Twin Lakes Canoe Route, Grand Marais, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota residents seeking an authentic North Shore paddling experience without the rigorous permitting process of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), the Twin Lakes Canoe Route stands out as a prime local destination. Nestled within the expansive Superior National Forest, near the famed Gunflint Trail and the picturesque town of Grand Marais, this route offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. It is less a traditional "campground" and more of a canoe-accessible backcountry route, featuring designated primitive campsites across multiple interconnected lakes.

The Twin Lakes Canoe Route is comprised of six scenic lakes—Pine, Kemo, Talus, West Twin, and East Twin—linked by a series of four portages. This setup allows for a wilderness-like experience, characterized by quiet waters, towering pine and birch forests, and abundant opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. It’s an ideal spot for Minnesotans looking for a manageable overnight or a rewarding day trip, providing a taste of the deep wilderness that the North Shore is known for. The route is particularly appreciated by local users as it generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis for the campsites, eliminating the need for advance permits, a significant convenience for spontaneous weekend getaways.

Location and Accessibility

The Twin Lakes Canoe Route is strategically located near the rugged beauty of Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region. The primary access points are a short drive from the charming harbor town of Grand Marais, which serves as the gateway to the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway.

The official address associated with a key access point is: Winter Wren Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA.

To reach the main northern access point (the East and West Twin Lakes boat landing), Minnesota travelers will follow State Highway 61 into Grand Marais, and then proceed north onto the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12). The drive continues about 16.5 miles up the Gunflint Trail before turning onto Forest Road 325 (South Brule Road) for approximately 6 miles, and then onto Forest Road 152 (Lima Grade) for about 4 miles, which leads directly to the boat landing situated between the Twin Lakes.

A southern access point is also available on Pine Lake. While the final roads leading to the access points can be gravel and minimal maintenance roads, the primary route along the Gunflint Trail is a well-maintained, paved scenic byway, making the journey part of the overall North Shore experience. Parking is available at the boat landings for both vehicle and trailer combinations, though space may be limited at peak times. Given its proximity to the Gunflint Trail, it is an accessible retreat into nature for residents across the state.

Services Offered

As a designated canoe route within the Superior National Forest, the services offered are designed to support a primitive, backcountry experience. Visitors should plan to be self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water filtration or purification systems, and adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

The primary services and basic amenities provided along the route include:

Backcountry Campsites: There are five designated, primitive campsites scattered along the canoe route, available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering a true wilderness feel.
Campsite Amenities: Each designated campsite typically includes a basic fire grate for cooking and warmth, and a rustic latrine facility.
Boat Launches: Public water access sites are located at East and West Twin Lakes, with gravel/concrete ramps suitable for launching canoes, kayaks, and small motorized boats.
Portage Trails: Clearly marked portage trails connect the six lakes, varying in length and difficulty, including the longer portage between Pine Lake and West Twin Lake, which follows an old railroad grade.
Parking: Limited parking spaces for vehicles and trailers are available at the main boat landings.
Fishing Opportunities: Access to lakes known to hold various fish species, including Walleye, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout, though a valid Minnesota fishing license and trout stamp are required.

Features / Highlights

The Twin Lakes Canoe Route is celebrated among local paddlers for its unique combination of accessibility and remote atmosphere. It serves as an excellent introduction to multi-day canoe tripping for those new to the activity, or a quick, refreshing getaway for seasoned Minnesotan adventurers.

Key features that make this route a highlight for locals include:

Wilderness-Like Experience Without a Permit: One of the most significant draws is the opportunity to enjoy a remote, backcountry setting within the Superior National Forest without the mandatory, often difficult-to-secure, permits required for the nearby BWCAW.
Six Interconnected Lakes: The route links East Twin, West Twin, Talus, Kemo, and Pine Lakes, providing a varied and rewarding paddling loop for an overnight or two-day trip.
Outstanding Fishing: The lakes in the route are noted for their high-quality fishing, particularly for cold-water species like Lake Trout and Brook Trout, making it a favorite for local anglers.
Wildlife Viewing: The quiet waters and dense forest cover offer excellent chances to spot iconic Minnesota wildlife, including moose, black bear, beaver, and bald eagles.
Scenic Portages: The short portages, particularly the one following an old railroad bed, add historical texture and variety to the paddling adventure.
Accessibility for Motorized and Non-Motorized Craft: Unlike the BWCAW, the lakes are generally accessible to small motorized boats, offering flexibility for different styles of recreation (paddling is still the preferred method for the full route).

Contact Information

For detailed and up-to-date information regarding the Twin Lakes Canoe Route, including current conditions, maps, and specific regulations for the Superior National Forest, visitors should contact the local Ranger District Office.

Address: Winter Wren Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (Approximate location of primary access point)

Phone: (218) 626-4300 (General Forest Service Information Line - Note: Local Gunflint Ranger District number is also often used for area information)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-626-4300

(Note: Mobile service may be extremely limited or unavailable along the Gunflint Trail and the canoe route itself.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Twin Lakes Canoe Route is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals. It represents an accessible slice of the North Shore wilderness, acting as a superb alternative to the often-crowded and permit-restricted BWCAW. For a resident of Minnesota, this route provides the ideal blend of a remote, primitive camping and paddling experience combined with the convenience of easy road access off the scenic Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais.

It is an outstanding venue for introducing families or new paddlers to the unique challenge and reward of a multi-lake, portage-based trip without the need for extensive planning or complex logistics. Whether you are looking for a weekend of peaceful fishing, a chance to photograph a Minnesota moose, or simply a night under the region's famously dark, star-filled skies, the Twin Lakes Canoe Route offers a local, authentic, and unforgettable Northwoods adventure right in our own backyard. It embodies the core of what local outdoor enthusiasts cherish: stunning natural beauty, solitude, and the opportunity for deep connection with Minnesota's rugged environment. Pack your Duluth packs and experience the serene waters of this local gem.