Hello all,
First timer here. Earlier, I had posted a question on trip ideas for a first timer. Got many good responses, and decided to ask the advice of Voyager North Outfitters, and John and Lynn gave me a few different route ideas. The one that I seem to like the best at first glance is EP 16, Moose River up thru Agnes, LLC, Ge-Be-On-Equat, Oyster, and back to EP 16. I'm looking to get into some good fishing, as well as taking in as much of the nostalgia that the BWCA has to offer. Thinking of going mid June. This trip may possibly be a solo as well, if that makes any difference as far as difficulty of portages for one.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

A favorite.

The number of beaver dams to push through or climb over on Moose and Nina Moose Rivers can get a little exasperating, but not brutal at all. Agnes has lots of nice sites and willing walleye. The pictographs on LLC are the best, and we have traveled to these on an easy day trip from our base camp on the north end of Agnes.

You’ll also see Warrior Hill on Quetico side.

I did that loop solo a few years ago. One of my favorite areas. I had a strong tail wind on the first day and made camp at fish stake narrows. The wind was turning north the next day, so I wanted to get the N-S portion behind me. Spent 2 nights on Oyster, and my last night on Nina-Moose. The portages on the west side of the loop are fairly rugged, but that will be the most seclusion you will get on the trip.

Ge-be-on-e-quet is another gorgeous lake on that loop. Be sure to check out the “stone thrones” on the west shoreline. If you’re not sure what those are, I’ve recorded them in this video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6H7TJrdJcuQ

Last year some people had bear trouble on Agnes so you want to make sure you are carefully selecting a campsite that is as clean as possible in that area. That said, you have picked a gorgeous EP with lots to see and great fishing. I’ll be in the same vicinity probably a week before you! Paddle on.

Tony

Following wables's advice, my daughter and I made this loop our trip last year. We took seven days / six nights and had a leisurely time of it. It's a phenomenal loop. We liked Ge-be-on-e-quet and Oyster a lot, the Pocket Creek section was my favorite, and the "big water" on LLC that's part of this loop wasn't really difficult. I highly recommend this loop.

I wrote a trip report that you can find under my screen name.

The last few times I have taken first timers to the bwca, I have used this loop. It is a very easy 7 day trip, and could be done much faster. It is a great introduction, and includes both big water and smaller lakes, and none of the portages are super hard. Also the pictographs on the east side of Lac La Croix just south of the entrance to Lady Boot Bay are incredible, maybe the best in the bwca. Although they are on the Canadian side, it is my understanding that it is ok to paddle up to them as long as you don't get out of your boat on Canadian soil and don't fish on the Canadian side. Don't push yourself too hard on the first day, or you will regret it the second day. There are many great campsites on Agnes or at the entrance to Lac La Croix for the first night.

Winds tend to pick up in the afternoon and come out of the west. Therefore its best to time your paddle through Lady Boot Bay for the morning hours. It has been my experience that the campsites at the entrance to Lady Boot Bay are usually filled with base campers.

I am not a great fisherman, but I have always caught fish on Agnes.

To me the worst part of this trip is the hike back up to the parking lot at the end of the trip. On the other hand, its all downhill at the beginning.

John and Lynn outfitted my first trip 20 years ago and can always be counted on for excellent advice and equipment/supplies. They have a great bunkhouse if you need a place to stay before the trip.

Here's a version of that trip that we did a few years back.

TuscaroraBorealis: " Here's a version of that trip that we did a few years back.


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I read your trip report-looks like you had a lot of fun. I'm also very impressed that you took your 14 month old daughter along, it looks like she had a blast as well!

It's a good trip plan. If you stay at the USFS campground just past the entry, you can get up early and be at the trailhead first thing in the morning. It's certainly possible to make Boulder Bay your first day stop -- fishing's not bad up in that area too!

TominMpls: "Following wables's advice, my daughter and I made this loop our trip last year. We took seven days / six nights and had a leisurely time of it. It's a phenomenal loop. We liked Ge-be-on-e-quet and Oyster a lot, the Pocket Creek section was my favorite, and the "big water" on LLC that's part of this loop wasn't really difficult. I highly recommend this loop.


I wrote a trip report that you can find under my screen name."

Great trip and report!!!

TuscaroraBorealis: " Here's a version of that trip that we did a few years back.


"

Agreed, nice report. I did some of that same route as you, and stayed on the same lite on Finger Lake. I'm suprised one could spend 3 hours talking to Ben. He is usually such a quiet guy :-)

I've had good fishing for smallies and northerns on Oyster. Supposely there are lakers as well. There are some sandy beach areas if swimming's on the agenda.

LindenTree3: "

TuscaroraBorealis: " Here's a version of that trip that we did a few years back.



"

Agreed, nice report. I did some of that same route as you, and stayed on the same lite on Finger Lake. I'm suprised one could spend 3 hours talking to Ben. He is usually such a quiet guy :-)"

As i recall we met up with Ben near the end of his epic 40 day solo trip, so i suppose he was just starving for some human conversation. ;) At the time it certainly didn't seem like 3 hours. Time flies when your having fun! Fond memories .

Wow such a great trip report! It makes me wish it was late summer already.

anthonyp007:


Last year some people had bear trouble on Agnes so you want to make sure you are carefully selecting a campsite that is as clean as possible


Tony"

I was woke up by a bear while sleeping in my hammock on the east side of Agnes. As terrifying as it was to wake up with a bear about 2’ away from your feet all I did was clap and it ran off. Gave me a good story. You picked a Beautiful area.

I’m from eastern Iowa a long drive but so worth it. My group is going from Ep# 22 (Mudro) to Ep#16 in June this year.