Rifle LakeMaking ConnectionsMapsLinks
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Full image approximately 2 miles square |
Description
Rifle is a small lake in the Kawishiwi River drainage, 18 miles ENE of Ely, and 10 miles northwest of Forest Center. Shaped rather like an inverted "V", less than a half mile long on its NE/SW arm and just over a quarter mile long on its north/south arm, Rifle sits just to the northeast of popular Lake Two. A 65 rod portage out of Rifle's southwestern end runs down to the northeastern end of One. A 170 rod, up-and-over carry out of the northeast end of Rifle gains some 45' in elevation before leveling off and then losing almost as much elevation in its descent to the south shore of Bridge.The area around Rifle is second growth forest, having grown up in the aftermath of the early logging of the St. Croix Lumber Company of Winton (1896 - 1920). Prior to logging, the area probably supported numerous stands of big Red and White Pines, dating back to 1796 and earlier. The area around Rifle escaped damage in the Fourth of July windstorms of 1999, the bulk of the destruction occuring well to the north.
Campsites
Rifle supports a single established campsite, along the eastern shore.Planning Considerations
Rifle is a link in the Rifle/Bridge Loop, which runs north of the Kawishiwi River, from Lake Two, through Rifle and Bridge, rejoining the river at Lake Four. This loop makes an excellent alternative for those who would like to get away from the bustle of the Number Lakes. All it takes is some portaging.Wildlife
Notes and Comments
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