BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
July 18 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
sept solo
by bwcasolo
Trip Report
Entry Date:
September 15, 2011
Entry Point:
Little Indian Sioux River (north)
Exit Point:
Little Indian Sioux River (north) (14)
Number of Days:
8
Group Size:
1
Trip Introduction:
this trip was planned to enter sawbill. due to the fire and
closing of entry locations i went west.
Day 1 of 8
Thursday, September 15, 2011 the drive up from ne iowa was uneventfull. i arrived in ely at 7:30 am, checked into pirigis and picked up the prism. i made a couple stops in town and headed up to the echo trail for a nice slow drive thru the fall color that was beginning to take place. i had a 6 pack of pig's eye, as my plan for the evening was to sleep in the subaru and enter on friday the 16th of sept. 
Day 5 of 8
Friday, September 16, 2011 a cool evening kept me stirring. i popped out a few times to view the nite sky and was not disappointed. the east sky started to lighten and i grabbed my 2 packs, and prism and off to the portage a went. what a beautiful day this will be. the best of the week, as it turned out weatherwise. 
i paddled thru the pauness lakes, and made my way to shell where i would spend a few nights. grouse were plentiful as were the hunters. a few shots rang out here and there, good for them i thought. it wasn't until the second night when i was awoken to "hey jude" at one in the morning, i relized it was time to head deeper into the bwca. 
i paddled thru the pauness lakes, and made my way to shell where i would spend a few nights. grouse were plentiful as were the hunters. a few shots rang out here and there, good for them i thought. it wasn't until the second night when i was awoken to "hey jude" at one in the morning, i relized it was time to head deeper into the bwca.
Day 10 of 8
Saturday, September 17, 2011 another beautiful morning. the beaver on shell were busy during the night. i was camped on the island site, the middle location. beaver were thick. i got up during the nite to see stars and there were at least 6 swimming in front of the site. they were giving me heck with tail slaps. 
Day 12 of 8
Saturday, September 17, 2011 another beautiful morning. the beaver on shell were busy during the night. i was camped on the island site, the middle location. beaver were thick. i got up during the nite to see stars and there were at least 6 swimming in front of the site. they were giving me heck with tail slaps. 
Day 7 of 8
Monday, September 19, 2011 another day at the loon lake hilton. 
Day 15 of 8
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 packed up i headed south to spend a few nites on the pauness and do a little fishing before heading out. what another beautiful morning. ducks and geese were plentiful. not another sould to be seen, or heard. devils cascade was bone dry, but the colors were really coming on. an easy climb to the top brought me to pauness. the point campsite was opening up so i paddled a bit while the couple prepared to leave. 
Day 19 of 8
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 i spent the day mostly under the tarp, rading and drinking coffee. the weather gave me a few breaks to paddle around a bit. the lakes were busy,due to people being re-routed from the east side. 
Day 26 of 8
Thursday, September 22, 2011 up early as usual i had a nw wind and rain blowing me to my car. i had decided to head to fenske campground for the last night. i was ready for a burger and beer and the brew pub in ely was awesome. 
man how the weather changes. i had such an easy paddle out due to the wind. paddlers coming in were faced with wind and rain in their faces for the length of the river. i arrived at fenske for the nite. once again rain, and drizzle persisted. a good meal in town, and nite sleep, i headed home the next morning. a very good trip. 
man how the weather changes. i had such an easy paddle out due to the wind. paddlers coming in were faced with wind and rain in their faces for the length of the river. i arrived at fenske for the nite. once again rain, and drizzle persisted. a good meal in town, and nite sleep, i headed home the next morning. a very good trip.
discuss this trip report (12 comments) - last post on June 05, 2020