Kelso Lake
Making Connections
- Portage South, 10 rods, to Alton
- Portage North, down the Kelso River, to Lujenida
- Paddle Southeast, up the Kelso River, towards Sawbill
Maps
Links
- DNR Lake No. 160706
- Lake Map No. C0289
- Lake Table No. 9C
- MDH Fish Consumption Advisory - N/A
- MPCA Water Quality - N/A
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Scale 1:21420
Full image approximately 2
miles square
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Description
Kelso is a long and narrow lake on
the Kelso River just to the north of Alton. One
and a half miles north to south, its 97 acres have a maximum depth of but
16'. The Kelso River enters at the north end, exiting along the western
shore on its way down to Sawbill. About a mile
to the northwest rises the 2100' summit of Kelso Mountain.
Campsites
Kelso supports three designated campsites,
two in the north end and one in the south, near the portage south into Alton.
Planning Considerations
Kelso Lake and the Kelso River provide
access to one of the few north/south routes through the region, linking
the Sawbill/Alton area
to the upper end of the Louse River watershed and through Hub,
to the Frost River country beyond. Paddling out of the north end of Kelso
brings an abrupt, but welcome, transition from the large and popular lakes
to the south to the more rugged and lightly traveled backcountry.
Wildlife
Kelso supports populations of Northern
Pike (Esox lucius), White
Sucker (Catostomus commersoni),
and Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens).
Notes and Comments
Kelso Lake and River offer one of the most
accessible opportunities to experience the boreal bog at close hand. Even
visitors staying on Alton or Sawbill,
with no intentions of portaging into the backcountry, would do well to paddle
up the Kelso.
Last updated on
11 April, 2004
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