Paddle/Car Camp, Sylvania Wilderness, Watersmeet, Mi., Wed. August 12th 2:00 PM – Friday, August 14th 5:00 pm, Meet at Clark Lake Campground, Loop 4, Site 40.
On this adventure we will head north about an hour from Rhinelander to the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area outside Watersmeet, Michigan. For those of you who haven’t been there you will be impressed with the beauty of the area. The old-growth forests of hemlock, yellow birch and its pristine 34 named non-motorized lakes provide plentiful fishing and canoeing/kayaking and hiking opportunities. This event consists of two paddle adventures and an opportunity to car camp if you choose to. You can participate in only one or both paddles depending on your summer schedule and camp for one or two nights of your choosing. There is an entrance fee of $5.00/day for those individuals that do not have a federal recreation card. If you do have a recreation card make sure to bring it to hang in your vehicle. No metal or glass food or beverage containers, including foam containers can be taken into the wilderness (except the Clark Lake campground). If you are interested in camping at the Clark Lake campground you will need to reserve your own site. I am registered for 2 nights in Loop 4, site #40. You will need to reserve a site online at recreation.gov. If you are not familiar with the process I can walk you through it while you’re on your computer. The activities will be somewhat determined by the weather/wind direction, but the following are possibilities: Hiking the shoreline of Clark Lake, swimming at the beach area, paddling adventures, visiting Paulding Light during the evening, fishing (MI license, and catch & release), sitting around the campfire socializing, wondering off by yourself and enjoying the solitude, whatever you want to participate in. A wearable PFD is required on all NPT paddles. If I remember, cell service is poor, so it is imperative that you stay in contact with me through text messages when I am up there 715-499-1022. Tentative schedule: Thursday, 10:30 a.m. put-in at Crooked Lake and paddle to Mountain Lake. There is a very short/flat portage about 50 yards into Mountain. We help each other with that. Eat our lunch at the portage, scenic views of both lakes by turning your head. Paddle Mountain, including two secret lakes that I know and leisurely paddling back to the put-in with your vehicles waiting. Friday’s, 10:30 a.m. paddle to be determined. It is important you let me know you’re coming so I can communicate with you any change in plans and where we can meet up.
Directions from Rhinelander :( App 1 hr, 10 min) Travel Hwy 17 N. to Eagle River, Hwy 45 to Watersmeet, Mi. Turn left at the Intersection of Hwy 45 and Hwy 2 and travel west for app 5 miles and turn left on Thousand Island RD. In several miles you’ll see the Sylvania Wilderness entrance sign and turn left to the Entrance Station. From the entrance station follow the road to the intersection showing the way to Crooked Lake (left) and Clark Lake campground and boat landing (right). Clark Lake Campground Loop 4 Site 40
A donation of $5.00 per event is requested for non-NPT members which can be paid at the event. Membership for NPT is $10.00/year. To become a NPT member go to NorthernPaddleandTrail.org and click on membership.
Please RSVP jayjoppa1950@gmail.com or 715-499-1022 or the preferred method go to meetup.com/northern-paddle-trail and click on ATTEND. I hope you can join us for this NPT adventure. – J
Northern Paddle and Trail 