Pat Shay Lake State Natural Area Paddle and Hike with John Bates and Mary Burns

Join Naturalists John Bates and Mary Burns on this fun paddle and hike adventure to Pat Shay Lake State Natural Area.  The entire 2.5 mile long paddle along the shoreline of this wild lake is undeveloped and ringed in large part with super-canopy white pines and old-growth eastern hemlocks. At 117 acres and only 5 feet deep with no marked access, this is a historic wild rice lake that is rarely paddled with high wildlife values located within the 736-acre Pat Shay Lake State Natural Area. The morning paddle will be followed by a hike at the Franklin Nature Trail in the afternoon.  We will take a one mile hike through the “Avenue of the Giants.” This trail boasts northern hardwood, pine and hemlock forests with some trees over 400 years old.

Participants should plan on meeting at the boat landing and will need to bring their own lunch, canoe/kayak, and PFD.  There is also a $5 parking fee for the afternoon hike (National Forest Pass).  This trip is located about 25 minutes east of Eagle River. More information and directions will be sent to registered participants prior to the trip.  Registration is required by 8/20/2025.  Friday, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm. This trip is partially supported by the Olson Family Foundation.  $60/Non-Member and $45/Member.

Please read our program and event registration and cancellation policy here.