Top 5 Lakes in Keweenaw County

Keweenaw County's lakes offer diverse natural beauty. You'll find dense forests, rugged shorelines, and picturesque islands, such as those in Lake Medora. Many lakes, like Lac La Belle and Portage Lake, also connect to the vast waters of Lake Superior, providing unique aquatic environments.

Several lakes in Keweenaw County are excellent for fishing. Gratiot Lake is known for northern pike, walleye, and rainbow trout. Lac La Belle is a favored spot for muskie, northern pike, and walleye. You can also find good walleye fishing in Lake Fanny Hooe and Lake Medora, which also has smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Portage Lake is considered a premier fishing lake with a wide variety of species including northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass.

Yes, many lakes are great for paddling and boating. Lac La Belle offers access to Lake Superior via the Mendota Canal, making it ideal for exploring both inland and Great Lakes waters. Portage Lake is also very popular for boating and paddling, with several launch points available. Lake Fanny Hooe is noted for paddling, and Lake Medora provides a tranquil setting for it.

You'll find a range of hiking trails near the lakes. For easy options, consider routes like Rock Harbor Trail or Estivant Pines Loop. More moderate trails include the main Rock Harbor Trail and Mt. Ojibway to McCargoe Cove via Greenstone Ridge Trail. For a comprehensive list of trails, you can explore the Hiking in Keweenaw County guide.

Yes, some lakes offer good swimming opportunities. Lake Desor, located on Isle Royale, is known for its warmer, calmer waters compared to Lake Superior, making it a great spot for a refreshing swim after a hike. Portage Lake also features a sandy swimming beach at the Hancock Recreation Area.

Near Lake Fanny Hooe, you'll find Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, which allows visitors to combine water activities with exploring a Civil War-era fort, offering a blend of recreation and history.

Gratiot Lake is highly accessible, featuring a hard-surface ramp for trailerable watercraft, ample parking, and restroom facilities. Lake Medora also has a public access site and boat launch along US-41. Portage Lake offers various launch points and the Hancock Recreation Area with amenities like a sandy beach, playground, and picnic areas.

Keweenaw County offers excellent mountain biking. For example, there are great views of Lake Fanny Hooe from trails like Paul's Plunge, suitable for advanced riders. You can find more details on routes in the MTB Trails in Keweenaw County guide, which includes challenging loops around Fort Wilkins and Lake Fanny Hooe.

Yes, camping is available. For a backcountry experience, South Lake Desor Campground on Isle Royale offers designated tent sites and a pit toilet, accessible by foot. McCargoe Cove Campground, also on Isle Royale, provides shelters, tent sites, and a boat dock.

Isle Royale National Park is one of the most remote National Parks in the U.S., isolated in Lake Superior. It offers a true backcountry experience with no roads, limited facilities, and challenging trails through dense forests and past pristine inland lakes like Lake Desor. It's known for its diverse wildlife, including moose and wolves.

The lakes in Keweenaw County are generally best visited from spring through fall for outdoor activities like hiking, paddling, and fishing. Isle Royale National Park, for instance, is open seasonally from April 17th to October 31st. Summer offers warmer waters for swimming, while fall brings vibrant foliage.