For anyone headed that way...day-tripped from Horse up to Lower Basswood Falls last weekend.

Some low water through from rocky channels (maybe three) before a necessary unmarked portage that's about 20 rods. Then one more rocky channel before the first marked portage. And another rocky stretch before the second marked portage. Smooth sailing between the second and third portage and then just some weeds but smooth sailing from the third marked portage to the Basswood River. Pretty easy once beyond the unmarked portage about 1/3 mile after leaving Horse Lake.

Thanks for the update! I'm hoping there will be a good shot of rain before my trip on September 30th. The worst part I think is the reach of the Horse River right before you get to basswood---if it's shallow there, it can be insanely difficult as it's too shallow to paddle, but it's MUCKFEST trying to walk in it! Hope you had a great trip! Cant wait to see LBF again!

ANYONE BEEN ON THIS LATELY? LOOKING FOR AN UPDATE ON WATER LEVELS. I'LL BE HITTING THE WATER ON SATURDAY!!

I came up the Horse yesterday (went down it on Friday). I was able to paddle up all the swifts without leaving the canoe. On the way down to Basswood it was easy to float all of the rocky swifts. About as hassle free as the Horse can get.

I know Biwabik got tons of rain. Our Lake is way up. Did Ely get the same?

quote Banksiana: "I came up the Horse yesterday (went down it on Friday). I was able to paddle up all the swifts without leaving the canoe. On the way down to Basswood it was easy to float all of the rocky swifts. About as hassle free as the Horse can get."

Thanks a TON for the update! I'll be heading up to Ely to stay at VNO tonight, then hitting Mudro at about 8 AM tomorrow -- very happy to read this as this will make my trek to LBF a little easier! I cannot wait!!

Thanks everyone. I'm also heading up , not until MEA weekend, and we're hoping to basecamp by LBF if possible. It will be my annual trip with my dad, but my son (6) is coming on his first ever trip so I'm counting down the days with excitement! I'll be sure to put together a trip report with a video attached with highlights and lessons learned. I'm hoping we are lucky enough to be able to float most of the rough spots on the Horse River too, I imagine that's pretty rare for this time of year.

quote anthonyp007: "Thanks everyone. I'm also heading up , not until MEA weekend, and we're hoping to basecamp by LBF if possible. It will be my annual trip with my dad, but my son (6) is coming on his first ever trip so I'm counting down the days with excitement! I'll be sure to put together a trip report with a video attached with highlights and lessons learned. I'm hoping we are lucky enough to be able to float most of the rough spots on the Horse River too, I imagine that's pretty rare for this time of year. "

Have fun! My last BWCA trip was over MEA in 2010 to that area, too! You'll enjoy it -- that's why I'm heading up there tomorrow! I teach 3rd grade--I have 10 minutes before I dismiss kids.....and then I'll be driving up tonight!! Below is my trip report!

http://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=forum.thread&threadId=1041361&forumID=19&confID=1

quote anthonyp007: "Thanks everyone. I'm also heading up , not until MEA weekend, and we're hoping to basecamp by LBF if possible. It will be my annual trip with my dad, but my son (6) is coming on his first ever trip so I'm counting down the days with excitement! I'll be sure to put together a trip report with a video attached with highlights and lessons learned. I'm hoping we are lucky enough to be able to float most of the rough spots on the Horse River too, I imagine that's pretty rare for this time of year. "

You will have an absolute blast up there! I just exited the BWCA through Mudro last night. I spent 2.5 days in the LBF area from last Saturday through Monday. The water is RAGING through the falls right now! It was so awesome! We stayed at the site on a tip of the peninsula just east of LBF -- two of the LBF sites were taken. We hit the northerns pretty hard about a half-mile north of the falls in Crooked Lake it a bay with weeds/lily pads! Had a HUGE fish fry! Be sure to check out the old Crooked Lake Ranger Cabin just below the falls on the southwest side of the bay just beyond the campsite at the base of the falls and the pictographs to the north in that area! Mammoth cliffs!

I'm not sure how you're getting up there, but the portages right now are extremely muddy, wet, and covered with leaves. They are borderline treacherous, especially if you don't pay attention. You're feet will get wet, so make sure you have good shoes or bring a spare pair if you want dry feet later on -- even if it stays dry now through MEA, those portages will still be muddy and slippery. The portage from Mudro to Sandpit is a killer!! Oof-da!

My only time on the Horse River was a few years ago, low water year, but it was effectively a hike on wet boulders. Also, being that took three times longer than expected, got dark and started snowing and gusting wind. Nice to hear that it is often a river!