BWCA Crocodile Lake - Wife's first time Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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bunker3
member (32)member
  
06/07/2017 06:39AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I've pitched the idea of taking my wife to the BWCA for her first time. I've been a handful of times, mostly the Trout/Pine Lake area. I wanted to find something that would give her the taste of the BWCA without being overly aggressive, so after much reading/research, Crocodile Lake seems to fit that bill. I'll get a permit for EP 66 and, as we will only be there a few days and I know the restriction, will camp there each night.

My question mostly is asking about equipment/gear. She likes to have her amenities, so I'm trying to balance bringing minimal gear/weight to carry while still keeping her comfortable. For example, we have a small 3-person tent that she feels claustrophobic in or a huge 6-person tent that is much bigger than we need. We compromised and are bringing the 6-person tent. I want her to enjoy it so we can keep coming back!

What are some other amenities that are easy to pack/carry that will keep her company? I'm assuming we'll need an air mattress as well, maybe inflatable pillows? Camp chairs?

I'm assuming people have gone with others that aren't total outdoorsman and want to be comfortable, what did you/they bring that wasn't a PITA to portage?
 
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06/07/2017 06:57AM  
Pillow, chair, sleeping pad. Take this opportunity to buy nice gear that she uses this time but you can use long term. A canoe seat really helps too. Some people really like those collapsible wash tubs for doing dishes, it does make things easier. The real things that will probably make a difference for her would probably be food and drink. Make sure you have enough for her to munch on and don't skimp on her favorite drink, whether its something like tang to give the water flavor or a Nalgene bottle of wine. The simple pleasures often make the difference in attitude.

Whatever you do, don't over pack. To much weight will ruin the trip just as much as not enough comfort gear.
SmokingBunny
Guest Paddler
  
06/07/2017 07:26AM  
Hopefully you're aware that EP66 requires 3 portages to get to. It's a little used EP and the portages were difficult. Unless they have been cleared in the recent past, expect deadfall and difficult path finding. This probably isn't the EP to keep the wife happy if you approach it like you are car camping. On the bright side, you will have the lake all to yourself most likely.

bunker3
member (32)member
  
06/07/2017 07:31AM  
Good recommendations. We got canoe chairs as a wedding gift, so those will definitely be coming!

Your last statement couldn't be more true. I know we'll have to double portage, which is fine, so I'm not worried about that, but yes, I definitely don't want to overpack which can ruin things just as easy.
SmokingBunny
Guest Paddler
  
06/07/2017 07:36AM  
Sorry, forgot to write... Unless your approaching from the Bearskin side Crocodile is difficult to access
bunker3
member (32)member
  
06/07/2017 07:42AM  
This message has had HTML content edited out of it.
quote SmokingBunny: "Sorry, forgot to write... Unless your approaching from the Bearskin side Crocodile is difficult to access"


Yes, I was planning on going through EP64 on East Bearskin. I don't want to do the EP66 entry, so I sure as hell know that she wouldn't either, haha!
06/07/2017 07:58AM  
Entering via East Bearskin with a EP66 permit is the way to do it. This is what the Rangers recommend. You can't camp on Crocodile with a 64 permit, just so you know. The portage isn't super long but it is steep for a newbie. Definitely double portage and plan to take it slow!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is a gravity water filter. It's a huge benefit to not have to pump, boil, or treat water with tablets, and instead having clean water ready to go "on tap" essentially. Otherwise the same things others have mentioned - make sure she's comfortable sleeping and relaxing at camp are the biggest things imo. Try to get the campsite at the middle of the lake.
bunker3
member (32)member
  
06/07/2017 08:10AM  
quote SoMpls: "Entering via East Bearskin with a EP66 permit is the way to do it. This is what the Rangers recommend. You can't camp on Crocodile with a 64 permit, just so you know. The portage isn't super long but it is steep for a newbie. Definitely double portage and plan to take it slow!


One thing I haven't seen mentioned is a gravity water filter. It's a huge benefit to not have to pump, boil, or treat water with tablets, and instead having clean water ready to go "on tap" essentially. Otherwise the same things others have mentioned - make sure she's comfortable sleeping and relaxing at camp are the biggest things imo. Try to get the campsite at the middle of the lake. "


I think you can camp with an EP64 permit on Crocodile, but you cannot camp anywhere but Crocodile with an EP66 permit. Since I can guarantee we are camping on Crocodile the whole trip (maybe 3 nights), I'm just going to get the EP66 permit.

And +1000 for the gravity filter. I bought a Sawyer gravity filter setup a few years ago and love that damn thing. I love not having to boil water then wait for it to cool down to drink.

As for the campsite, I know there are 4. I've heard the two on the far east side are usually pretty good. If they are labeled camps 1, 2, 3, and 4, going from West to East, which site do you recommend?
06/07/2017 08:33AM  
I never made it to the far east side of the lake, I thought I read those site weren't great but could be misremembering. We stayed on site 1, since 2 was taken when we got there. Site 1 worked, but we later explored site 2 on our last day after the other group had left and it's much better. Site 1 is tucked up on a hill away from the lake and kind of cramped. 2 is more spacious and open, closer to the water, has a good swimming/fishing rock etc. So I would recommend 2 but again never saw 3 or 4. 1 isn't the worst site I've seen but not great.

I don't mean to derail this thread but you can't camp on Crocodile with an EP 64 permit, per the Gunflint Ranger station in 2015 when I was there. The portage to Crocodile is not in the BWCA, so by going there you have never entered at EP64 and therefore are illegal. Once you enter EP64 there is no way to get to Crocodile without exiting the BWCA.
bunker3
member (32)member
  
06/07/2017 09:10AM  
Looks like you're correct. According to this thread here only those with EP66 permit can even camp/be on Croc.

Not that it mattered as I was planning on the EP66 permit, but I guess I didn't do as much research as I thought!
jeepgirl
distinguished member (436)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/07/2017 09:27AM  
Bring a hammock to lounge in. The ultra light one from ENO is perfect for the bwca. The gravity filter great. So nice to have filtered water when I needed it. Inflatable pillow. I just used one on my last trip. Luft borrowed me one of hers and I wont be going on another trip without one. Lights for the tent. Either Lucy lanterns or those led string ones.
06/07/2017 12:01PM  
Make sure you have a way to enjoy a nice evening fire. Dependable saw and axe/hatchet. +1 on the hammock option too. Lots come with bug nets now days too, just in case croc ends up having lots of skeeters. Also, a good 3/4 ply TP to make sure things are soft has always been a preference of mine and keeps me happy.
bposteve
distinguished member (168)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/07/2017 12:46PM  
You've mentioned that you're double portaging. Just to clarify *cough cough* I think that you meant that your wife is single portaging while you portage as many times as it takes to get your stuff across the portage. While you are making multiple trips your wife can relax in a chair soaking in the beauty of the lake and reflecting on what a wonderful husband you are. This would also be a good time to ply her with the wine someone mentioned above.

Make sure she has the best/thickest sleeping pad money can buy, with a 6 person tent you may not need it-but a bug tent/shelter might also well worth the weight.
bunker3
member (32)member
  
06/07/2017 01:02PM  
quote bposteve: "You've mentioned that you're double portaging. Just to clarify *cough cough* I think that you meant that your wife is single portaging while you portage as many times as it takes to get your stuff across the portage. While you are making multiple trips your wife can relax in a chair soaking in the beauty of the lake and reflecting on what a wonderful husband you are. This would also be a good time to ply her with the wine someone mentioned above.


Make sure she has the best/thickest sleeping pad money can buy, with a 6 person tent you may not need it-but a bug tent/shelter might also well worth the weight."


Haha, good call on the portage! I'm pretty sure that's exactly what I meant! And hence that's why I don't want to bring everything and the kitchen sink as I was planning on doing the heavy lifting, but still want her to enjoy our time there.
06/07/2017 01:06PM  
We took a small cooler into Croc when we went there. With only one portage, it was not too hard to do and she might really like a steak or a pork chop instead of dehydrated food. Full disclosure, it wasn't too hard, but it also wan't too easy either. It is a fairly big hill and there were lots of mosquitos.
bunker3
member (32)member
  
06/07/2017 01:09PM  
quote jamotrade: "We took a small cooler into Croc when we went there. With only one portage, it was not too hard to do and she might really like a steak or a pork chop instead of dehydrated food. Full disclosure, it wasn't too hard, but it also wan't too easy either. It is a fairly big hill and there were lots of mosquitos."


I think that has been one of my biggest internal debates. We bring a regular sized cooler when we go camping at Glendalough State Park, but that's just a short canoe paddle over to the site. I don't really have to carry it. But I was debating buying a smaller cooler and fill it with a frozen gallon of water to keep some things cold. You might have sold me on that idea.

I've seen you mention the portage in other threads. I like that it's not super easy so if she does ever decide to do a more BWCA type trip, this should give her a good taste of what she can expect. I didn't want a super hard one to discourage her from future trips, but not one so easy that a hard one will ruin her future trips, if that all makes sense.
mjmkjun
distinguished member(2885)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/07/2017 02:50PM  
Don't forget the binoculars for those wolf sightings!
06/07/2017 03:37PM  
It's a great trip if you are looking for an easy and relaxing trip. I did it with my then 11 yo daughter last year. I posted the thread that was linked with the sign about only staying on Croc with a 66 permit and not being allowed to camp on Croc with a 64 permit. I agree with the post that the 2nd campsite is the nicest one. Eater size walleye were very cooperative and we had the lake to ourselves for a couple of days during what is considered the busiest week of the year in the bwca. Have fun! Hope she enjoys the trip.
lundojam
distinguished member(2726)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/07/2017 03:57PM  
chairs. Also, let her make some decisions in planning, etc.
06/07/2017 05:19PM  
Crocodile Lake is a great lake and you will enjoy the trip.The portage from East Bearskin is about 110 rods which would be considered a medium length portage but it is steep, mostly in the first 1/3 of the portage. But since it is your only portage and you are bringing your newbie wife it really doesn't matter how many times you take the darn thing, as long as you have fun. Plan on a double portage and if the need arises one person could take a third trip, in the grand scheme of things it is a small detail.

All campsites on Crocodile are livable but number 2 and number 4 are the best. The second site on the lake is the best IMO despite not having a great view from camp. There is a huge rock at the north end of the site which is a great place to lounge, drink coffee and fish with a good chance of catching some walleyes.

Campsite 4 is also pretty nice down in the narrow end of the lake. The others will do in a pinch.

By all means bring a chair that is comfortable. Inflatable pillows and pads are not luxuries but necessities, make sure you have good ones. A cooler wouldn't be unmanageable either if you are willing to carry it but not a typical part of the BWCA experience.

Good sleeping, good lounging around the fire, decent food and some daytime activities to keep busy will lead to a great trip(my trip report will give you a few ideas). If you like to fish Crocodile Lake is one of the easiest spots in the BWCA to catch walleyes. A slip bobber and a leech from the rock out front of campsite 2 will most likely get you a few. The south shore down near the narrow part of he lake is great for jigging with a leech. A lot of eater size eyes with an occasional bigger one and maybe even a jumbo perch.
Tasty stuff.

For the distance from an entry point and the relative ease of getting there, I think Crocodile Lake is a pretty remote spot. You have a good chance of seeing wildlife. It is kind of hit or miss, depending on the time you go and to some degree,, luck. The lake could be empty or full, but more often than not it is pretty quiet. Even with all 4 campsites taken, it is a quiet place.


Here is a trip report from a few years ago. I have been back since and haven't found anything to change my mind...




Crocodile lake trip
06/07/2017 05:19PM  
Crocodile Lake is a great lake and you will enjoy the trip.The portage from East Bearskin is about 110 rods which would be considered a medium length portage but it is steep, mostly in the first 1/3 of the portage. But since it is your only portage and you are bringing your newbie wife it really doesn't matter how many times you take the darn thing, as long as you have fun. Plan on a double portage and if the need arises one person could take a third trip, in the grand scheme of things it is a small detail.

All campsites on Crocodile are livable but number 2 and number 4 are the best. The second site on the lake is the best IMO despite not having a great view from camp. There is a huge rock at the north end of the site which is a great place to lounge, drink coffee and fish with a good chance of catching some walleyes.

Campsite 4 is also pretty nice down in the narrow end of the lake. The others will do in a pinch.

By all means bring a chair that is comfortable. Inflatable pillows and pads are not luxuries but necessities, make sure you have good ones. A cooler wouldn't be unmanageable either if you are willing to carry it but not a typical part of the BWCA experience.

Good sleeping, good lounging around the fire, decent food and some daytime activities to keep busy will lead to a great trip(my trip report will give you a few ideas). If you like to fish Crocodile Lake is one of the easiest spots in the BWCA to catch walleyes. A slip bobber and a leech from the rock out front of campsite 2 will most likely get you a few. The south shore down near the narrow part of he lake is great for jigging with a leech. A lot of eater size eyes with an occasional bigger one and maybe even a jumbo perch.
Tasty stuff.

For the distance from an entry point and the relative ease of getting there, I think Crocodile Lake is a pretty remote spot. You have a good chance of seeing wildlife. It is kind of hit or miss, depending on the time you go and to some degree,, luck. The lake could be empty or full, but more often than not it is pretty quiet. Even with all 4 campsites taken, it is a quiet place.


Here is a trip report from a few years ago. I have been back since and haven't found anything to change my mind...




Crocodile lake trip
Basspro69
distinguished member(14142)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
06/07/2017 05:55PM  
It is one of my favorite lakes, is super easy to fish and is a gorgeous lake. Since your not doing a loop bring the kitchen sink and make sure you do most of the carrying. Then after you see how it goes and figure out what you dont have to bring the next time. For the scenario your giving us though make sure you have comfortable camp chairs, a good tarp, a very comfortable air mattress, and some scented massage oils :-)
Northwoodsman
distinguished member(2059)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/07/2017 06:12PM  
Campshower - either the Sea to Summit Pocket Shower or the Helios Pump. I would go with the Helios pump for her. Fill it 1/2 full with lake water and top it off with very hot water. String up an extra ground cloth (from the tent that you aren't using and make her a little shower stall. I purchased a couple of clearance ground cloths for this purpose. I also cut one up for a mat outside the tent and the other part for a shower floor. If you are going during bug season, a Nemo Bugout (9 x 9).
mjmkjun
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06/08/2017 03:40AM  
Don't you worry about straining your back. It'll all be worth it.
bunker3
member (32)member
  
06/08/2017 02:40PM  
Haha, you guys crack me up!

Great suggestions everyone, I think I'll end up bringing the air mattress, etc.. to keep her happy and wanting to go back!
06/09/2017 08:54AM  
Good luck. After a double portage and wanting it to seem easy tripping and first trip for wife......... just go to #2 and if taken; shoot for number four .
pswith5
distinguished member(3687)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/12/2017 05:17AM  
I see lots of suggestions to bring MORE stuff. Chair and mattress i agree. Otherwise all I suggest is carry all the gear yourself. Just let her go for a walk in the park. If she won't go for that; put all the light stuff in one pack.(sleeping bags,pillows,clothes) Then second time through she can get paddles and small stuff. My wife insisted on carrying food pack. Turned out to be first and ONLY trip. :(
IcePaddler
senior member (90)senior membersenior member
  
06/13/2017 09:28AM  
If you get stuck on "campsite 1" I think you may have trouble getting a 6 person tent to fit anywhere.
 
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