BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
September 07 2024
Entry Point 55 - Saganaga Lake
Saganaga Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (25 HP max). This entry point is supported by Gunflint Ranger Station near the city of Grand Marais, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 55 miles. No motors (use or possession) west of American Point. Access to Canada (the Crown land and Quetico Park). Large lake with many campsites and easy access. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 15
Elevation: 1184 feet
Latitude: 48.1716
Longitude: -90.8868
Saganaga Lake - 55
Number of Permits per Day: 15
Elevation: 1184 feet
Latitude: 48.1716
Longitude: -90.8868
Saganaga Lake - 55
Silence....what silence????
by WenSheff7
Trip Report
Entry Date:
August 01, 2019
Entry Point:
Clearwater Lake
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
9
Trip Introduction:
First trip with all 5 kids, two new comers to the BW experience and our shepherd pup! Lets just say it was loaded with challenges, laughs, bickering and lots of exploring.
Day 1 of 5
Saturday, August 03, 2019 We woke early to get some fishing in before the sun came up, and had some catches. We stayed out for about 2 hours then headed back to camp to start coffee and breakfast. The dog did her daily round of keeping us out of danger from the squirrels and chipmonk's. We discussed our day trip plans over chocolate oat pancakes, coffee and sweet pine tea. The plan was to paddle across West Pike, to the trail head that led up to Gogebic Lake. The plan was to hike to Gogebic Lake then hike the border trail and back down to camp for an early supper and more fishing. The hike up was fairly easy and short and once up there the view was worth it. Gogebic was a small lake with tattered path around the edges and sharp rocks leading into the lake. Our pup cut her paw on one of the rocks while she was playing in the water. At this point, the two 9 year olds and the 11 year old wanted to head back to camp and the rest of the party wanted to hike the border trail. So the three younger kids and myself headed back down the trail to West Pike Lake where our canoes where resting and the rest began the hike on the border trail. We made it back to camp and went for a cool swim on a warm day and where surprised when the rest of the group came paddling in less then an hour later. Apparently the border trial was not accessible due to several downed trees on the fading, unkept trail. The rest of the day was spent paddling around West Pike and fishing various spots, lounging in the hammocks, napping and exploring the shoreline. Supper time crept up on us and everyone did there part to prep for supper, the boys found fire wood, the girls started the fire and the rest began dehydrating and prepping the food. By now my daughters hand was swollen, red and hot to the touch but she was not going to let that stop her from having fun and experiencing the outdoors. I am a nurse was getting nervous at the size her hand was and how red it looked. We continued to keep it wrapped and had her soak it in the cold water to help with the swelling. Night fall came and we finished the day up with stories of failed trips, successful trips and funny moment memories. 
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Day 3 of 5
Sunday, August 04, 2019 We woke up this morning with the decision to pack up camp and head back to Clearwater Lake and try to find a campsite, set camp and day trip to Johnson Falls. That was a hefty schedule for a large group consisting of mostly kids. We did, successfully pack camp, get loaded, portage and luck had it the group on the best site on Clearwater was leaving as we where re-loading our canoes. We sent a canoe of kids and bags over they snagged it, and we paddled over shortly after. This site was AWESOME, aside from the leaky toilet. Lots of views from every direction, tree coverage from the wind, and plenty of tent pads and trees for the hammock tent. Not to mention the little bluff on the far side of the campground that the kids had fun jumping off into the water for a thrill. We day tripped from Clearwater to Caribou, then to Little Caribou, to Pine Lake, stowed the canoes and hiked to Johnson Falls. Well worth the trip! The falls hike was busy though as its a popular day trip option. We paddled, hiked, swam, hiked and then fished our way back to Clearwater that day. I highly recommend visiting the falls! We ended back at camp for some bluff jumping/swimming and supper. Before bed my 9 year old ended up throwing up, we thought maybe she drank some bad water. Everyone settled in for the night. 
Day 5 of 5
Saturday, August 03, 2019 We woke early to get some fishing in before the sun came up, and had some catches. We stayed out for about 2 hours then headed back to camp to start coffee and breakfast. The dog did her daily round of keeping us out of danger from the squirrels and chipmonk's. We discussed our day trip plans over chocolate oat pancakes, coffee and sweet pine tea. The plan was to paddle across West Pike, to the trail head that led up to Gogebic Lake. The plan was to hike to Gogebic Lake then hike the border trail and back down to camp for an early supper and more fishing. The hike up was fairly easy and short and once up there the view was worth it. Gogebic was a small lake with tattered path around the edges and sharp rocks leading into the lake. Our pup cut her paw on one of the rocks while she was playing in the water. At this point, the two 9 year olds and the 11 year old wanted to head back to camp and the rest of the party wanted to hike the border trail. So the three younger kids and myself headed back down the trail to West Pike Lake where our canoes where resting and the rest began the hike on the border trail. We made it back to camp and went for a cool swim on a warm day and where surprised when the rest of the group came paddling in less then an hour later. Apparently the border trial was not accessible due to several downed trees on the fading, unkept trail. The rest of the day was spent paddling around West Pike and fishing various spots, lounging in the hammocks, napping and exploring the shoreline. Supper time crept up on us and everyone did there part to prep for supper, the boys found fire wood, the girls started the fire and the rest began dehydrating and prepping the food. By now my daughters hand was swollen, red and hot to the touch but she was not going to let that stop her from having fun and experiencing the outdoors. I am a nurse was getting nervous at the size her hand was and how red it looked. We continued to keep it wrapped and had her soak it in the cold water to help with the swelling. Night fall came and we finished the day up with stories of failed trips, successful trips and funny moment memories.
Day 7 of 5
Sunday, August 04, 2019 We woke up this morning with the decision to pack up camp and head back to Clearwater Lake and try to find a campsite, set camp and day trip to Johnson Falls. That was a hefty schedule for a large group consisting of mostly kids. We did, successfully pack camp, get loaded, portage and luck had it the group on the best site on Clearwater was leaving as we where re-loading our canoes. We sent a canoe of kids and bags over they snagged it, and we paddled over shortly after. This site was AWESOME, aside from the leaky toilet. Lots of views from every direction, tree coverage from the wind, and plenty of tent pads and trees for the hammock tent. Not to mention the little bluff on the far side of the campground that the kids had fun jumping off into the water for a thrill. We day tripped from Clearwater to Caribou, then to Little Caribou, to Pine Lake, stowed the canoes and hiked to Johnson Falls. Well worth the trip! The falls hike was busy though as its a popular day trip option. We paddled, hiked, swam, hiked and then fished our way back to Clearwater that day. I highly recommend visiting the falls! We ended back at camp for some bluff jumping/swimming and supper. Before bed my 9 year old ended up throwing up, we thought maybe she drank some bad water. Everyone settled in for the night.
Day 8 of 5
Monday, August 05, 2019 What ended up being our last morning out, started off typical, quiet, slow...coffee brewing and great sunrises to watch. We had one more night scheduled before our trip was to come to an end but that morning my 9 year old crawled out of the tent, vomiting, fever and a very swollen, hot to touch and painful hand. We had to cut the trip short and seek medical attention. The older kids made breakfast while the rest of us packed up camp, loaded canoes and cleaned our site up. The first canoe set out and took their time fishing there way back to Clearwater, this consisted of my cousin, his son and my 11 year old. The second canoe set out right behind them which was our 13 and 12 year old daughters with the dog. We loaded up what was left and took both the 9 year old with us. Despite cutting the trip short, we had a great time! 
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