Does anyone know of a bushwhack from the east side of Crocodile into Alder? I thought I read of one a while back but can't seem to find any mention of it now..

Also, is it worth a paddle down to Kiowa and Shelf lakes? I was going to check out Trap lake, but it looks more like a swamp on Google maps. Is there any other good scenery or fishing spots close by worth checking out?

Thanks!
Saberboys

That'd be a long and tough bushwack. The south side of Alder is pretty steep and thick with trees. If you find a way let us know how it goes.

I don't know of a bushwhack but back in the 2000s we walked north from the eastern most campsite on Croc until we saw the shoreline of Alder and turned around. We did not take canoes or fishing gear.

Here's a link to a post from last year on Trap Lake.
Trap Lake

quote Saberboys: "Does anyone know of a bushwhack from the east side of Crocodile into Alder? I thought I read of one a while back but can't seem to find any mention of it now..

Also, is it worth a paddle down to Kiowa and Shelf lakes? I was going to check out Trap lake, but it looks more like a swamp on Google maps. Is there any other good scenery or fishing spots close by worth checking out?

Thanks!
Saberboys"

Can't find the recent thread about Crocodile Lake but it contained a picture of a USFS sign at the East Bearskin EP stating:

EP 66 permit holders must camp all nights on Crocodile Lake. Day trips from Crocodile Lake to any other BWCA lakes is not permitted.

Only EP 66 permit holders may visit or camp on Crocodile Lake. Day trips to Crocodile Lake by any non EP 66 permit holders is not permitted.

Given these recent changes to EP 66 permits, the bushwack from Crocodile to Alder, or any other lake would be a violation of BWCA rules.

I thought the elevation might make it a difficult trek towards Alder, was just curious if it had been done before. I think that I may have had it confused with an old trail that used to connect the East side of Pierz to Crystal. I believe that trail is long gone now though.

I did realize that we would have to camp on Crocodile with a #66 permit, but I did not realize we could not day trip off the lake??? That seems like an awfully excessive restriction?! I wonder if we can at least travel down the Crocodile River and still be within the rules?

Here are the pics of the sign that are at the East Bearskin landing.....

I've just got a day permit to enter Crocodile the day before my EP64 permit and stayed at the NFS campground.
Still don't know who can use the campsite at the base of the rapids near the Crocodile portage.

quote AmarilloJim: "I've just got a day permit to enter Crocodile the day before my EP64 permit and stayed at the NFS campground.
Still don't know who can use the campsite at the base of the rapids near the Crocodile portage."

That campsite is on East Bearskin so anyone with a valid BWCA permit other than an EP 66 permit can camp there.

With the new EP 66 restrictions, I'm surprised that a day use permit is even available as an option.

What's the general consensus or etiquette for landing and staying at a campsite, if all you have is a day use permit?

Someone with an overnight permit looking for a site for the night, seeing a group with a day use permit landed at a site, could be impacted.