BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
June 03 2026
Entry Point 25 - Moose Lake
Moose Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (25 HP max). This entry point is supported by Kawishiwi Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 21 miles. Access is an boat landing or canoe launch at Moose Lake. Many trip options for paddlers with additional portages. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 27
Elevation: 1356 feet
Latitude: 47.9877
Longitude: -91.4997
Labor day weekend 2024.
Entry point was 25-Moose lake. Went north, and then west onto Ensign Lake. Camped on eastern end of Ensign lake. Very busy and lucky to get a campsite. Day 2, went to Cattyman Falls and on down to Disappointment Lake. All sites full. Had to get off the water due to inclement storm. Ended up on Parent Lake on day 3, western camp site. Beautiful site. Exited from Snowbank lake on day 4. Overall fishing was poor. Some small mouth bass on Parent lake.
Nothing elsewhere. Approximately 20 miles of paddling/portaging. 11 portages in total. Already planning for 2025.
Number of Permits per Day: 27
Elevation: 1356 feet
Latitude: 47.9877
Longitude: -91.4997
Labor day weekend 2024.
Entry point was 25-Moose lake. Went north, and then west onto Ensign Lake. Camped on eastern end of Ensign lake. Very busy and lucky to get a campsite. Day 2, went to Cattyman Falls and on down to Disappointment Lake. All sites full. Had to get off the water due to inclement storm. Ended up on Parent Lake on day 3, western camp site. Beautiful site. Exited from Snowbank lake on day 4. Overall fishing was poor. Some small mouth bass on Parent lake.
Nothing elsewhere. Approximately 20 miles of paddling/portaging. 11 portages in total. Already planning for 2025.
Ensign May 2026
by birdonbats
Trip Report
Entry Date:
May 24, 2026
Entry Point:
Moose Lake
Number of Days:
4
Group Size:
4
Trip Introduction:
Quick and easy fishing, camping, paddling trip
Report
My friend Kevin, along with my two sons got on the water about 230 PM. The wind was with us as we went north on Moose and Newfound and then east through Splash to Ensign. We like the east side of Ensign for fishing but the first 5 or 6 site we looked at were occupied. We ended up with a choice between sites 1217 and 1218. Let's just say 1217 deserves the 1 rating. Uffda. Who wants to camp on a hill. 1218 was a little better, but no trees or shade anywhere near the tent pads. No fishing on day 1, but we ate very well. Day 2 was rough on fishing. Luckily, my eldest ( the least experienced fisherman ) woke up earlier and caught a few walleye from shore. I think we only caught a couple fish the rest of the day. 85F on May 25th was just wrong and the fish were not biting. Kevin fried the fish we had and it was an excellent dinner. Day 3 we decided to fish only in the morning and the evening. I think it hit 88F. We hung out in the pine tree forest near camp and just shot the breeze while trying to stay cool. We did see a mama bear and her cub on the shore about a 1/4 mile away at dusk. We also had a snowshoe hare in camp and saw eagles, chipmunks, frogs, crayfish, a garter snake and more. The ruffed grouse were very loud as it was mating season. Got on the water by 920 am and to our car back on Moose by 1230. Only 1 short portage ( and a quick little paddle thru a high water portage) and again the wind was with us. Another good trip enjoying nature and the camaraderie of my sons and friend.
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