Locator Lake Day-Use Area

Locator Lake Day-Use Area is a lakeshore picnic stop at the end of the Locator Lake Trail, where staged canoes let you continue onto the park's interior lakes. Getting there is a serious outing: cross Kabetogama Lake by boat to the trailhead, then hike two miles each way on a strenuous trail over ridges, steep hills, rocks, roots, and stairs. Allow two to five hours for the four-mile round trip. This makes sense if you plan to paddle after the hike; it's a lot to arrange for a picnic alone.

Book a day-use canoe through the park's reservation system and keep the emailed lock code and access instructions with you. The canoes are locked at the far end of the trail, and you won't be able to use one without the code. Privately owned watercraft can't be portaged into the interior lakes, so plan the crossing to the trailhead separately using your own boat, a rental, or a water taxi. Pets aren't allowed on the backcountry trail.

There is a picnic table, fire ring, and outhouse for day users. Bring your own food and drinking water. Spring access depends on lake ice-out; late ice can delay boat travel into May. The trail and shoreline are the whole experience here, so come ready for a remote day on foot and water.