BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
October 27 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!
Sioux Hustler Trail Loop Backpack Trip
by Shug
Trip Report
Entry Date:
October 07, 2014
Entry Point:
Little Indian Sioux River (south)
Number of Days:
3
Group Size:
3
Trip Introduction:
What a Walk!
Report
Had my eye on this 30+ mile loop called the Sioux Hustler Trail for a spell now. It is in a remote part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area 35 miles North of Ely, Minnesota along the Echo Trail. The trail is primitive, and is not well-maintained and runs from the Little Indian Sioux River to Hustler Lake then on up to Pageant Lake and back down.
So Alex Trail Eyes, Strung Out and myself headed out in some 39º rainy, wet and windy weather. That is always a challenge. This trail is not marked by any signage...just rock cairns and sawn logs so good trail skills are required along with good maps and compass skills. Remain vigilant. Some of the most gorgeous tread I have ever walked upon as the trail is lightly traveled due to it's remoteness. Whoooooo Buddy)))))) Shug
http://youtu.be/2H7N9k8LCfo
discuss this trip report (23 comments) - last post on April 02, 2015