BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
July 09 2025
Entry Point 1 - Trout Lake
Trout Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (25 HP max). This entry point is supported by La Croix Ranger Station near the city of Cook, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 30 miles. Access from LakeVermilion via 60-rod canoe portage or 180-rod portage that allows the use of portage wheels. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.
Number of Permits per Day: 12
Elevation: 1381 feet
Latitude: 47.9144
Longitude: -92.3220
Trout Lake - 1
Number of Permits per Day: 12
Elevation: 1381 feet
Latitude: 47.9144
Longitude: -92.3220
Trout Lake - 1
Estro Fest
by vaniarose
Trip Report
Entry Date:
July 31, 2011
Entry Point:
Little Gabbro Lake
Exit Point:
Farm Lake (31)
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
7
Trip Introduction:
Three 17 year-old young women, their mothers, a grandmother and a dog out to enjoy a backcountry experience.
Day 2 of 5
We woke somewhat late the next day and chose to stay. The lake still looked like a river. Good decision, the wind didn't let up until six that evening. I fished some from shore. The site had a shallow sandy landing, so I wasn't surprised I didn't have any luck. Around noon I built the only successful fire of the whole trip, frying pancakes, sausage and quesadillas. It rained on and off all day. The wind calmed down in the evening and we enjoyed a peaceful supper on shore with a stunning sunset.
Day 7 of 5
Monday, August 01, 2011[paragraph break]Clearwater Lake [paragraph break]Breakfast was scrambled eggs with bacon and hot drinks.[paragraph break]This was our "day off" and we enjoyed the warm weather while setting up a hammock and a tarp shade, visiting, swimming, sunning and exploring the area. A pair of loons stayed near our side of the lake almost all day, checking us out. It was nice to enjoy time together without the constant presence of texting or Facebook.
[paragraph break]Our group nurse, Sherry took care of our scrapes and cuts from the day before. Leah said, "I can't cut my self anymore otherwise Sherry's going to go all first aid on me."[paragraph break]The girls enjoyed roasted Starbursts. And after an amazing dinner of grilled steak and mashed potatoes that turned out to be everyone's most memorable meal of the whole trip, we hung the food and went for a sunset canoe ride. We saw a Merganser with four ducklings on the opposite shore. The sunset was beautiful and peaceful.
[paragraph break]Our group nurse, Sherry took care of our scrapes and cuts from the day before. Leah said, "I can't cut my self anymore otherwise Sherry's going to go all first aid on me."[paragraph break]The girls enjoyed roasted Starbursts. And after an amazing dinner of grilled steak and mashed potatoes that turned out to be everyone's most memorable meal of the whole trip, we hung the food and went for a sunset canoe ride. We saw a Merganser with four ducklings on the opposite shore. The sunset was beautiful and peaceful.
Day 15 of 5
Tuesday, August 02, 2011[paragraph break]Clearwater Lake, Camdre Lake, Pietro Lake, Gull Lake[paragraph break]A storm blew though in the middle of the night. Lightening and thunder woke most of us and we enjoyed the lightening show through the tent sides. However, a few actually slept through the storm.[paragraph break]After a grand breakfast of cheesy hash browns with bacon, the group decided to take a day trip around the rest of the loop of lakes back towards Bald Eagle Lake. We loaded into two canoes with the teens taking their own boat and the moms in the other. Everyone enjoyed the teamwork of taking turns paddling and portaging through the day. We discovered raspberries on the first portage to Camdre Lake. Yum! The girls decided they wanted some for pancakes the next day and got busy collecting on each of the portages.[paragraph break]At one point Amani commented that she "was not banged up enough from the trip" just as Leah whacked her on the shoulder to kill a horse fly. [paragraph break]On our return trip to camp, the wind had picked up and we battled the wind and waves to cross Pietro and Clearwater.[paragraph break]After a quick dip in the lake, we enjoyed a spicy dinner of chicken mango curry. When the mosquitoes came out we all piled into the big tent for a few games of Euchre before heading off to bed. 
Day 20 of 5
Wednesday, August 03, 2011[paragraph break]Clearwater Lake, Turtle Lake, Bald Eagle Lake, Gabbro Lake, Little Gabbro Lake, South Kawishiwi River, Clear Lake, North Kawishiwi River [paragraph break]We enjoyed the fresh raspberries from the day before on our pancakes. Then it was time to pack up and head out. Our plan was to get to Clear Lake and camp one night before heading out to the outfitters on the last day.[paragraph break]The day was hazy and the air was heavy with the smell of fire. We wondered where the fire was as we paddled through the day.[paragraph break]Returning through the two long portages to Bald Eagle Lake was so much easier. Packs were lighter and we felt stronger. The sun shone bright through the hazy day and we all got some color to add to the sheen of dust.[paragraph break]At the little portage between Bald Eagle and Gabbro, we tried the west side this time. It was a group challenge to get everything past the rapids without going down them. We ended up tying ropes to the canoes to draw them around the bend one at a time and then lifting the loaded canoes over the short stretch of rocks. With the canoes safely around the rapids, we found a shady spot for lunch.
[paragraph break]Continuing through Gabbro, Little Gabbro, the paddling was smooth and clear. The Outfitter had warned us about a set of rapids, that we kept reminding each other about all day. Once we finally reached "the rapids", they were far diminished from what we all had imagined, not a problem at all to float right past.[paragraph break]The day was getting long and campsites were all full. As we got to the last portage to Clear Lake, we all had our fingers crossed for an open site. Unfortuantely, all four campsites were full. The group was tired as we weighed our options. It was decided to press on and hope for an open site after the next portage on the North Kawishiwi River.[paragraph break]As our last portage, the group was a well oiled machine, packs, boats, water bottles and miscellaneous items were quickly snatched up. As the teens headed back for the double portage, the rest of us loaded the boats and fixed a snack to eat before heading out again.[paragraph break]Luck was with us, the first site was open and we split up to set up tents, cook dinner and pump water. Pizzas on tortillas were so amazingly delicious after the long, long day.
[paragraph break]Continuing through Gabbro, Little Gabbro, the paddling was smooth and clear. The Outfitter had warned us about a set of rapids, that we kept reminding each other about all day. Once we finally reached "the rapids", they were far diminished from what we all had imagined, not a problem at all to float right past.[paragraph break]The day was getting long and campsites were all full. As we got to the last portage to Clear Lake, we all had our fingers crossed for an open site. Unfortuantely, all four campsites were full. The group was tired as we weighed our options. It was decided to press on and hope for an open site after the next portage on the North Kawishiwi River.[paragraph break]As our last portage, the group was a well oiled machine, packs, boats, water bottles and miscellaneous items were quickly snatched up. As the teens headed back for the double portage, the rest of us loaded the boats and fixed a snack to eat before heading out again.[paragraph break]Luck was with us, the first site was open and we split up to set up tents, cook dinner and pump water. Pizzas on tortillas were so amazingly delicious after the long, long day.
Day 24 of 5
Thursday, August 04, 2011[paragraph break]Farm Lake, Iron Lake[paragraph break]We started with breakfast of oatmeal and granola. Since we had paddled so far the day before, we had an easy day in front of us, only one possible 10 rod portage. Grandma Sherry announced that she would portage a canoe for her first time over that portage. There was a light sprinkle as we took down camp so tents were packed damp.[paragraph break]As we got to the "possible" portage, it turned out to be no problem to paddle through. Sherry was bummed to not have a chance to carry a canoe but soon got over it.[paragraph break]Paddling along the North Kawishiwi River was nice and smooth. We stopped for a leisurely lunch on an island just before we reached the boundary to leave the BWAC. As we were wrapping up after eating, I looked up and shouted, "Boat! Boat!" One of the canoes had gotten loose and was just starting to drift away. We raced to grab it just in time and tied it to shore with a bungie cord.[paragraph break]As we finished one last group photo, a bald eagle flew within a few yards of the island, a lasting good-bye to the Boundary Waters.[paragraph break]Once we crossed the boundary, it was rough paddling across the north end of Farm Lake, wind and motorboats creating big waves. We passed through the last channel, a little shocked to see all the cabins with loud generators disrupting the peace. Around the turn and under the bridge to Iron Lake, we had one last battle against the wind and waves to the outfitter's dock. They met us with cold beverages and hot showers, heaven!
[paragraph break]After loading up the cars, we heading to Ely to check out the International Wolf Center. It was well worth the visit and a nice end to our adventure.
[paragraph break]After loading up the cars, we heading to Ely to check out the International Wolf Center. It was well worth the visit and a nice end to our adventure.
discuss this trip report (13 comments) - last post on September 06, 2011