Boundary Waters Trip Reports, Blog, BWCA, BWCAW, Quetico Park

BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog

June 06 2026

Entry Point 26 - Wood Lake

Wood Lake entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Kawishiwi Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 13 miles. Access to Wood Lake is a 180-rod portage. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1361 feet
Latitude: 47.9691
Longitude: -91.6001
Wood Lake - 26

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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