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BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog

March 28 2024

Entry Point 16 - Moose/Portage River (North of Echo Trail)

Moose/Portage River (north) entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by La Croix Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 27 miles. Access is a 160-rod portage heading North from the Echo Trail.

Number of Permits per Day: 5
Elevation: 1348 feet
Latitude: 48.1230
Longitude: -92.0991
A favorite route offering many trip options and memorable things to see including;

World Class fishing for all four BWCA Species
Pictographs
Soaring granite hills and cliffs
Small lakes
Small rivers
Tumbling rapids and waterfalls
Wildlife, including Moose
Vistas from high points across the region if you're willing to climb. Rating Easy to Moderate. Day One. Get to EP16 off of the Echo Trail early. The initial portage is long, but well worn and smooth, sloping gently downgrade to the launch area. Load your canoe and head North. You'll be paddling with the slight current on this narrow winding river. The water is clear and make sure to tell the bowperson to watch for looming rocks!

Sioux-Hustler trail push

by henrecar
Trip Report

Entry Date: July 18, 2020
Entry Point: Little Indian Sioux River (north)
Number of Days: 2
Group Size: 1

Trip Introduction:
Finally solo'd the S-H Trail.

Report


Not for the faint of heart, but very rewarding.

Attempted in 2010 but the trail was in such bad shape. This time around, it was in better but still very primitive shape.

Common navigational issues, but was never in search of trail for longer than 10-15 minutes in dense areas.

Day 1:

Push to Range Line L.

First section from EP to the intersection is low, buggy, mucky and wet. The least remarkable section of the entire trail. Push through it, fast, and get to Devils cascade for a bite to eat. Then continue on.

Pageant L is the highlight landmark of this route. Beautiful small camp site, deep clear water. Pageant to Range Line is the most challenging section of this route. You really gotta be cognizant of where you are and how to find trail. Don't do this section if you're exhausted or it's getting dark, as you need to have your wits about you.

Camped at Range Line L. I would have in retrospect camped at Pageant. The Range Line site is very exposed. Range Line feels as remote as it gets in the BWCA, and was a 10 hour hike from the EP. Big thunderstorms came through, felt safe. Beavers everywhere.

Day 2 :

Push back to EP.

Range Line L to Shell L is the most magnificent part of this trail. Huge variations in terrain and massive old growth forests. Not difficult to find trail, not overly dense. You'll love the feeling of solitude. Some cairns along the way to guide you through open sections. It's lovely.

2x 10 hour days.

I'd absolutely do this again. A good out and back overnight trip would be the EP to Agawato L and back.

 


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