BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
September 28 2024
Entry Point 30 - Lake One
Lake One 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 21 miles. Access is a canoe landing at Lake One.
Number of Permits per Day: 13
Elevation: 1230 feet
Latitude: 47.9391
Longitude: -91.4792
My son Remy and I, and my friend Keith and his son Charlie put our canoes into Lake one at 9:30 Monday morning after dropping off a car at the Snowbank Lake landing. Lake One can be tricky to navigate. On our way to Lake Two we turned East too early and ended up paddling about a mile out of our way into a dead-end bay before we realized our mistake. We blamed the fact that Lake One was split between Fisher Maps #10 and #4 for our error. If the entire lake had been visible at once on a single map, we would not have made the wrong turn. Once we got back on course we portaged the 30 rods into a pond and then portaged the 40 rods into Lake Two. The weather was nice, and there was a bit of a tail wind out of the West. We stopped for lunch on the shore of Lake Two. After lunch we canoed through the North end of Lake Three and into Lake Four. We stopped for the night at a campsite on the West shore of Lake Four, just North of the channel heading toward Hudson Lake. We had to battle swarms of mosquitoes as we set up the tents. We then had a nice refreshing swim. Because we had brought steaks along for the first night, we didn't go fishing.
On Tuesday morning we had a bacon and eggs breakfast then packed up camp and headed out in our canoes. As we canoed past our campsite, we realized that Remy & I had left our hammocks pitched between trees. We landed again and quickly packed them up. Once again we had beautiful weather. We paddled East and completed 3 short portages before entering Hudson Lake. The 105 rod portage into Lake Insula was exhausting! Lake Insula is a large gorgeous lake broken up by multiple islands and penninsulas. We had lunch at a campsite on a large island just East of Hudson Lake. It felt like we had a tail wind as we were heading East, and then as we turned North it seemed like the wind shifted and was at our backs once again. We navigated Lake Insula flawlessly and camped for the night on the island just West of Williamson Island. After setting up the tents and a refreshing swim, Remy & I got back into the canoe and tried to catch some fish. We had no luck! At 9PM that night, just as we were going to bed, a thunderstorm rolled through. That night I was awakened several times by the loud croaking of bullfrogs from the shallows around our island. What noisy neighbors!
By Wednesday morning the weather had cleared, but the wind was now coming from the Northwest, pretty much in our faces. We paddled to the North end of Lake Insula and tackled the largest portage of our trip. The 180 rod walk to Kiana Lake actually seemed easier than the 105 rod carry into Lake Insula. We headed onward into Thomas Lake where we really started feeling the headwind. We finally made it to the campsite just Northeast of the portage into Thomas Pond in time for lunch. After lunch we proceeded across Thomas Pond and into Thomas Creek after hiking across the famous Kekekabic Trail. We managed to easily run the rapids in Thomas Creek and avoid the 2 short portages. We camped for the night on Hatchet Lake at the northern campsite. It was cool and windy, so we didn't swim. There was lots of threatening weather going by to the North of us, but we stayed dry. After supper we canoed back to Thomas Creek to fish and look for moose. No luck on either count, but we did see a beaver swimmming.
The weather was nice again Thursday morning, but the wind was out of the West which was the direction we were heading. We portaged into Ima Lake and canoed across it. Before portaging into Jordan Lake, we watched a bald eagle sitting in a tree get harrassed repeatedly by a seagull. The narrow channel leading into Jordan Lake is quite beautiful. It is narrow like a river with big rock outcroppings. We paddled across Jordan, Cattyman, Adventure, and Jitterbug Lakes. We found the Eastern campsite on Ahsub Lake taken, so we camped at the Western campsite which had a great place for swimming in front of it. There was a very brave loon in front of the campsite who didn't seem to mind if we got close to it. We tried our luck at fishing, but only caught 1 smallmouth which was too small to eat. Between 5:00 and 7:30 that evening we saw a number of canoes heading across Ahsub Lake from Disappointment Lake to Jitterbug Lake. We weren't sure where they were planning to camp, but it was getting late.
On Friday we awoke again to good weather. We paddled the length of Disappointment Lake and portaged into to Parent Lake and then on to Snowbank Lake. It was July 4th, and as we entered Snowbank Lake the sounfd of firecrackers reminded us we weren't in the wilderness anaymore. After a brief splash war on our way across Snowbank, we made it to the landing and our car was still there. What a great trip!
Number of Permits per Day: 13
Elevation: 1230 feet
Latitude: 47.9391
Longitude: -91.4792
My son Remy and I, and my friend Keith and his son Charlie put our canoes into Lake one at 9:30 Monday morning after dropping off a car at the Snowbank Lake landing. Lake One can be tricky to navigate. On our way to Lake Two we turned East too early and ended up paddling about a mile out of our way into a dead-end bay before we realized our mistake. We blamed the fact that Lake One was split between Fisher Maps #10 and #4 for our error. If the entire lake had been visible at once on a single map, we would not have made the wrong turn. Once we got back on course we portaged the 30 rods into a pond and then portaged the 40 rods into Lake Two. The weather was nice, and there was a bit of a tail wind out of the West. We stopped for lunch on the shore of Lake Two. After lunch we canoed through the North end of Lake Three and into Lake Four. We stopped for the night at a campsite on the West shore of Lake Four, just North of the channel heading toward Hudson Lake. We had to battle swarms of mosquitoes as we set up the tents. We then had a nice refreshing swim. Because we had brought steaks along for the first night, we didn't go fishing.
On Tuesday morning we had a bacon and eggs breakfast then packed up camp and headed out in our canoes. As we canoed past our campsite, we realized that Remy & I had left our hammocks pitched between trees. We landed again and quickly packed them up. Once again we had beautiful weather. We paddled East and completed 3 short portages before entering Hudson Lake. The 105 rod portage into Lake Insula was exhausting! Lake Insula is a large gorgeous lake broken up by multiple islands and penninsulas. We had lunch at a campsite on a large island just East of Hudson Lake. It felt like we had a tail wind as we were heading East, and then as we turned North it seemed like the wind shifted and was at our backs once again. We navigated Lake Insula flawlessly and camped for the night on the island just West of Williamson Island. After setting up the tents and a refreshing swim, Remy & I got back into the canoe and tried to catch some fish. We had no luck! At 9PM that night, just as we were going to bed, a thunderstorm rolled through. That night I was awakened several times by the loud croaking of bullfrogs from the shallows around our island. What noisy neighbors!
By Wednesday morning the weather had cleared, but the wind was now coming from the Northwest, pretty much in our faces. We paddled to the North end of Lake Insula and tackled the largest portage of our trip. The 180 rod walk to Kiana Lake actually seemed easier than the 105 rod carry into Lake Insula. We headed onward into Thomas Lake where we really started feeling the headwind. We finally made it to the campsite just Northeast of the portage into Thomas Pond in time for lunch. After lunch we proceeded across Thomas Pond and into Thomas Creek after hiking across the famous Kekekabic Trail. We managed to easily run the rapids in Thomas Creek and avoid the 2 short portages. We camped for the night on Hatchet Lake at the northern campsite. It was cool and windy, so we didn't swim. There was lots of threatening weather going by to the North of us, but we stayed dry. After supper we canoed back to Thomas Creek to fish and look for moose. No luck on either count, but we did see a beaver swimmming.
The weather was nice again Thursday morning, but the wind was out of the West which was the direction we were heading. We portaged into Ima Lake and canoed across it. Before portaging into Jordan Lake, we watched a bald eagle sitting in a tree get harrassed repeatedly by a seagull. The narrow channel leading into Jordan Lake is quite beautiful. It is narrow like a river with big rock outcroppings. We paddled across Jordan, Cattyman, Adventure, and Jitterbug Lakes. We found the Eastern campsite on Ahsub Lake taken, so we camped at the Western campsite which had a great place for swimming in front of it. There was a very brave loon in front of the campsite who didn't seem to mind if we got close to it. We tried our luck at fishing, but only caught 1 smallmouth which was too small to eat. Between 5:00 and 7:30 that evening we saw a number of canoes heading across Ahsub Lake from Disappointment Lake to Jitterbug Lake. We weren't sure where they were planning to camp, but it was getting late.
On Friday we awoke again to good weather. We paddled the length of Disappointment Lake and portaged into to Parent Lake and then on to Snowbank Lake. It was July 4th, and as we entered Snowbank Lake the sounfd of firecrackers reminded us we weren't in the wilderness anaymore. After a brief splash war on our way across Snowbank, we made it to the landing and our car was still there. What a great trip!
First Trip For My Wife
by SWB
Trip Report
Entry Date:
May 26, 2005
Entry Point:
Kawishiwi Lake
Number of Days:
4
Group Size:
2
Trip Introduction:
After planning this was a textbook trip. It worked without any real problems and great memories were created!
Report
First Trip For My Wife!
We left late on Wednesday Night after making our last store run for some the stakes, around 11PM. Her parents watched our children for the time we were gone. She dozed off and on until we arrived at the Tofte Ranger Station around 4AM. There was rain off and on all night. I climbed into the back seat and dozed until 6AM when they open.
Day1 – After getting out the hot coffee we went inside and got our permit. Couldn't believe it but the video was already running and another group was watching when we walked in.
The drive down the Sawbill Trail was fun. We were greeted by a small moose on our way in and had to stop and remove a tree that had fell across the road. Once at the landing (Kawishiwi Lake EP#37) we prepared and left. There was a cold North wind with intermittent rain all day. Aimee was a real trooper and didn't say anything and we worked are way across the lake. Reading the map I missed the entry to the river that headed up to Square lake, not by much and made the quick correction. Once in the river the wind calmed down and it was pleasant paddling. The portage into the river headed to Kawasachong went very well. We stopped at the other end for some bagel and cream cheese.
After arriving on Kawasachong we scooped out the campsites. One was already taken and the other campsite on the E. side of lake didn't appeal to us because of the wind. So we took site on the NW. side of the lake. It felt good to arrive after driving through the night and paddling in the rain. We sat up camp (had to clean up glass & cans out of the fire pit) did the chores and took a nap.
It was great to be there. After collecting firewood we spent time just talking and getting ready for supper. Stake & potatoes – It was a great first day.
Day2 – This day spent reading and relaxing. I took off and did some exploring on the lake and the bay right behind our campsite. There was a lot of beaver activity. The night before we saw a beaver swim right by us and the next morning he was headed somewhere else. Each day/night we saw him swimming.
Day 3 – Another day of relaxing. Both this morning and yesterday we slept in, drank coffee and spent time together enjoying the sights, sounds, and scenery around us. It was so good to enjoy our time and being in the BWCAW was a real treat over any other place we could have chosen. Today we hiked the portage trail over to Townline Lake. This is the main route on the way to Lake Polly and eventually the “Lady Chain Lakes to Sawbill”. In the afternoon while talking I created a new item to eat while tending to the fire. Chopped up onion, grilled it and then diced up some summer sausage and added to the mix. Scraped this out of the pan and put it on an English muffin added cheese and placed back on the pan, covered it for about 3mins. The cheese was melted and the muffin on the bottom was toasted. It made a great lunch. In the evening after supper we sat and watched a magnificent thunderstorm roll in from the south. Lighting and eventually the rain, we kept dry under the tarp.
Day 4 – Woke up and got out of the tent about 5:30AM. The Fog was really thick and couldn't see anything in the lake. Started coffee and hot water and began to pack up camp. Once I had everything pretty much done except the tent I woke up my wife and we had breakfast together. The fog started to lift as we loaded up and was ready to head away. The paddling was great on smooth water with no wind. Everything was very quiet. There is a loss knowing we were heading out, yet we had created some great memories. About 10 mins from the boat launch we were intercepted the canoe police (forestry service personal), they were checking permits and just spending the day paddling. It is great to know they are they. I had my permit in my day bag. Afterwards I thought that maybe the permit should be placed in the map pouch. At 5:30PM we were arriving home, so close, yet worlds apart.
I'm now counting the days until my next permit is valid, later in the summer.
My wife is really looking forward to heading up again when it works for both of us.
We left late on Wednesday Night after making our last store run for some the stakes, around 11PM. Her parents watched our children for the time we were gone. She dozed off and on until we arrived at the Tofte Ranger Station around 4AM. There was rain off and on all night. I climbed into the back seat and dozed until 6AM when they open.
Day1 – After getting out the hot coffee we went inside and got our permit. Couldn't believe it but the video was already running and another group was watching when we walked in.
The drive down the Sawbill Trail was fun. We were greeted by a small moose on our way in and had to stop and remove a tree that had fell across the road. Once at the landing (Kawishiwi Lake EP#37) we prepared and left. There was a cold North wind with intermittent rain all day. Aimee was a real trooper and didn't say anything and we worked are way across the lake. Reading the map I missed the entry to the river that headed up to Square lake, not by much and made the quick correction. Once in the river the wind calmed down and it was pleasant paddling. The portage into the river headed to Kawasachong went very well. We stopped at the other end for some bagel and cream cheese.
After arriving on Kawasachong we scooped out the campsites. One was already taken and the other campsite on the E. side of lake didn't appeal to us because of the wind. So we took site on the NW. side of the lake. It felt good to arrive after driving through the night and paddling in the rain. We sat up camp (had to clean up glass & cans out of the fire pit) did the chores and took a nap.
It was great to be there. After collecting firewood we spent time just talking and getting ready for supper. Stake & potatoes – It was a great first day.
Day2 – This day spent reading and relaxing. I took off and did some exploring on the lake and the bay right behind our campsite. There was a lot of beaver activity. The night before we saw a beaver swim right by us and the next morning he was headed somewhere else. Each day/night we saw him swimming.
Day 3 – Another day of relaxing. Both this morning and yesterday we slept in, drank coffee and spent time together enjoying the sights, sounds, and scenery around us. It was so good to enjoy our time and being in the BWCAW was a real treat over any other place we could have chosen. Today we hiked the portage trail over to Townline Lake. This is the main route on the way to Lake Polly and eventually the “Lady Chain Lakes to Sawbill”. In the afternoon while talking I created a new item to eat while tending to the fire. Chopped up onion, grilled it and then diced up some summer sausage and added to the mix. Scraped this out of the pan and put it on an English muffin added cheese and placed back on the pan, covered it for about 3mins. The cheese was melted and the muffin on the bottom was toasted. It made a great lunch. In the evening after supper we sat and watched a magnificent thunderstorm roll in from the south. Lighting and eventually the rain, we kept dry under the tarp.
Day 4 – Woke up and got out of the tent about 5:30AM. The Fog was really thick and couldn't see anything in the lake. Started coffee and hot water and began to pack up camp. Once I had everything pretty much done except the tent I woke up my wife and we had breakfast together. The fog started to lift as we loaded up and was ready to head away. The paddling was great on smooth water with no wind. Everything was very quiet. There is a loss knowing we were heading out, yet we had created some great memories. About 10 mins from the boat launch we were intercepted the canoe police (forestry service personal), they were checking permits and just spending the day paddling. It is great to know they are they. I had my permit in my day bag. Afterwards I thought that maybe the permit should be placed in the map pouch. At 5:30PM we were arriving home, so close, yet worlds apart.
I'm now counting the days until my next permit is valid, later in the summer.
My wife is really looking forward to heading up again when it works for both of us.