The recipe for perfect paddling

March 25, 2025

Boulder Junction has over 194 crystal clear lakes and several excellent rivers for paddlers. The vast areas of undeveloped wilderness are a playground for paddlers. Kayakers and canoeists will find several excellent no-motor lakes as well as a huge array of secluded, undeveloped lakes and rivers within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.

The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest offers paddlers the opportunity to camp along rivers and lakes at designated canoe campsites. There are currently over 70 sites on the State Forest. The majority of sites are on the Manitowish River and Manitowish Chain of Lakes. A variety of lake sites also exist. All campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are numbered and marked with yellow signs displaying a tepee. Portages are designated by yellow signs with crossed paddles.

If you are in the area stop into the office and grab a Silent Sports or a NHAL State Forest Paddling Routes map which both have campsites marked. To find the perfect lake, visit the DNR website.