Poplar Lake
From BWCAWiki
Poplar Lake is a medium-sized lake with many islands on the south side of the Gunflint Trail and is adjacent to the BWCAW. About halfway between Grand Marais and the End of the Trail area, Poplar Lake is both a popular fishing destination as well as a "gateway" lake serving three wilderness entry points with routes into the southeastern BWCAW.
There are a number of private cabins and outfitters on Poplar Lake, but nearly all development is on the northern and eastern shores. Motors of any horsepower are allowed on Poplar, as it is a non-wilderness lake.
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Access
The public boat access and parking lot are on the far western end of Poplar Lake. To reach the public access, follow the Forest Service signs from the Gunflint Trail.
Entry Points
#47 Lizz and Swamp lakes
The Lizz and Swamp Lake entry point is the easiest and most popular entry into the wilderness from Poplar Lake, and the overnight permit quota of 4 is often filled during the summer months. A 51 rod portage leads south to Lizz Lake from the central part of the south shoreline of Poplar. Swamp Lake, accessible from a 100 rod portage in the southeast corner of Poplar, is combined with the Lizz Lake entry as they both connect only to Caribou Lake.
#48 Meeds Lake
Meeds Lake is reached via a 320 rod portage from the western end of Poplar Lake. A 110 rod portage then connects the west end of Meeds to Swallow Lake, Pillsbery Lake, and from there to Allen or Henson lakes. A 21 rod portage followed closely by a 12 rod portage connects the east end of Meeds to Caribou Lake.
#49 Skipper and Portage lakes
Poplar Lake connects to Skipper Lake through a 320 rod portage from the western end of Poplar Lake. Portage Lake, reached via Iron Lake, is included with Skipper Lake in the entry point because they both lead only to Rush Lake.
Outfitters and businesses
Nor'Wester Lodge and Canoe Outfitters, Old Northwoods Lodge, Rockwood Lodge and Canoe Outfitters, Trail Center Lodge, and Windigo Lodge are all located on the north shore of Poplar Lake.
Watershed
Poplar Lake is in the Brule River watershed, which drains southeast toward Lake Superior. Poplar Creek flows southeast out of the east end of the lake and meets the Brule a few miles later.
