivering a comparable sense of untouched nature.

The Twin Lakes Canoe Route is perfectly suited for locals seeking a multi-day paddling adventure without the extensive planning sometimes required for more remote areas. It provides an excellent opportunity for families to introduce children to the joys of canoe camping, for friends to reconnect amidst stunning scenery, or for solo adventurers to find peace in solitude. The rich fishing opportunities, the chance to observe Minnesota's diverse wildlife, and the sheer beauty of paddling through interconnected lakes surrounded by dense forests all contribute to an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, supporting and utilizing local gems like the Twin Lakes Canoe Route helps to maintain these vital recreational resources for future generations. It’s a chance for Minnesotans to embrace their state's natural heritage, create cherished memories, and find rejuvenation in the heart of their magnificent backyard.

Twin Lakes Canoe Route

Winter Wren Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA