Wausau, WI: Pallette Lake

-Mapped by Caitlin May

Trail Facts

• Distance: 6.8

Waypoints

PLT001

Location: 46.0559997558594, -89.5895156860352

Begin hiking W on Escanaba Lake Trail marked by green blazes

PLT002

Location: 46.0561981201172, -89.5925521850586

Continue straight @ trail sign under pines and birches

PLT003

Location: 46.0574340820312, -89.5989837646484

Turn L @ fork and pass a shallow ravine on R

PLT004

Location: 46.05810546875, -89.5995712280274

Continue straight @ 4-way

PLT005

Location: 46.0650177001953, -89.6104507446289

Hike several short but steep hills; first views of Pallette Lake on R. For more than 40 years, this undeveloped lake has been the test site for effects of fishing regulations on bass populations

PLT006

Location: 46.0672340393066, -89.6113357543945

Pass campsite on R then continue straight @ 4-way. Picnic table makes for great spot to scope the skies for bald eagles and Cooper’s hawk

PLT007

Location: 46.0720329284668, -89.6159973144531

Veer R; pass small swampy pond on R, which bustles with croaking frogs in June

PLT008

Location: 46.0738677978516, -89.6144027709961

Turn R, following green blaze

PLT009

Location: 46.0714988708496, -89.6050186157226

Straight @ 4-way; secluded, lakeside campsites on R

PLT010

Location: 46.0683517456055, -89.5968017578125

Turn R @ rest station with sheltered benches and firewood; cross bridge

PLT011

Location: 46.0670013427734, -89.5964660644531

Veer R @ Y to hike along emerald lake; now following yellow blazes

PLT012

Location: 46.0659675598144, -89.5975646972656

Pass another lakeside campsite; if camping, be sure to hang food; black bears troll this area

PLT013

Location: 46.0622825622559, -89.5988464355469

Stop @ quiet beach for hours of swimming, bass fishing, and sunbathing; continue back to WPT 4 and turn L to return to trailhead