BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
October 05 2026
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!
South Kawishiwi River - 3 Nights
by Pete2Paddle
Trip Report
Entry Date:
August 24, 2026
Entry Point:
South Kawishiwi River
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
3
Trip Introduction:
This was the 2nd trip to the BW for both of my Boys. Their first trip was to South Hegman Lake for two nights in 2024. I originally booked a permit for Mudro Lake on permit day in February. Due to the wildfires, I had to keep my eyes open for cancelled permits in the Ely area and I lucked out when South Kawishiwi River became available.
As my boys grow older, I want them to enjoy these trips and not burn them out. So, when I made our reservation, I asked my boys if they wanted to stick with just a 2-night trip, or if they wanted to stay a little longer and go for a 3 night trip. I was happy to hear both of them opt for a little longer trip. My next question was if they needed me to sleep in the tent with them, or if I could sleep nearby in my Hammock. I thought they would be scared and want me with them, but they both said I should sleep in my hammock. They're growing up so fast!
Day 1 of 5
****************************************************[paragraph break] Day 1 - Sunday - Drive to Ely + International Wolf Center[paragraph break] ***************************************************[paragraph break] [paragraph break] It's about a 5 hour drive from our home in central Minnesota up to Ely. It is tradition to stop at Gordy's High Hat in Cloquet for burgers on the way up to Ely. They never disappoint! From there it's about 1hr 45min to Piragis to pickup the Canoe and our permit. I also opted to rent a couple camp chairs for my boys. Next we headed to the International Wolf Center. Two years before, we hit the Black Bear Center, and the boys really enjoyed it, so I figured the Wolf Center experience would complete the set. I wasn't sure how two 13yr olds would appreciate it, but they spent a good amount of time walking through the exhibit and checking out the wolf pack in the window. We had dinner at Boathouse Brewpub and then checked in at the Canoe on Inn for the night. [paragraph break] 
Day 2 of 5
****************************************************[paragraph break] Day 2 - Monday - Breakfast @ Britton's & Into the Wild [paragraph break] ***************************************************[paragraph break] [paragraph break] My boys remembered the pancakes at Britton's from our first trip so we started this trip the same way. A quick stop at Circle K gas station to fill up our water bottles and we were headed down the road towards our entry point. The South Kawishiwi entry point is a little less than 30min from downtown Ely. We were walking down the portage by about 8:15. [paragraph break] The first portage is listed at 130 rods on paddle planner but 147 on our map. I would say it felt closer to the 147. There were some rocky patches, but overall it is an easy portage. The weather that day was ideal. Almost zero wind and bright sunny skies. There was only one more portage between the entry point and the area we wanted to camp. A 19 rod portage was a great chance for one of my boys carry the canoe for the first time. He did great. [paragraph break] After the short portage, we started looking at campsites. I knew it was a busy area so I thought it would be good to know what sites were available and if we liked them as a possible spot to camp. Our target site was one of the four sites on the branch to the south of clear lake. Unfortunately, all of them were taken. So, we paddled back north and ended up at the site just south of the portage into Clear Lake. [paragraph break] Overall I would give the campsite 3.5 to 4.5 stars. The Kitchen area has a fantastic view, but there aren't any trees that would allow you to setup a kitchen tarp. Also, there is a boulder right in front of the fire grate where normally you would want to sit. The grate should really be moved. On a positive side, there are good trees for hanging a hammock and tent pads close by. I also found a spot up the hill from the kitchen area where I could hang my nemo bugout tarp. [paragraph break] 
Day 3 of 5
****************************************************[paragraph break] Day 3 - Tuesday - Lots of Rain[paragraph break] ***************************************************[paragraph break] [paragraph break] We all awoke the next morning to a mild thunderstorm. Lots of rain and a few good thunder boomers but thankfully, no wind. It was fantastic! The storm lasted for about an hour and a half and gave us all a chance to doze in and out to the sound of rain on a tent fly. Once everything quieted down, we all went up to the tarp for some breakfast. I made some pancakes and then a round of bacon, eggs and hashbrowns. By the time we all ate and did the dishes, a second round of thunderstorms were rolling in. Back to our tent and hammock. I brought along "Reflections from the North County' by Sigurd Olson so I read a few chapters and took a nap. [paragraph break] A little after noon, the weather cleared up enough for us to get out in the canoe and do some fishing. We stayed close to camp because the sky looked questionable but we managed to snag a few hammer-handle Northerns. Back at camp the boys had a great time hanging out in the tent, laughing it up while I had a few whiskeys. Dinner that night was simple Mac & Cheese. We went to bed hoping for a clear day tomorrow. 
Day 4 of 5
****************************************************[paragraph break] Day 4 - Wednesday - Lessons about Rationing Supplies[paragraph break] ***************************************************[paragraph break] [paragraph break] The next morning, I was up and making some coffee while the boys were still snoozing. After my cup of coffee the latrine was calling my name. The boys were keeping the toilet paper in their tent so I asked them to pass it out. That is when I discovered that the boys had used all but EIGHT SHEETS of our TP supply. We brought one and a half JUMBO rolls of toilet paper! I couldn't believe it! The last time I saw our bag of toilet paper was 24 hours earlier and I was the first one to use it! It's not my best fatherly trait, but I tend to raise my voice when I want to let the boys know they're acting like idiots. However, it's also about 7:30am and the BWCA is as calm as can be and I know there's campers across the water, less than .25 miles away. I went on a good 5min whisper shout tirade on how ridiculous it was for them to use so much TP. Deep Breath. [paragraph break] Looking back, it's a hilarious story, but man... I was hot. Lesson Learned: Going forward, everyone will have their own personal roll and when it's gone, it's gone. [paragraph break] The weather on Wednesday was perfect. There was a gentle breeze blowing from the north and we planned to fish our way south to some rapids. Hopefully we could bring in a Walleye for a fish dinner. We spent a good 2-3 hours fishing and caught 4 or 5 more Northerns, but none of them were big enough to filet. We also pulled up on an island and tried to do some fishing from shore but still didn't have any luck. We paddled back to camp to relax and prep for dinner. The evening was perfect and the sunset was beautiful. Another great day in the BWCA. 
Day 5 of 5
****************************************************[paragraph break] Day 5 - Thursday - Packing up and Heading Home[paragraph break] ***************************************************[paragraph break] [paragraph break] The next morning was gorgeous! Mist and Fog on calm waters in the morning is always so beautiful. We also had about 5 trumpeter swans hanging out and making a racket right next to our site. It was so cool to hear them trumpet and then listen to the echo as their calls bounced back and forth across the water. The only hiccup with our exit was with the bear rope. For some reason, I left a loop in the end of the rope, and while pulling it over the last branch, the loop went perfectly over a broken branch and completely stuck. I tried to throw the line over from the other side to get it un-stuck but it just wouldn't budge. After 30 minutes of struggling, I had to make the call and cut the rope.. leaving about 20 feet of line hanging from the branch. Bummer :( [paragraph break] The paddle out was smooth and easy. Another day with almost no wind made for easy paddling. We were back at the car within a couple hours and headed back to Piragis to return our gear. [paragraph break] Another great trip. Later that day on the drive home, it was nice to hear them talk about "next time, we should go to a different lake". I hope there are many more trips in our future. 
discuss this trip report (1 comments) - last post on October 04, 2026