Auk Lake
The largest of a group of three shallow lakes north of Frost Lake. The name of this lake comes from a short-winged diving seabird that inhabits northern oceans. The auk has a black head and white underbelly. This is a similar coloration to the Common Loon which is very well known to BWCA visitors and is also the Minnesota state bird.
A large 1875 fire that likely ignited somewhere near Lake Insula and the Hog Lake area. The fire is known as the Alice Lake/Ogishkemuncie Lake/Tuscarora Lake/Cherokee Lake Complex.
This fire started within what is now the Hairy Lake Primitive Management Area. The ignition point was probably somewhere between Mass Lake and Auk Lake. This fire, which took place in 1846, is called the Auk Lake/Long Island Lake/Cross Bay Lake Complex.
Way back in 1727, the Gordon Lake/Brule Lake/Winchell Lake Complex burned this area. It probably began somewhere near Sawbill Lake.
Approach to Auk Lake
Come at Auk Lake from the north shore of Frost Lake. Look for marshy area to the west of the western most of the two eastern campsites on the north side of the lake. It is at the western end of a sandy beach that runs along much of the north shoreline. There may be a very small creek flowing through here.
Bushwhack to Auk Lake
Follow the valley from Frost Lake north up to Auk Lake. The valley has a small creek running through it. It is a fairly long bushwhack of about 150 rods but the terrain looks to be fairly easy to traverse. You will eventually make your way to the south tip of the southern arm of Auk Lake. This part of the lake is heavily vegetated.
Exploring Auk Lake
Auk Lake is a fairly large and probably quite shallow lake. It has good streches of shoreline that is made up of peat bog. The rest of the shoreline is forested and of low relief, with scattered rocky outcrops. The peat bog at the northeast end of the lake leads the way out to Moth Lake.
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