- 1–3 days
- Duration
- Easy
- Difficulty
- 7.8 mi
- Total distance
- 6.8 mi
- Paddling
- 4
- Portages · 318 rods
About this route
The Rose Lake Loop is a scenic Boundary Waters loop that begins and ends at Entry Point 60 (Duncan Lake). Despite its relatively short distance, this route is known for its dramatic scenery, historic border waters, and one of the area's most iconic portages.
After launching on Duncan Lake, paddlers travel north to Rose Lake, a long, narrow border lake that forms part of the international boundary between the United States and Canada. Towering ridges, rocky shorelines, and sweeping views make Rose Lake one of the most scenic destinations in the eastern Boundary Waters.
The route returns by way of Daniels Lake, creating a compact loop that combines enjoyable paddling with several moderate portages. Its manageable length makes it a favorite for day trips, weekend adventures, or paddlers looking to experience the beauty of the Gunflint Trail region without committing to a longer expedition.
Route Highlights:
Classic loop beginning and ending at Duncan Lake. Paddle the scenic border waters of Rose Lake. Beautiful overlooks and rugged shoreline scenery. Opportunity to visit the well-known Stairway Portage and nearby waterfalls. Excellent choice for a day trip or short overnight adventure.
The portages
4 carries, 318 rods total.
| Portage | Rods | Climb |
|---|---|---|
| Bearskin Lake → Duncan Lake moderate | 81 | +19 ft |
| Duncan Lake → Bearskin Lake moderate | 81 | +78 ft |
| Duncan Lake → Rose Lake moderate | 78 | +153 ft |
| Rose Lake → Duncan Lake moderate | 78 | +284 ft |
Lakes on this route
3 lakes, 15 campsites between them. Fish species recorded by the Minnesota DNR.
| Lake | Depth | Size | Campsites | Fish species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bearskin Lake | 78 ft | 509 ac | 1 | bluegillgreen sunfishhybrid sunfishlake troutnorthern pikerainbow smeltsmallmouth basswalleyeyellow perch |
| Duncan Lake | 130 ft | 477 ac | 7 | cisco speciesgreen sunfishlake troutsmallmouth basswhite sucker |
| Rose Lake | 90 ft | 1,410 ac | 7 | — |
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