Has anyone entered Crocodile lake through the Vegetable Chain instead of the normal route through East Bearskin? I see that LuvMyBell portaged from Shoe Lake Road to South Bean Lake -> Parsnip Lake -> Crocodile River -> Crocodile Lake. Is that the only other way in or does anyone know if the road goes further towards Strawberry Lake? I'm just weighing the pros and cons of entering via East Bearskin or the Veggie Chain. Thanks!

I've gone to Crocodile from both East Bearskin and through the Veggie Chain. It's easier from Bearskin and more work through the Veggie Chain, but a fun little adventure that way. I went from East Bearskin for a camping/fishing trip with big duckling and my wife and I took both ducklings for an October day trip through the Veggie Chain a couple of years later.

There is a small parking area (room for only a couple/or a few vehicles) right on the side of Shoe Lake Road. It's easy to miss even though there is one of the Forrest Service BWCA signs right at the edge of the parking area/start of the portage to South Bean Lake because it is so small and down in the ditch.

If you're looking for eater size walleye it's a great place to go. If I end up going back there for a camping trip with either little duckling or Bruin I will take the route from East Bearskin.

Here are some photos from the Veggie Chain route.

Thanks for the intel ducks! Great photos!

You are probably already well aware???

But, if not, be sure to check out the waterfall near the Crocodile ~ East Bearskin portage.

Thanks Tuscarora! Adding it to the itinerary.

CanoeGuru: "Thanks for the intel ducks! Great photos!"

You’re welcome and thank you. It’s a fun and quiet place for how easy it is to get to and a good place if a walleye dinner is in your hopes.

Let us know if you have anymore questions.

Here's another shot of those falls between Crocodile and E Bearskin. Taken May 2013.







An incredibly beautiful place. The roar of the falls was incredible and it was so peaceful. Spent a couple hours there just soaking it in.


In August 2015 we travelled up (east) the crocodile river and over a large beaver dam to a point where the river was more tall grass than water. There was a portage there so we took it and ended up on Parsnip Lake. Did not bring the canoes up there, wished we had. Parsnip looked to be a very interesting paddle.







The view down Parsnip Lake

Planned on going into Crocodile from East Bearskin. After watching newspaper stands blowing over in Duluth and seeing the huge rollers blowing down E. Bearskin I headed to this option. Minimal trail and lots of downhill on the way in and pretty slippery. Not sure solo was the best choice but I was there!! All the uphill was a bit of a challenge going out since it was pouring and very wet. Fell twice on some weedy uphills but the trip was a good adventure. Feels pretty remote when you get to the Crocodile river. When I picked up my permit I asked about this route and they said i would likely not find it. It really was not difficult. Directions - Go downhill until you hit a small lake. Cross and go downhill to the next lake. Cross, and go downhill to the river. Reverse on return.

Thanks lindylair! We're going to definitely spend more time at the falls and then explore as far East as we can safely get!

Thanks jsmithxc! We'll probably do what you did and see what the weather is doing. I really want to go through the vegetable chain...but we'll wait and see!