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From The Descriptive Guide to the Adirondacks by Edwin R. Wallace - 1878
In going from Raquette Lake to Forked Lake, guides sometimes run the rapids occurring in the outlet, but the transit is usually made over the pleasant portage. At "Forked Lake Landing," at the terminus of the carry, on the site of Helms' old sporting house, long since destroyed by fire, is an admirable location for a hotel; the ground, from its smoothly sloping heights commanding an extended view of this magnificent lake. Several years ago Geo. Leavitt gratified the wish of sportsmen by erecting a suitable one here. The Forked Lake House has already become famous for the excellent fare it furnishes.
There is a little store connected with the premises where supplies may be obtained. (P. O., Blue Mt. Lake). Big Forked Lake, (Indian name, Pah-me-chin-ba-guck, " water right across us") is about 7 miles in length and is most appropriately named. Its numerous bays and indentations, points and headlands, render it most decidedly forked. It is fringed to the very margin with cedar and other evergreen trees, investing it with weird, strange beauty. It is a marvel that this lake is so rarely mentioned, as we consider it one of the richest water-treasures in all of that wild interior. The inlet flowing from Brandreth's Lake (W.) is navigable in the spring to within a mile of its source. Little Forked Lake (2x1) may be considered an extension of the larger lake, as the stream connecting them is deep and short, and has considerable breadth. It is the "mother lake" in miniature, and fairly sparkles with picturesque attractions. A moss-covered, rocky bluff, to the r. of the point of entrance, is frequently occupied by the hunter as a lookout for deer. By facing to the S. W., from the middle portion of the lake, a noble prospect of water and mountain scenery is obtainable. High Pond lies a short distance W. of its lower extremity. At the head of the lake, E. side, which is about 6 m. from Forked Lake House, there is a well-sheltered camp, near which is a copious spring. We make a note of these “natural reservoirs" as sportsmen fully appreciate their value when camping out. A carry leads from this camp 2 m. N. E. to Moose Pond, another noted deer resort. And from the same point starts the route from Little Forked Lake to Little Tupper Lake: From Forked Lake House to the outlet, the distance is 4 miles.
Owl's head, with its barren twin domes, and the dark masses of other Adirondack peaks, come out in grand relief as we journey in that direction. Encountering the rapids at the outlet travelers land at the r. and pass around them, unless they prefer to shoot them a la Murray. These rapids—above and below the beautiful cascade styled Buttermilk Falls—have been successfully navigated, but always in absolute peril. The first portage, though a long one, is not very difficult. Thence there is boating 1 m. to Buttermilk Falls, (22 ft. high). Thence we carry down a steep descent 50 rods and then follow the stream again. Landing on the right as we pass over the last portage to Long Lake.