Rice Lake
Rice lake is a 222-acre lake that is only accessible by foot or boat. With it's location on the Poplar River and connections to multiple other lakes, this is a great weekend adventure or longer trip through multiple lakes.
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Access to the 2 sites on this lake is by boat or foot. Each site has a fire grate and a latrine.
15 April
When visiting, please remember
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 7355 West Hwy 61 Tofte, MN 55615
Phone: (218) 663-8060
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Wednesday - Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, providing full services, open federal holidays when they land on a Wednesday through Sunday. Closed for all other federal holidays.
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.78909418
Longitude: -90.78973057
Directions
1st Portage to Poplar River via Crescent Lake
- Put in at the boat launch at Crescent Lake. Paddle south to Fleck Lake.
- From there take the Poplar River to Slip Lake, then Dogtrot Lake, then Bulge Lake, then Silver Lake
- Silver Lake connects to Rice Lake.
From Lutsen
- Travel on Caribou Trail for 8.1 miles
- Turn left onto Clara Lake Road for 3.3 miles
- Turn left onto Rice Lake Road for 2.4 miles
- Hike/portage to the lake from there.
2nd Portage to Poplar River
- From Lutsen continue on Rice Lake Road for another .8 miles
- Turn onto Forest Route 339 and travel for .3 miles
- Portage/hike following the Poplar River through Screech and Anderson Lakes to Rice Lake
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
Many lakes in the Tofte Ranger District have boat ramps and docks suitable for launching a trailered boat. These lakes are open for use by motorized