Red Rock Loop

The Sea Gull Lake Loop begins and ends at Entry Point 54 (Sea Gull Lake) near the end of the Gunflint Trail. The route travels east across Sea Gull Lake to Alpine and Red Rock lakes before reaching the broad, open waters of Saganaga Lake on the Minnesota-Ontario border, then loops back west through Gull Lake to return to the entry point.

Sea Gull Lake sets the scale for the trip — a wide, open lake with forested shorelines that anchors the first full day of paddling. From there, the route connects through Alpine Lake and drops into Red Rock before a short carry into Saganaga, one of the largest wilderness lakes on the border. Saganaga is a sprawling, island-dotted lake with long open crossings along the boundary, and a remote character that sets it apart from more interior routes. The return from Saganaga follows Gull Lake west before the final stretch across Sea Gull back to the entry.

This loop suits paddlers comfortable with big-water travel and open crossings. Sea Gull and Saganaga both require attention to wind and timing — exposed stretches on either lake can become demanding in rough weather. With only two short portages on the full loop, the trip asks little on land, but the open water rewards experience reading conditions and planning around the weather. It's a good fit for those looking to spend extended time on border lake scenery without a heavy portage load.

Route Highlights

• Expansive open-water paddling across Sea Gull and Saganaga lake
• Alpine and Red Rock lakes offer a quieter transition between the larger open waters
• Minimal portaging with only two short carries on the complete loop
• Classic border country scenery at the end of the Gunflint Trail corridor

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Sea Gull Lake → Alpine Lake

Cross the length of Sea Gull Lake and move into the quieter waters of Alpine Lake to settle in for the first night.

Day 2

Alpine Lake → Saganaga Lake

Drop through Red Rock Lake on two short portages, then paddle out onto the open water of Saganaga and follow its island-dotted shoreline along the border.

Day 3

Saganaga Lake → Sea Gull Lake

Move off Saganaga and through Gull Lake, then make the final crossing back across Sea Gull to return to Entry Point 54.