Kiskadinna Lake
Making Connections
- Portage Northwest, 185 rods to Muskeg
- Portage Southeast, 32 rods, to Omega
- Portage South, 305 rods, to Davis
Maps
- Fisher
F-13, No. Gunflint Trail,
Gunflint, Bearskin Lakes
- McKenzie
4, Gunflint Lake
Links
- DNR Lake No.160428
- Lake Map No. C0294
- Lake Table No. 10C
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Scale 1:42840
Full image approximately 4
miles square |
Description
Kiskadinna is one of many long and
narrow lakes, with a distinct east/west orientation, which mark this eastern
end of the BWCA. Over two miles long it is rarely even an eighth mile
wide. To the east a short portage links it to Omega
and the chain of lakes running east to Horseshoe.
To the south, an arduous 305 rod carry provides access to Davis.
The portage off the west end is legendary, dropping some 150' into the Long
Island basin from the higher ground to the east. Most of the change
in elevation is concentrated in something under 100 rods of the 185 rod
portage, making the haul up from Muskeg a serious
workout, especially if you're packing aluminum. Campsites
Kiskadinna has two campsites, well spaced
along its northern shore. Planning Considerations
There are several east/west routes through
this eastern end of the BWCA, following the topography of its long, narrow
lakes. Kiskadinna sits on one of these, from Horseshoe
in the east to Long Island in the west.
Its west end also serves as a short link in one of the few north/south routes
through this region, from Brule in the south through
the Cones and Davis to Long Island. Neither
of these is a preferred route for most travelers, however, which makes the
Kiskadinna route especially appealing. The heavy traffic tends to stay farther
to the south, the highway running from Horseshoe through Gaskin
to Winchell and beyond to Brule. If you're averse
to hill climbing with a canoe on your back, you may want to plan your route
so that you descend the portage into Muskeg. Wildlife
The area north of Kiskadinna is prime
moose and wolf habitat though the heavily wooded shores tend to limit sighting
opportunities.
Notes and Comments
While the route through Kiskadinna generally
provides a small scale alternative to a long paddle on Winchell, Kiskadinna
itself can be quite the long paddle, especially in the face of a stiff prevailing
westerly in this long and narrow corridor.
Last updated on
11 April, 2004
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