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

BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog

April 27 2024

Entry Point 25 - Moose Lake

Moose Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (25 HP max). 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 an boat landing or canoe launch at Moose Lake. Many trip options for paddlers with additional portages. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 27
Elevation: 1356 feet
Latitude: 47.9877
Longitude: -91.4997

Moose Lake to Lac la Croix & Back

by stephennesser
Trip Report

Entry Date: September 20, 2022
Entry Point: Moose Lake
Number of Days: 16
Group Size: 1

Trip Introduction:
A trip for plein air painting and gathering photographs.

Report


Water levels were good throughout the trip, though a bit lower than normal on the Basswood River. 

Things I wish I'd known: 

1. The Canadian side of the Sucker Lake--Basswood Lake portage is 20 rods shorter than the American side. 

2. The Canadian side of the Horseshoe Falls portage is shorter but muddier.  Because my dog, Sadie, was on the trip, I cut an old Ensolite pad to lie on the floor, which was tucked under the gunwales, this raised Sadie up a half-inch and kept her dry. Rain turned to hail while crossing Basswood Lake, and the pad became a quick shelter for man and dog. The pad stays neatly in place in the canoe on portages. 

The first week temperatures were in the mid-30's in the morning and warmed to the 60's during the day. There was a fair bit of rain the first week, and then fair and warm temps the second week. 

The wind was in my face crossing Basswood Lake, both ways. 

Many swans on the Basswood River including cygnets. They flew down the river in the morning, past my campsite, honking, and flew back at night. 

Finished about 8 plein air paintings, and took 1,471 photographs to serve as reference works for studio paintings. The canoeists were generous in agreeing to serve as "models" for photos of them paddling. 

Wonderful trip. 

 


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