I'm planning for a trip in August this year for our family, which is me, my wife, and our 3 kids, ages 18, 15, and 9, pretty varied fitness levels. We've got EP 29, for 7 days.

This will be our second trip to the BWCA (our first was last year, Crab Lake in July; We base camped.) I think we're going to do one leg of the Kawishiwi Triangle down to Gabbro or Bald Eagle, taking it easy over two days, base camp on one of the lakes down there, day trip for a few days, and then take two days to come back out on the other leg of the Triangle than we went in. Our main focus is going to be good camping, wildlife, and a measure of solitude, hopefully with a couple fish thrown in :)

I'm looking for advice about the basics... Anything to watch out for, what are the can't miss sights, does the route sound reasonable, any areas burned out/especially crowded/wrongly marked on the maps?

As well, specifically for this trip, is either leg of the Triangle, either N. Kawishiwi through Clear, or S. Kawishiwi, any better to paddle in to or out of EP 29? Any water-level bugaboos to watch out for? Any specific lure/tackle recommendations?

I'm also always grateful for any other advice on this trip, or the BWCA in general, that anyone wants to offer. We're fairly experienced outdoorspeople, adventure travelers, and backpackers, but, like I said, this is only our second time into the BWCA. We have most of the basic gear, only renting a bug net shelter and a bear can, as well as the canoes.

I've researched this entry point here on the site, and in the message boards, and figured it was time to put the question out to the crowd. You guys always have interesting and insightful answers to everyone's questions!

Thank's for everything!

Definitely a reasonable route and you can easily make it in and out in a single day instead of 2 days if need be. Expect to see people every day though, the area is easily accessible from a number of EPs.

The only 'watch-out' I would have for you also has a can't miss, that being the 220 rod Murphys portage on the North K. The portage is long and hilly, but there's a really neat waterfall tucked behind the back side of the pond you'll go past about 1/3rd of the up the portage (if you're going back towards the EP). There's a side trail to it at the top of the hill or, if the water levels are down, you can walk along the side of the pond over to it.

The easiest route, in or out, will definitely be the South K. There's some nice campsites right at the North/South split, as well as the 2 nearest the east end of the 220 rodder, and a few just before you get to the portage over to Little Gabbro.

I'm real familiar with the area, send me an email if you have any other questions, I'll be happy to help.

JD

Thanks, JD! I'd seen your picture of the waterfall off the portage, and we were planning on doing the N. fork one way, for sure.

DS

CampFam ,

I will be putting in there next week. I had to cancel a trip for this week ( wake in family) and had to redo my plans. Luckily I did get a permit for #29. I will be monitoring this thread closely! Also I plan on getting back around July 1st. If you ahve any questions I can help you with, let me know and I will do my best to assist.

Have a great trip.

Bob.

Thanks, Bob. You have a great trip, too! I look forward to hearing about what you find in the area.

DS