How difficult will finding a site, coming into Cummings, on the 4th be? Hope to do EP4 and get a tow across Burntside in the early early AM.

I was on Cummings over the 4th of July seven years ago and we saw only one other canoe the four days we were there. I would expect no problems at all.

I agree.... that area of the BWCA is seldom “busy”. That entire Chad, Buck, western, Cummings area is a great area that seems to be ignored by the majority .

Just what I wanted to hear. Thank you guys. Were looking forward to this trip.

A little known fact, but the Forest Service would send parties that could not get a permit for more desirable entry point, to the Crab Lake area.
The long portage into Crab Lake discouraged many from applying for a permit at that location.

I'd find it hard to believe that you would have any trouble finding a site on Cummings or Crab. The jaunt from Crab to Little Crab, to Korb, then Cummings are very short portages or paddle distance.

Now heading into Buck Lake from Cummings is another story! :)

Agree with what everyone else has said.

Not only have I found Cummings to be fairly deserted during a normally fairly busy time of year, I've also been in near/on the 4th and not found it any busier than typical summertime "crowds."

Definitely get the tow across Burntside, you'll go into the long portage fresh and it will be behind you before you know it.

walllee: "I agree.... that area of the BWCA is seldom “busy”. That entire Chad, Buck, western, Cummings area is a great area that seems to be ignored by the majority . "

I agree, it's a great area. Our campsite on Cummings was roomy and beautiful and had tons of blueberries.
As TGO mentioned, the long initial portage probably discourages a lot of people (though it's easier than many shorter portages). But I think another factor is that, when you look at a BWCA map, that section is off to the side, shaded in a different color, and surrounded by non-BWCA area. Which at first glance might lead someone to assume it's less wild, maybe not as good as the rest. Like a BWCA annex of sorts. I think I sort of assumed that for the longest time, until I did a trip there. Will return sometime, I thought it was an excellent trip.

I've stayed on Chad lake twice and loved it. Hardly anyone in that area.

But I really want to go to Cummings. Looks like some great sites and variety of smallish lakes on the way.

You'll definiftely be better off in that area than others on that weekend. You'll also be thankful for the tow! While paddling across Burntside is doable, the wind can be brutal and a potential trip wrecker.

It is a beautiful area and feels as remote as anything in the BWCA. There is even a PMA that can be explored to the Northwest.

Love this area. We went in Fathers Day weekend in 2017 and LOVED IT!

We really hymned and hawed over a tow, but eventually decided to do the tow and were SO GLAD WE DID!

Not sure who you're using, but we even came out a day early, and had cell coverage on the W. side of Burntside on the portage, and were able to call VNO. No lie, within 45 minutes the tow boat arrived and picked us up in the pouring rain. John & Lynn have a class AAA star group over there.

Use to go a lot there around June 1 and Crab would be full and Cummings would have a few campsites occupied.

Been awhile and haven't been there since they moved the portage going toward Crab. Use to be a nice flat portage and often seen Moose half way going around the edge of the swamp. Is the portage at first still flat?

Pinetree: "Is the portage at first still flat?"

I think its mostly flat. A few trecks over some streams, and a trip around a marshy/wetish area...

I hike on the SHT... so long portages really don't bother me at all...

I would say, length wise, yep, just tuck in for a long haul, but difficulty not bad. we did have to hike over or under a tree that fell down. Not sure if that's still in the way since 2017.

I’ve been to Cummings a couple of times. It is a nice area.Definitely take the tow! The last time we came out it was very windy and the waves were big. We were a couple hours early for pickup so we called VNO and they were there in less than an hour. The portage into Crab is long but not that hard. The water level in the wet area in the middle can get deep after a lot of rain. Last trip out the planks that are laid down to cross over it were under water that was over our boots.