We're going in tomorrow. Originally planned to go in today, but our group leader was going in WAY deeper on a different EP. Due to our limited time we left his group and found the last permit for 25.

We're looking for decent camping spots, good fishing, sight seeing, and GREAT swimming. Everything I read online indicates to hit Ensign or Knife, but I never hear about the other lakes in the area. We'd like to set up a solid base camp then day trip out. Ultimately our preferences are on a see-saw - if the fishing is amazing we'll tolerate more people and worse campsites, if the fishing is bad we'd prefer more solitude and a better campsite.

1) Where are the good campsites? I saw Ensign had a ton and some had good reviews, but this lake MIGHT be too popular for our camping tastes. Granted "busy" in BWCA isn't a busy day on Lake Minnetonka - relatively maybe it's not that bad.

2) Must see sights? I read the Canadian border has some waterfalls/rapids worth seeing. Am I correct in this thinking?

3) Is the fishing going to be bad this late/hot in the season?

4) How are the smaller lakes around Ensign for camping? How about the never discussed lakes WEST of Moose?

5) Are there sandy beaches in this area or is it all rocky and elevated?

Thank you!!

Knife would be good but a bit of a push for some. Would not be awful if you based or overnighted on Birch. Ensign in my experience is crowded and people like to party it seems. Just south of Ensign is Ashigan. Ive stated on it two different trips. Really liked it. Cant speak to fishing. You could head out through Snowbank if you wanted from there for some variety.