The previous 8 times I have taken trips they have all been out of the Ely area. I am looking to do something different this year around the Labor Day time frame. I was looking at going in at EP 47 and doing a base camp somewhere on perhaps Gaskin or Vista. The other option was to go in EP 60 and head up to Rose. There will only be 2 of us and we are for sure looking to do a base camp and a 3 or 4 night trip. Any thought or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Looks like you have covered it. Flip a coin. Either way should be quite doable. If a coin toss seems a little crude, take the entry point closest to where you will be spending the night before.

Haven't been to Rose. Vista is awesome, especially if you can get the southern 4-5 star site. Scenic lake and good fishing.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Rose. I love that part of the BW.

Rose is perhaps one of the most beautiful lakes in all of the BWCA. And for that reason it's is the most occupied. It's a boarder lake so camping is only allowed on the US side unless you have crown land permits for Canada.

It is not uncommon to have 100% occupancy on the scant availability of campsites. Something to consider. However, I agree that after 8 trips out of Ely, a travel up the north shore is due. There are plenty of entry points up the shore that are sure to please. Have fun!

Tom

Rose Lake

straighthairedcurly: "I have a soft spot in my heart for Rose. I love that part of the BW."

Me too!

Thank you everybody for the great advice. It sounds like Rose may be more of a day trip sometime in the future.

I was just on Gaskin yesterday. It's one of my favorite lakes. Lots of day trip possibilities. Go out the northwest portage out of Gaskin and loop up through Henson, Omega, and back down across Winchell to Gaskin. This is the recommended route of travel based on a common wind direction. Yesterday on the portage from Henson down to Omega you couldn't take a step without steping on a moose track. I counted 14 piles of "moose plums" on that one portage alone. We also encountered 16" - 18"of snow in places. It was fun knowing we were the first ones through this area this season. From the Cross Bay EP to the Lizz/Swamp EP there were only 2 campsites occupied. We were able to check out many of them along the route.