Cherokee Loop

The Cherokee & Temperance Loop is one of the most popular loop routes accessible from Sawbill Lake, offering a rewarding mix of secluded lakes, scenic portages, and classic Boundary Waters landscapes. Starting and ending at Sawbill Lake, the route travels north through Ada Lake and Skoop Lake before climbing to the expansive waters of Cherokee Lake, a favorite destination known for its rugged shoreline and island-dotted scenery.

From Cherokee, the route continues south through Sitka Lake into North and South Temperance Lakes, where rocky shorelines, forested hills, and quiet campsites provide excellent opportunities to relax and enjoy the wilderness. The return follows a chain of smaller lakes including Weird, Jack, Kelly, Burnt, and Smoke before completing the loop back at Sawbill Lake.

This route features several longer portages that add to its sense of adventure while rewarding paddlers with beautiful lakes and a quieter wilderness experience. Campsites are well distributed throughout the route, allowing for flexible trip planning.

Route Highlights:

Classic loop beginning and ending at Sawbill Lake. Visit the scenic waters of Cherokee Lake. Paddle through the beautiful North and South Temperance Lakes. A rewarding mix of small lakes, forested portages, and peaceful campsites. Opportunities to see loons, eagles, beavers, and other wildlife.