Maple Lake West

**Maple Lake West** is a public boat ramp providing access to Maple Lake, a scenic 1,641-acre lake in Polk County, Minnesota. This west-side access point allows paddlers and boaters to launch vessels onto waters with a maximum depth of 14 feet. Most ramps can accommodate 12-18 foot boats, though some may handle larger vessels. There are no launch fees unless the access is located within a park requiring a vehicle permit.

The lake offers diverse paddling opportunities, with yellow water lilies and hardstem bulrush vegetation along sheltered western shorelines providing scenic exploration areas. Four bump-outs in the southwest corner and a handicapped-accessible floating fishing pier near the north boat launch offer additional points of interest. A Boating Center on-site provides boat rentals, bait, and fishing supplies for visitors.

Paddle Maple Lake's relatively calm, shallow waters—ideal for recreational kayaking and canoeing. The lake's undeveloped shorelines and proximity to Rydell National Wildlife Refuge make it an excellent choice for scenic paddling and wildlife viewing in the Mentor area.