BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
May 08 2024
Entry Point 30 - Lake One
Lake One entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Kawishiwi Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 21 miles. Access is a canoe landing at Lake One.
Number of Permits per Day: 13
Elevation: 1230 feet
Latitude: 47.9391
Longitude: -91.4792
My son Remy and I, and my friend Keith and his son Charlie put our canoes into Lake one at 9:30 Monday morning after dropping off a car at the Snowbank Lake landing. Lake One can be tricky to navigate. On our way to Lake Two we turned East too early and ended up paddling about a mile out of our way into a dead-end bay before we realized our mistake. We blamed the fact that Lake One was split between Fisher Maps #10 and #4 for our error. If the entire lake had been visible at once on a single map, we would not have made the wrong turn. Once we got back on course we portaged the 30 rods into a pond and then portaged the 40 rods into Lake Two. The weather was nice, and there was a bit of a tail wind out of the West. We stopped for lunch on the shore of Lake Two. After lunch we canoed through the North end of Lake Three and into Lake Four. We stopped for the night at a campsite on the West shore of Lake Four, just North of the channel heading toward Hudson Lake. We had to battle swarms of mosquitoes as we set up the tents. We then had a nice refreshing swim. Because we had brought steaks along for the first night, we didn't go fishing.
On Tuesday morning we had a bacon and eggs breakfast then packed up camp and headed out in our canoes. As we canoed past our campsite, we realized that Remy & I had left our hammocks pitched between trees. We landed again and quickly packed them up. Once again we had beautiful weather. We paddled East and completed 3 short portages before entering Hudson Lake. The 105 rod portage into Lake Insula was exhausting! Lake Insula is a large gorgeous lake broken up by multiple islands and penninsulas. We had lunch at a campsite on a large island just East of Hudson Lake. It felt like we had a tail wind as we were heading East, and then as we turned North it seemed like the wind shifted and was at our backs once again. We navigated Lake Insula flawlessly and camped for the night on the island just West of Williamson Island. After setting up the tents and a refreshing swim, Remy & I got back into the canoe and tried to catch some fish. We had no luck! At 9PM that night, just as we were going to bed, a thunderstorm rolled through. That night I was awakened several times by the loud croaking of bullfrogs from the shallows around our island. What noisy neighbors!
By Wednesday morning the weather had cleared, but the wind was now coming from the Northwest, pretty much in our faces. We paddled to the North end of Lake Insula and tackled the largest portage of our trip. The 180 rod walk to Kiana Lake actually seemed easier than the 105 rod carry into Lake Insula. We headed onward into Thomas Lake where we really started feeling the headwind. We finally made it to the campsite just Northeast of the portage into Thomas Pond in time for lunch. After lunch we proceeded across Thomas Pond and into Thomas Creek after hiking across the famous Kekekabic Trail. We managed to easily run the rapids in Thomas Creek and avoid the 2 short portages. We camped for the night on Hatchet Lake at the northern campsite. It was cool and windy, so we didn't swim. There was lots of threatening weather going by to the North of us, but we stayed dry. After supper we canoed back to Thomas Creek to fish and look for moose. No luck on either count, but we did see a beaver swimmming.
The weather was nice again Thursday morning, but the wind was out of the West which was the direction we were heading. We portaged into Ima Lake and canoed across it. Before portaging into Jordan Lake, we watched a bald eagle sitting in a tree get harrassed repeatedly by a seagull. The narrow channel leading into Jordan Lake is quite beautiful. It is narrow like a river with big rock outcroppings. We paddled across Jordan, Cattyman, Adventure, and Jitterbug Lakes. We found the Eastern campsite on Ahsub Lake taken, so we camped at the Western campsite which had a great place for swimming in front of it. There was a very brave loon in front of the campsite who didn't seem to mind if we got close to it. We tried our luck at fishing, but only caught 1 smallmouth which was too small to eat. Between 5:00 and 7:30 that evening we saw a number of canoes heading across Ahsub Lake from Disappointment Lake to Jitterbug Lake. We weren't sure where they were planning to camp, but it was getting late.
On Friday we awoke again to good weather. We paddled the length of Disappointment Lake and portaged into to Parent Lake and then on to Snowbank Lake. It was July 4th, and as we entered Snowbank Lake the sounfd of firecrackers reminded us we weren't in the wilderness anaymore. After a brief splash war on our way across Snowbank, we made it to the landing and our car was still there. What a great trip!
Number of Permits per Day: 13
Elevation: 1230 feet
Latitude: 47.9391
Longitude: -91.4792
My son Remy and I, and my friend Keith and his son Charlie put our canoes into Lake one at 9:30 Monday morning after dropping off a car at the Snowbank Lake landing. Lake One can be tricky to navigate. On our way to Lake Two we turned East too early and ended up paddling about a mile out of our way into a dead-end bay before we realized our mistake. We blamed the fact that Lake One was split between Fisher Maps #10 and #4 for our error. If the entire lake had been visible at once on a single map, we would not have made the wrong turn. Once we got back on course we portaged the 30 rods into a pond and then portaged the 40 rods into Lake Two. The weather was nice, and there was a bit of a tail wind out of the West. We stopped for lunch on the shore of Lake Two. After lunch we canoed through the North end of Lake Three and into Lake Four. We stopped for the night at a campsite on the West shore of Lake Four, just North of the channel heading toward Hudson Lake. We had to battle swarms of mosquitoes as we set up the tents. We then had a nice refreshing swim. Because we had brought steaks along for the first night, we didn't go fishing.
On Tuesday morning we had a bacon and eggs breakfast then packed up camp and headed out in our canoes. As we canoed past our campsite, we realized that Remy & I had left our hammocks pitched between trees. We landed again and quickly packed them up. Once again we had beautiful weather. We paddled East and completed 3 short portages before entering Hudson Lake. The 105 rod portage into Lake Insula was exhausting! Lake Insula is a large gorgeous lake broken up by multiple islands and penninsulas. We had lunch at a campsite on a large island just East of Hudson Lake. It felt like we had a tail wind as we were heading East, and then as we turned North it seemed like the wind shifted and was at our backs once again. We navigated Lake Insula flawlessly and camped for the night on the island just West of Williamson Island. After setting up the tents and a refreshing swim, Remy & I got back into the canoe and tried to catch some fish. We had no luck! At 9PM that night, just as we were going to bed, a thunderstorm rolled through. That night I was awakened several times by the loud croaking of bullfrogs from the shallows around our island. What noisy neighbors!
By Wednesday morning the weather had cleared, but the wind was now coming from the Northwest, pretty much in our faces. We paddled to the North end of Lake Insula and tackled the largest portage of our trip. The 180 rod walk to Kiana Lake actually seemed easier than the 105 rod carry into Lake Insula. We headed onward into Thomas Lake where we really started feeling the headwind. We finally made it to the campsite just Northeast of the portage into Thomas Pond in time for lunch. After lunch we proceeded across Thomas Pond and into Thomas Creek after hiking across the famous Kekekabic Trail. We managed to easily run the rapids in Thomas Creek and avoid the 2 short portages. We camped for the night on Hatchet Lake at the northern campsite. It was cool and windy, so we didn't swim. There was lots of threatening weather going by to the North of us, but we stayed dry. After supper we canoed back to Thomas Creek to fish and look for moose. No luck on either count, but we did see a beaver swimmming.
The weather was nice again Thursday morning, but the wind was out of the West which was the direction we were heading. We portaged into Ima Lake and canoed across it. Before portaging into Jordan Lake, we watched a bald eagle sitting in a tree get harrassed repeatedly by a seagull. The narrow channel leading into Jordan Lake is quite beautiful. It is narrow like a river with big rock outcroppings. We paddled across Jordan, Cattyman, Adventure, and Jitterbug Lakes. We found the Eastern campsite on Ahsub Lake taken, so we camped at the Western campsite which had a great place for swimming in front of it. There was a very brave loon in front of the campsite who didn't seem to mind if we got close to it. We tried our luck at fishing, but only caught 1 smallmouth which was too small to eat. Between 5:00 and 7:30 that evening we saw a number of canoes heading across Ahsub Lake from Disappointment Lake to Jitterbug Lake. We weren't sure where they were planning to camp, but it was getting late.
On Friday we awoke again to good weather. We paddled the length of Disappointment Lake and portaged into to Parent Lake and then on to Snowbank Lake. It was July 4th, and as we entered Snowbank Lake the sounfd of firecrackers reminded us we weren't in the wilderness anaymore. After a brief splash war on our way across Snowbank, we made it to the landing and our car was still there. What a great trip!
First Trip For Daughter & Nephew
by cooke350
Trip Report
Entry Date:
August 15, 2014
Entry Point:
Isabella Lake
Number of Days:
3
Group Size:
5
Trip Introduction:
After listening to me talk about my June trip, my daughter really wanted to go to the Boundary Waters, so I started planning an easy trip for her to experience what the Boundary Waters is all about. Her cousin was able to join, as well as two of my brother-in-laws.
Report
After my daughter, Peytra, mentioned that she wanted to go to the BWCA, I asked my brother-in-laws if they'd be interested in joining us, along with their kids. My brother-in-law, Karl, was first on board, with his son, Zach. We've taken our kids tent camping on islands with motorboats in the past, but this would be the first time in the Boundary Waters for both Peytra and Zach. My brother-in-law, John, was also able to join us. [paragraph break] Our original permit was for EP36, Hog Creek, but we ended up switching out when EP35, Isabella, came available. I was a little nervous as to what the scenery would be like in the burn area, but also curious to see it. [paragraph break] Since all three of us are equipped for the BWCA, John, Karl, and I met up on Thursday night to pack so we could avoid doubling and tripling up on certain items. We were able to put aside anything extra, consolidate packs, and load the canoes on the truck, ensuring no delays Friday morning. [paragraph break] John, Peytra, and I left Proctor around 8am and picked up Karl and Zach in Two Harbors at 9. Other than the washboard dirt roads claiming a center cap on my truck, the ride up to the parking lot went well. The kids were pretty excited and had a lot of energy, which produced a lot of laughs along the way, including a fake laugh that was repeated by everyone multiple times throughout the trip! There was plenty of parking available at the EP parking lot, and the portage to the lake was pretty easy. Perfect for Zach & Peyt's first time, in fact. [paragraph break] 
[paragraph break] Friday on the lake was sunny and hot, and of course, the first few sites we went to were taken. There were a lot of unburned trees to the East, so the paddle was still very scenic, and we saw a couple of bald eagles while paddling. We found a site on a point (site 1919) that had quite a bit of fire damage. However, there was a nice area of pine and cedar that provided just enough shelter and shade. It almost looked as if they somehow saved this little area from the fire. There was a nice spot to hang the hammocks, another area for the two tents, and a third area perfect for the tarp. Only issues were finding trees for hanging the food pack, and the walk to the latrine seemed much longer than other sites I've stayed at. [paragraph break] 
[paragraph break] After unloading, setting up the tents and hammocks, and getting to know the resident chipmunk, it was time for a swim. The point of the island was a huge flat rock that had some nice areas to walk in for swimming. After that, John, Karl, and I got busy with firewood, food, and finished setting up camp while the kids explored and relaxed on the hammocks (a must buy if camping with kids!). By the way, there is no shortage of firewood at this site. [paragraph break] 
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[paragraph break] The night ended with s'mores, hot chocolate, and campfire games, then to bed early. When I got to the tent, Peytra was just laying on her sleeping pad, too tired and worn out to crawl into her sleeping bag! A thunderstorm kept me up from 11pm-12:30am, which I didn't mind, as being in a tent listening to the rain is one of my favorite things. Winds weren't bad, so no worries. [paragraph break] 
[paragraph break] After breakfast on Saturday, and after getting over the fact that I forgot my coffee :(, we hit the lake for some fishing and exploring. We walked the portage to Boga, but decided not to go fish there. Instead, we spent some time walking in the river and rapids that joins Asure with Isabella, which turned out to be Peytra's favorite part of the trip. Our fishing basically consisted of trolling to and from the river, but we caught plenty for a fish fry. Peytra, John, and I caught crappies and a walleye, while Karl and Zach came in with a stringer of walleyes. Biggest crappie was a 13 incher caught by John. I believe most, if not all, fish were caught in 16-19 FOW on jigs/leeches and crawler harnesses. We were very happy with our catches, as another group we talked to mentioned their fish fry of northerns. We all agreed we'd rather have a walleye and crappie fish fry than northerns any day! While on the lake, we saw hawks, loons, and a sandpiper for wildlife. We spent the cool and windy evening by the fire making mini pizzas while playing more campfire games. [paragraph break] 
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[paragraph break] The weather on Sunday morning was kind of gloomy, so it really made me wish I had my coffee! After packing up, we paddled back to the portage, fighting the wind and some small whitecaps out on the lake. On the way home, we stopped at the Trestle Inn for burgers and fries. I was finally able to have a cup of coffee! After sitting on buckets, logs, and rocks all weekend, I was really surprised that Zach and Karl actually got up after sitting down in the comfy chairs upstairs! [paragraph break] 
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[paragraph break] My daughter had the time of her life and must have thanked me a hundred times for taking her. She's already asked when she can go again. I believe Zach really enjoyed himself, too. The washboard roads claimed another one of my center caps on the way out, but that's a small price to pay for the memories of a trip like that :)
[paragraph break] Friday on the lake was sunny and hot, and of course, the first few sites we went to were taken. There were a lot of unburned trees to the East, so the paddle was still very scenic, and we saw a couple of bald eagles while paddling. We found a site on a point (site 1919) that had quite a bit of fire damage. However, there was a nice area of pine and cedar that provided just enough shelter and shade. It almost looked as if they somehow saved this little area from the fire. There was a nice spot to hang the hammocks, another area for the two tents, and a third area perfect for the tarp. Only issues were finding trees for hanging the food pack, and the walk to the latrine seemed much longer than other sites I've stayed at. [paragraph break] [paragraph break] After unloading, setting up the tents and hammocks, and getting to know the resident chipmunk, it was time for a swim. The point of the island was a huge flat rock that had some nice areas to walk in for swimming. After that, John, Karl, and I got busy with firewood, food, and finished setting up camp while the kids explored and relaxed on the hammocks (a must buy if camping with kids!). By the way, there is no shortage of firewood at this site. [paragraph break] [paragraph break] [paragraph break] [paragraph break] The night ended with s'mores, hot chocolate, and campfire games, then to bed early. When I got to the tent, Peytra was just laying on her sleeping pad, too tired and worn out to crawl into her sleeping bag! A thunderstorm kept me up from 11pm-12:30am, which I didn't mind, as being in a tent listening to the rain is one of my favorite things. Winds weren't bad, so no worries. [paragraph break] [paragraph break] After breakfast on Saturday, and after getting over the fact that I forgot my coffee :(, we hit the lake for some fishing and exploring. We walked the portage to Boga, but decided not to go fish there. Instead, we spent some time walking in the river and rapids that joins Asure with Isabella, which turned out to be Peytra's favorite part of the trip. Our fishing basically consisted of trolling to and from the river, but we caught plenty for a fish fry. Peytra, John, and I caught crappies and a walleye, while Karl and Zach came in with a stringer of walleyes. Biggest crappie was a 13 incher caught by John. I believe most, if not all, fish were caught in 16-19 FOW on jigs/leeches and crawler harnesses. We were very happy with our catches, as another group we talked to mentioned their fish fry of northerns. We all agreed we'd rather have a walleye and crappie fish fry than northerns any day! While on the lake, we saw hawks, loons, and a sandpiper for wildlife. We spent the cool and windy evening by the fire making mini pizzas while playing more campfire games. [paragraph break] [paragraph break] [paragraph break] [paragraph break] The weather on Sunday morning was kind of gloomy, so it really made me wish I had my coffee! After packing up, we paddled back to the portage, fighting the wind and some small whitecaps out on the lake. On the way home, we stopped at the Trestle Inn for burgers and fries. I was finally able to have a cup of coffee! After sitting on buckets, logs, and rocks all weekend, I was really surprised that Zach and Karl actually got up after sitting down in the comfy chairs upstairs! [paragraph break] [paragraph break] [paragraph break] My daughter had the time of her life and must have thanked me a hundred times for taking her. She's already asked when she can go again. I believe Zach really enjoyed himself, too. The washboard roads claimed another one of my center caps on the way out, but that's a small price to pay for the memories of a trip like that :)
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