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

BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog

March 29 2024

Entry Point 77 - South Hegman Lake

South Hegman 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 16 miles. Access is a 80-rod portage to South Hegman Lake.

Number of Permits per Day: 1.5 (varies by day)
Elevation: 1282 feet
Latitude: 48.0336
Longitude: -91.9250
South Hegman Lake - 77

First trip

by spottedowl
Trip Report

Entry Date: September 18, 2017
Entry Point: Mudro Lake
Number of Days: 5
Group Size: 2

Trip Introduction:
First BWCA trip. Goal was to soak up the country and get some much needed wilderness time.

Report


A couple of observations from our trip. Might be helpful for 1st timers This board is a nice resource. Consider joining.

I was lucky enough to get some really good advice from friends. Thanks (you know who you are.)

Planning is important. Pack and repack, Your going to take too much. One thing I know for sure is we're going to attempt to cut down gear to single portage size. I'm afraid the Helinox chairs may have to go. :-(

Ok here we go, Put on at entry 23 Mudro lake. Mudro is a pretty popular loop so there was some congestion at the put-in. We leaped-frogged back and forth with a group from Wisconsin on the first couple of portages. Nice guys 5 or 6 of them. We were double portaging and on one of the trips we were heading back for the second load and they had grabbed our stuff and was bringing it along. Thanks Marty and crew!

Four portages (360 rods total) across Mudro, Sandpit, Tin Can Mike, To Horse where we stayed Two days at the campsite at the head of the Horse river. Awesome site. Nice firepit, Plenty of room for tents lot's of trees water on three sides. There are some big fish in that little bay on the north side. If you catch a bass with a topwater hanging from his lip he's mine! Also had what felt to be a good size pike bite thru my line.

Day 2 we spent exploring Horse lake, fishing a bit and just hanging out.

Day 3 sent us over 2 more short portages 1 of 10, 1 of 80. Over to Fourtown. We took campsite number 1 at a little set of rapids. Warning there is a portage thru this campsite so probably not good for busy seasons but we only saw a couple of groups over 2 days and it is a really nice camp. Big rock for the firepit and lake gazing, Sheltered area for tents, Caught a good size Pike in the rapids below camp and a incredible view of the milky way at night.

Day 4 we spent roaming around the little islands and bays and soaking in the scenery.

Day 5 we paddle out through Mudro. A couple of brutal portages thru here. (Convinced me we really don't need chairs) Was waiting for a group at one of the portages and caught another nice pike. Friday was a pretty long day.

Pretty much a perfect trip. Beautiful weather (60-80 for the highs) warmer than usual. We had 2 thunderstorms roll thru but they were mostly gone by the time we got up. Food was good. Company was better. (Thanks Baby) The BWCA is a magnificent place! We'll be back. Maybe something on the eastern side next time..

Have to give some credit to Piragis where we rented our canoe and who helped us with maps and permits. Thanks Drew and company. Also the Stay - Inn right down the street is a cool little place. 5 individual rooms with baths and a common area with a fireplace, kitchen, fridge ect.. Very nice.