The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1935-08-15

by the way of Devil Track road which
follows along the North Shore of Devil
Track lake. This road is primarily a
protection and recreation road, as il
ends at the railroad track, where
crews are transported by speeder to
the fires and work projects.
There are a number of side roads
leading to various lakes and resorts
but time does not permit us to visit
them all so We will stop at the Guard
Cabin on East BearSkin lake. This
station again is of log construction but
is unique in that it is built ON the top
OF knoll, which gives the guard good
view of the lake shore and the area on
the north side of the lake. Here are a
number of summer homes which are
located on lots owned by the govern
ment which can be rented for a very
reasonable amount. In case of fire
in this area the guard can locate and
take immediate steps to suppress it. A
stroll around the lake shore and we can
view number of the summer homes
which are all set back away from the
shore in order to leave the shore line
free.
Behind these buildings several hun
dred feet and screened from view is
different type of road which is SER
vice road leading to these homes. Just
sufficient trees are cut out to make
room for cars, StumpS are dug out and
the grade Smoothed up within year
or two. The center grows up to grass,
leaving two parallel paths through the
woods where the wheels of the cars
run. These roads are safe but one
must drive slowly. At each cabin
road turns off and winds its way to
the home site. At this point one finds
well developed public camp ground
which has become very popular. A
small store furnishes food supplies to
the tourists and boats may be rented
for trips on East Bearskin lake and
other tributaries where excellent fish
ing may be enjoyed.
The road from Grand Marais to East
BearSkin is quite wide and in good
condition. From this point westward,
however the road is rather narrow with
many curves and undulated grades. The
next thirty-five miles becomes a scenic
drive seldom equalled in this country.
AT intervals one passes through stands
of virgin pine, then clean, clear stands
of aspen, white birch, spruce and jack
pine. Truly all timbered types and
variety of forest conditions are en-
countered along this highway. It is
not uncommon TO see moose, and deer
and fox are quite common. The road
passes by and parallels any beautiful
lakes and side roads lead to Clearwater,
West BearSkin Hungry Jack, Poplar,
Loon, Iron and Gunflint lakes. On
many of these lakes are developed re-
sorts where excellent Accommodations are
available. The resort on Hungry Jack
lake has been developed on government
lands and complies with all the regu-
lations and requirements imposed by the
government. Hrere also are located
more than twenty private summer
homes on government lands, all covered
by special use permits issued by the
Forest Service.
The road terminates at both Sea Gull
and Big Saganaga lakes. Sea Gull is
entirely within the United States, while
Big Saganaga borders on Canada. The
area tributary to these lakes lies in
the Wilderness Area, undeveloped and
has never been logged over. These two
lakes are unexcelled for their virgin
timber, beautiful islands, sand beaches
and primeval appearance. Sixty-one
miles north and west of Grand Marais
these lakes with the many others passed