Has the fire along the Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Three route drastically changed this area so much so that no one goes this way since the fire? Has the fire impacted the camping spots along this route that they are exposed to the wind much more now? Has the fire caused sedimentation in the lakes, and if so has it affected fishing? Any information about how the fire how affected this area would be appreciated, thanks.

First of all, welcome to the site!
As for the Number Lakes - they are as busy as ever. Tons of people in the prime season. The fire has not seemed to diminish the traffic. There are still 14 permits each day for Lake One. And, they are usually all taken.
Many of the northern sites in Lakes One, Two and half of Three were either not affected or had water dumped on them during the fire and the sites are Ok. There does not seem to be a change in the wind - if it blows, it blows. Fishing seems to be the same as it has been for years ( b/4 the fire).
The sites are pretty burned from the south half of Lake Three, thru main body of Four, south 3/4 of Hudson and the southern half of Insula.

There have been a number of threads on this, but yes, some sites are closed - especially Hudson and southern Insula - but the numbered lakes in particular remain popular and busy. I've only been through here post Pagami Creek Fire, and think it's a fine route.

IIRC, this is between Lake 4 and Hudson this past June.

Use the search function - tons of info out there. The first of course made an impact on the area but not so bad.

GrandmaL pretty much summed it up. I took a trip to Insula for the first time since the fire in June and it was amazing to see. I was at Sawbill the weekend after the fire was contained and hearing the stories of how much forest it swallowed up seemed impossible until I saw it. When we went the # lakes were plenty busy, then we saw nobody on Hudson or southern Insula and then a bunch of people where the burn ended half way up Insula. A lot of the campsites are still open but might not be the most desirable as there are no trees taller than 4' to provide shade.

I was there 2 weeks ago and it was very busy. We camped on Lake Three and had a great time. We didn't go to Lake Four the first day because we wanted to stay away from the burn area. As we moved to Insula the next day I think that decision was a mistake. I personally wouldn't camp on Hudson.

The north finger of Hudson and likewise Lake Four are not burned. Those sites go fast.

Thanks for all the input everyone! I looked at some of the threads and maps of the fire and I can see where the fire burned. This is a first time trip for me, kids, and friends. I was trying to pick a route where we could basecamp and explore from there. I don't want to push the youngsters too far. Someone who had taken the # lakes route many times before told me it was the quintessential route to take for first timers into the BWCA; however, they have not been there since the fire.

I don't want everyone else to be disappointed because of the burned area. I have seen a lot of burned forests and I really don't need to see more, but I realize that's my personal problem. Having a campsite without shade however would not be good for everyone. We are entering BWCA on a Monday, not Labor Day, do you think we would able to get a "unburned" shaded campsite on Lake Four?

FYI - Sites on Lake One, Two and northern half of Three were not burned. They dumped water on them so the sites have good trees and shade. The southern part of Three and most of Four were burned. the northern fingerling of four and Hudson were not burned.
the contrast of the burn and non-burn is impressive and interesting to see. The re-growth is coming along nicely. I would not let the burn keep you away. It continues to be a busy area.

This is a pic taken the morning of 7/24 from site 1368 on Hudson Lake at the edge of the burn. You can see the delineation pretty clearly.

quote packmule4: "Thanks for all the input everyone! I looked at some of the threads and maps of the fire and I can see where the fire burned. This is a first time trip for me, kids, and friends. I was trying to pick a route where we could basecamp and explore from there. I don't want to push the youngsters too far. Someone who had taken the # lakes route many times before told me it was the quintessential route to take for first timers into the BWCA; however, they have not been there since the fire.


I don't want everyone else to be disappointed because of the burned area. I have seen a lot of burned forests and I really don't need to see more, but I realize that's my personal problem. Having a campsite without shade however would not be good for everyone. We are entering BWCA on a Monday, not Labor Day, do you think we would able to get a "unburned" shaded campsite on Lake Four?"

Quit worrying about the youngsters and make the trip you want. When our son was 2 1/2 we went from Lake One to Gabimichigami on a 9 day trip. If our 2 1/2 year old can make that kind of trip, your younsters can too.