Posse LakeMaking Connections
MapsLinks
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Full image approximately 2 miles square |
Description
Posse is a small lake on the Hustler River, in the Lac La Croix drainage basin, 15 miles east of Crane Lake and 28¾ miles NNW of Ely. Posse is but one of several small lakes and ponds along the course of the Hustler River, from its origins at Hustler Lake north to where it joins Pocket Creek at Finger Lake. Scarcely a quarter mile in length, Posse is not even the largest of this string of lakes, but it is the only one bearing a proper name.The forests which ring Posse Lake are among the youngest in the vicinity, having come in in the aftermath of the big fire of 1894. This region of the BWCA escaped damage in the 4th of July windstorms of 1999, which caused such extensive tree loss to the south and east.
Campsites
Posse Lake may support an established campsite, on the western shore as indicated on the Superior National Forest map server, though a site on Posse is not shown on the popular navigational map series. Because Posse is located within the Weeny Lake Primitive Management Area, an established site would be unusual here. In any case, if you plan on camping at Posse, be sure to get your PMA permit before you hit the water.Planning Considerations
Posse lies on the 3¾ mile course of the Hustler River in the Weeny Lake Primitive Management Area, which is not known to be a navigable stream, much less an established canoe route. Caveat paddlor. The upper stretches of the river, above Posse and immediately downstream, appear to be relatively passable through the ponds, given normal water levels (though the elevation drops make the short stream sections likely to require some manner of portaging). The lower reaches of the river, below the mouth of Rangeline Creek, appear to be more problematic, especially where most maps show the river disappearing in a marshy area about 35 rods short of the Finger Lake shore. (The DNR lake map for Finger shows it as an intermittent stream through the boggy area to the lake.)Wildlife
Posse Lake is in a lightly traveled, backcountry area of small streams connecting small lakes and ponds. It should be good wildlife habitat, particularly for moose.Notes and Comments
Posse Lake is located on one of the most appealing of the off piste (off trail in the mangled French of Eurospeak) possibilities in this area. We would very much like to hear from anyone with experience paddling any or all of the Hustler River.
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