2013 Map of Basswood Lake West

About this map

The Superior National Forest dominates this borderland landscape, where the international boundary between Minnesota and Canada weaves through a complex network of glacial lakes and portages. This 2013 survey documents the intricate shoreline of Basswood Lake, a central feature of the Boundary Waters region, including its many indentations like Jackfish Bay, Pipestone Bay, and Hoist Bay. The movement of water through this wilderness is traced from Newton Lake up through Pipestone Falls, eventually reaching the massive expanse of the main lake. The map also captures the Horse River as it snakes toward the northwestern corner, connecting with Crooked Lake and the dramatic drop of Lower Basswood Falls. For those studying the history of northern travel and trade, the map illustrates the precise geography of named landmarks like Lewis Narrows, New York Island, and Caribou Point.