Where To Paddleboard
To say that this area of northern Wisconsin is good for paddleboarding would be a gross understatement. Blessed with hundreds of pristine lakes largely surrounded by state forest and generally light winds, it is truly a paddleboarding paradise. The hardest part is choosing which lakes to paddle as they are all fantastic. If you prefer quiet lakes your best bet is to stay within the Northern Highland State Forest. If you want more ammenities and action the chains are the place to be. Below are some of our favorites but please feel free to give us a call for more information.
Day Lake (Vilas County)
Area - 110 ACRES
Maximum Depth - 57 feet
Bottom - 70% sand, 20% gravel, 10% rock, 0% muck
If you're looking for a quite lake with clear water, mainly sandy bottom and protection from wind, Day Lake is a great choice. The lake is 100% state owned so you won't see any buildings on the shoreline and boat traffic is generally small fishing boats. The serpentine shape makes is sheltered in most wind directions. Loons and eagles will be common.
The lake is a short 15 to 20 minute drive from either Coontail location.
We love to paddle here early and late in the season as you will likely be the only ones on the lake.
Trout Lake (Vilas County)
Area - 3864 ACRES
Maximum Depth - 117 feet
Mean Depth - 49 FEET
Bottom - 30% sand, 40% gravel, 20% rock, 10% muck
At nearly 4000 acres, Trout Lake is one of the largest , and deepest (117') lakes in the state of Wisconsin. While it's shear size can be intimidating, it is a fantastic place to paddle if the wind is light. The lake is roughly 70% state owned with most of the homes located on the north side of the upper lake and south side of the lower lake. The area in between is full of lush shoreline, sand beeches and state-owned islands to explore. The best launches are at the north boat landing and the north end of Ben Bendrick drive. There are 4 nesting eagle pairs on the lake and an abundance of loons.
The lake is only a 5 minute drive from Boulder Junction and a 15 minute dive from Minocqua
Steve paddles the lake daily so feel free to contact him for more information.
White Sand Lake (Boulder Junction)
Area - 746 ACRES
Maximum Depth - 71 feet
Mean Depth - 33 FEET
Bottom - 40% sand, 45% gravel, 5% rock, 10% muck
White Sand is an ideal lake for swimming and exploring on calm days. The lake is very open so it is not a great lake on windy days. The beech on the west end is ideal while the creek on the east end is full of wildlife. Watch out for soft bottom in the bay on the east end. Loons and eagle are very common here.
The lake is a 10 minute drive from Boulder Junction.
Big Muskellunge (Vilas County)
Area - 897 ACRES
Maximum Depth - 70 feet
Mean Depth - 26 FEET
Bottom - 60% sand, 20% gravel, 15% rock, 5% muck
Another clear, sandy lake, Big Muskellunge is a great place to paddle and explore. If the wind is northwest-northeast you can launch from Big Muskellunge road boat landing and enjoy calm paddling along the north shoreline. With 90% of the shoreline being state owned, you will be in for a treat on this northwoods lake.
The lake is a 15 minute drive from with Boulder Junction or Minocqua.