Chain of Lakes State Park - 9 Lakes Challenge -

Trip Overview

Labor Day 2022 - We put in at Long Lake and paddled to Sucker Lake, we then started the 5 mile trek to Miller Lake. The channel from Long Lake to Dock Lake was the most difficult. The channel required continuous steering through the brush and lily pads. Then as the channel entered the woods, there was a small beaver dam. The Kayaks in our party easily slid over the top. As for our canoe, we ended up taking the slippery and muddy portage around the beaver dam. From the beaver dam to the next bridge the water level was pretty low. Both the canoe and the kayaks struggled to stay moving through the rocky and tree-rooted channel.

Beginning in Weber Lake, there was Duck weed and other smelly algae-like surface growth that led all the way to Rivir Lake. It is passable, but it requires a little extra work (Your canoe or kayak will also need a good cleaning when you get home).

The weather was in the low 70's, with very little wind, and it was sprinkling and misty from time to time. The weather kept the fair weathered crowds away. We made the "9-lake challenge" in about 3-1/2 hours including a few breaks for snacks and photographs.

Keep in mind: there was no current and that you have to paddle for the 5 miles with nearly 2 miles of duck weed and algae. Although a beginner can do it, you must be able to paddle for the entire 5 miles. This is no river booze cruise.