The saying goes, if you are lucky enough to go fishing, you are lucky enough. I took that a step further in August 2025 when I spent two weeks at Hideaway Lodge with my family. Looking for a unique outdoors experience, the owners, Doug and Kathy, suggested that we split my two weeks between their outposts—one on the northwest arm of Pipestone, and the other on long sandy shoreline of West Jackfish Lake.
They reassured us that they would make a weekly, midweek visit to us for a checkup visit. What unfolded was an immersive experience that showcased not only exceptional fishing, but the rare kind of remoteness that defines Hideaway Lodge’s outposts.
Both locations are approximately 25 miles by boat from the main camp on Clearwater Lake and are completely inaccessible by road. Reaching either outpost requires a scenic boat ride and a crossing over a mechanical portage that transfers you and your boat without having to get out, connecting Clearwater Lake at each end to about 75 miles of water. Once across, there are no roads, no traffic, and no distractions—only water, forest, and sky.

Week One: The Northwest Arm of Pipestone Lake
We spent our first week at the Pipestone outpost, tucked deep into the Northwest Arm. Pulling up to the dock, the sense of isolation was immediate and profound. The cabin sits surrounded by untouched boreal forest, with expansive water views and no sign of other development. It is the kind of place where silence feels natural rather than empty.
Our cabin could comfortably sleep up to eight people, with two bedrooms that make it well suited for families or groups. Though remote, it is equipped for extended stays. Solar power provides lighting and runs the water pump, while propane appliances run the stove, water heater, wall heater and refrigerator. There is also a generator to charge batteries, which also ran my sleep apnea machine. The fully-stocked kitchen made meal preparation easy; evenings often ended with food on the gas barbecue out on the deck, overlooking the lake.
Life at the Pipestone outpost quickly settled into a relaxed rhythm. Mornings began with calm water and coffee on the dock, often accompanied by the calls of loons echoing across the lake. Wildlife sightings are a common element with deer along the shoreline, and the ever-present possibility of spotting a moose moving quietly through the trees or feeding in shallow bays.
Pipestone Lake offers an impressive variety of species, including walleyes, northern pike, bass, muskies, and lake trout. The clear, pristine water in Pipestone boasts depths of up to 150 feet. Each day brought different opportunities, whether trolling deeper water or casting shoreline structure. A standout feature of this outpost is the boat cache, which allows easy access to Bartley Lake and Britton Lake. These foot-portage lakes offered us the unique experience of total isolation and amazing fishing.
Evenings at Pipestone were amazing. Without light pollution, constellations were vivid, and stars stretched endlessly overhead. On clear nights, the northern lights rippled across the sky in quiet displays that felt almost unreal. With no artificial light to compete, the sky itself became entertainment.

Week Two: West Jackfish Lake
After a week immersed in Pipestone’s vastness, the journey continued back across the mechanical portage and onward to West Jackfish Lake. Though similar in remoteness, the second outpost had its own distinct character. There were no more steep drop-offs; rather, mostly beautiful amber, sandy shorelines.
Like Pipestone, the West Jackfish outpost is accessible only by boat. The cabin also sleeps eight and features two bedrooms, making it equally suitable for families and groups. It also has solar power, propane appliances, and a fully stocked kitchen.
The fishing at West Jackfish Lake was excellent. Even though it is on the same chain of lakes, the tea-stained depths only reached 24 feet. The lake is home to walleyes, northern pike, perch, bass, and crappies, making it an ideal destination for anglers of varying experience levels.
Beyond fishing, the outpost proved to be an ideal, family-friendly retreat. Swimming and exploring the shoreline were perfect activities. Without road access or outside traffic, there was a sense of safety and calm that allowed everyone to truly unplug. Conversations lasted longer, meals lingered, and time slowed in a way that rarely happens at home.
As with Pipestone, the night sky at West Jackfish was unforgettable. With no light pollution, stars appeared brighter and closer, and evenings often ended quietly under sweeping, sky vistas. The stillness of the lake at night, broken only by distant loon calls, assured us the best sleeps ever.

A complete wilderness experience
Taken together, the two weeks formed a complete and deeply rewarding experience. Each outpost offered the same core comforts while delivering its own unique sense of peace.
Over the course of the trip, we discovered that these outposts are not just for avid fishermen. While the fishing is excellent, the true appeal lies in the setting itself. These are places where families can reconnect, where wildlife encounters feel routine rather than rare, and where the natural world takes center stage.
Two weeks spent between Pipestone and West Jackfish offered more than a vacation; it offered perspective. In a world that is so busy, these outposts stand as reminders of what it feels like to truly get away. Remote, comfortable, and surrounded by unspoiled northwestern Ontario wilderness, they deliver an experience that stays with visitors long after the boat ride back to camp. For more info, visit hideawaylodge.com