Pillsbery Lake
Making Connections
- Portage North, 93 rods to Swallow
- Portage East, 95 rods, to Allen
- Portage South, 58 rods, to Henson
Maps
- Fisher
F-13, No. Gunflint Trail, Gunflint, Bearskin Lakes
- McKenzie
4, Gunflint Lake
Links
- DNR Lake No.160318
- Lake Map No. N/A
- Lake Table No. 10C
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Scale 1:21420
Full image approximately 2
miles square |
Description
Pillsbery is one of many long and narrow
lakes, with a distinct east/west orientation, which mark this eastern end
of the BWCA. A mile and a quarter long it is but an eighth mile wide.
Pillsbery lies parallel to and in the middle rank with Swallow and Meeds
to the north, and Henson and Gaskin
to the south. Lower than these near neighbors, it drains both the
Swallow and Henson basins, itself draining into Allen
to the east. Pillsbery provides access to diminutive Swallow, 93 rods and
15' above it to the north, and from there to Meeds, another 100 rods, but
with a 25' descent, farther north. A 95 rod portage with a 27' drop,
not shown on the map above, connects with Allen to the east, while a 58
rod portage rises 12' to Henson in the south. Campsites
Pillsbery is a small lake, and has but
two campsites, both on its northern shore. The one sits on a point above
the mouth of the boggy seepage down from Swallow; the other farther to the
east. Both sites appear to be lightly used, at least, we've never
seen any other party camped here. Planning Considerations
There are several east/west routes through
this eastern end of the BWCA, following the topography of its long, narrow
lakes. Pillsbery sits on one of these, from Horseshoe
in the east to Long Island in the west.
It also sits on one of the few north/south routes through this region, from
Meeds in the north south to Gaskin
and Winchell. Neither of these is a preferred
route for most travelers, however, which makes the Pillsbery routes 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.
Wildlife
Pillsbery is prime moose and wolf habitat.
We've seen moose here in the swampy drainage from Swallow and on the portage
to Allen.
Notes and Comments
Pillsbery and its environs provide one of
the better opportunities to experience the boreal forest. Take an extra
day and bushwhack into Moon.
Last updated on
11 April, 2004
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