BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
January 07 2025
Entry Point 16 - Moose/Portage River (North of Echo Trail)
Moose/Portage River (north) entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by La Croix Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 27 miles. Access is a 160-rod portage heading North from the Echo Trail.
Number of Permits per Day: 5
Elevation: 1348 feet
Latitude: 48.1230
Longitude: -92.0991
A favorite route offering many trip options and memorable things to see including;
World Class fishing for all four BWCA Species
Pictographs
Soaring granite hills and cliffs
Small lakes
Small rivers
Tumbling rapids and waterfalls
Wildlife, including Moose
Vistas from high points across the region if you're willing to climb. Rating Easy to Moderate. Day One. Get to EP16 off of the Echo Trail early. The initial portage is long, but well worn and smooth, sloping gently downgrade to the launch area. Load your canoe and head North. You'll be paddling with the slight current on this narrow winding river. The water is clear and make sure to tell the bowperson to watch for looming rocks!
Number of Permits per Day: 5
Elevation: 1348 feet
Latitude: 48.1230
Longitude: -92.0991
A favorite route offering many trip options and memorable things to see including;
World Class fishing for all four BWCA Species
Pictographs
Soaring granite hills and cliffs
Small lakes
Small rivers
Tumbling rapids and waterfalls
Wildlife, including Moose
Vistas from high points across the region if you're willing to climb. Rating Easy to Moderate. Day One. Get to EP16 off of the Echo Trail early. The initial portage is long, but well worn and smooth, sloping gently downgrade to the launch area. Load your canoe and head North. You'll be paddling with the slight current on this narrow winding river. The water is clear and make sure to tell the bowperson to watch for looming rocks!
Wandering to Wonder daytrip
by QuietSolo
Trip Report
Entry Date:
September 21, 2023
Entry Point:
Sawbill Lake
Number of Days:
0
Group Size:
1
Trip Introduction:
I had been wondering about Wonder Lk. for a few years; finally, late this September, I dedicated a solo daytrip to check it out. The day was one of those glorious northern MN fall days: sun, light breeze, low humidity (I think?), fall colors etc. I put in on Sawbill around noon. It was quite busy in the parking lot and at the landing, but quiet once I got out on the lake. Didn't run into anyone on the highway to Alton, but all 4 sites I passed were occupied. I arrived at the portage to Wonder around 1:30. The way the sun shone on the portage entrance through the cedars made it look like a gateway to Heaven. I had read a couple reports that stated the portage was overgrown and that Wonder Lk is seldom used, so I set out to hike the portage without my canoe. While there were some slightly overgrown spots, the trail was very easy to follow and of course by the time I got to Wonder I regretted not having the canoe! I took a few steps into the water, soaked in what I could see of the lake, told myself I'd have to return next season with the canoe, and hiked back to Alton. I ate my lunch and drank my wine while floating on Alton listening to the loons. I'm always amazed at how much enjoyment and adventure a person can have in a 4 hour daytrip!
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discuss this trip report (4 comments) - last post on December 13, 2023