BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
September 17 2025
Entry Point 1 - Trout Lake
Number of Permits per Day: 12
Elevation: 1381 feet
Latitude: 47.9144
Longitude: -92.3220
Trout Lake - 1
Taking Dad Back
Entry Date:
September 26, 2008
Entry Point:
Island River
Exit Point:
Little Isabella River (75)
Number of Days:
4
Group Size:
4
We all slept very well, if you count the small drip in my tent (on Jeff's side - not mine) and the small pond in the other tent (on Keith's side - not Dad's)and set off in the morning after breakfast for Quadga Lake.
Once across the portage we found that two of the four sites were taken. Being unable to see the 3rd & 4th site from where we were at, Dad and I set off. Not long after we launched, we found the 3rd also occupide and hoped for an opening on the 4th.
Once at the final site we found our temperary home. Jeff and Keith followed and met us. It was not the site that we had hoped to have, but we soon found it to be very cozy in the trees. there was a nice rock by the water that allowed us to dry our gear with the sunshine that had just broke the cloud cover.
Jeff and I set out fishing in hopes to find a meal. Lets just say it was a great day for fishing,but not a very good day for "Catching". Back to camp we head to check our drying gear and prepare the meal. Keith had the same luck fishing from camp as we.
As night fell we sat around the fire telling stories and catching up. Long about the time we should have been in bed, the rain began again and broke up the party.
We all slept very well, if you count the small drip in my tent (on Jeff's side - not mine) and the small pond in the other tent (on Keith's side - not Dad's)and set off in the morning after breakfast for Quadga Lake.
Once across the portage we found that two of the four sites were taken. Being unable to see the 3rd & 4th site from where we were at, Dad and I set off. Not long after we launched, we found the 3rd also occupide and hoped for an opening on the 4th.
Once at the final site we found our temperary home. Jeff and Keith followed and met us. It was not the site that we had hoped to have, but we soon found it to be very cozy in the trees. there was a nice rock by the water that allowed us to dry our gear with the sunshine that had just broke the cloud cover.
Jeff and I set out fishing in hopes to find a meal. Lets just say it was a great day for fishing,but not a very good day for "Catching". Back to camp we head to check our drying gear and prepare the meal. Keith had the same luck fishing from camp as we.
As night fell we sat around the fire telling stories and catching up. Long about the time we should have been in bed, the rain began again and broke up the party.
We awoke to a little cooler temps and engaged in a meal of bacon and eggs in a soft shell. We decided to head across the lake and explore the west side of the lake. We watched as the occupants exited the lake, being Sunday we figured everyone would be going home.
We reached the Pow Wow Trail and decided to explore the area looking for a grouse or two for dinner. Jeff and Dad headed out together and Keith and I headed north. I was able to harvest one grouse and heard three others. Dad and Jeff were not that lucky, but they did hear a few of them. I was happy to have bagged my first Spruce Grouse and do it on a trip with my Dad who has coached me in hunting as I grew up.
As we returned to camp we continued fishing. Once again, good day for fishing, but a bad day for catching. The spruce grouse was wonderful as a mid-day snack, and we spent the rest of the day reading on the shore and mildly snoring in the sunlight. I learned that Keith can answer your question, then be snoring 10 secs later.
Early to rise, long before the sun, at least for Jeff and I. We began to break camp and get the oatmeal breakfast started. As usual Dad beat little brother out of bed, we all enjoyed our breakfast and got on the water as the sun broke. It was a great time to be on the water with the fog coming off the glass like surface and not a sound louder that our paddle strokes. As much as I hate to leave, this is a beautiful way to depart.
As we paddled up the Little Isabella River, I noticed a grouse sitting in on the shoreline ahead. I pointed it out to Jeff and Keith. Jeff was able to retrieve his side by side 20g and load it as Keith maintained their position in the river. For those of you upland hunters, Jeff made a beautiful shot from that canoe and was able to harvest his first BWCA grouse. Dad and I had a great view from our canoe and I could see my Dad smile as he complimented the shot. Then we all had a good laugh as Keith went to retrieve the game like a good bird dog, only to step on it (well that's what Jeff claimed when he found it pushed into the mud).
After taking out and getting back to the outfitter for a hot shower, it was off to the Ely Steak House for a big steak and a beer.
It ended sooner than I would have liked, and I am glad we decided at the last minute to make the trip a day longer than we had first planned. All in all it was a great trip and will always be one of my best memories of the BWCA. Getting to spend a trip with my father, brother, and my best freind, and the fact it was my first BWCA trip with my father will always live on in my mind when I think of Quadga Lake.