Hello-

two of us will be heading to BWCA on 8/21 for three days, Wed-Fri. We're looking for something fairly easy--a 4-5 hour traveling day in/out so we can have one layover day. Having spent a good amount of time reading through trip reports, I am most tempted by the following trip but also have some concerns:

Day 1: Lake One to Insula Lake
Day 2: day trip to Fishdance lake to see petroglyphs and Alice Lake
Day 3: return

Other than any general advice you might have (alternative suggestions also welcome), I was hoping I could ask to specific advice/questions:

- does the burned area around Lake Insula detract from the experience?
- if we get to Insula lake by 2pm on that Wednesday, any idea how likely we are to find a good campsight?
- is berry picking good that time of year?
- we aren't planning on using an outfitter (too poor), once we unload at the entry point, how close is the parking area?
- I see there are two portage routes to Alice lake, a short route leading to a stream into Alice lake and a series of three portages via Lake Carol and Hum lake. Are both options that time of year?
- Better suggestions for a short trip to a special place in BWCA unlikely to be too mobed?

Many thanks for any advice, I love this resource! I've been up that way one other time but was on foot. This will be my first overnight via canoe up there, very excited!

Parking and launch at Lake One are close. Minutes walk at most.

The burn is noticeable but I found it interesting and definitely not a distraction.

Seems late for berries but you might find some.

I take the short route.

Your dates are probably late enough with Scouts done and schools starting that you may not get a first choice five star but I wouldn't worry. Some of the sites in southern islands are open even if they look burned. Better chance if berries there. It bothers some a lot but I was intrigued.

That trip looks decent. Short amount of time but completely doable.

1. does the burned area around Lake Insula detract from the experience?

No I do not think so. I think that is rather cool to see that area actually. But you want to stay on the northern side that wasn't affected by the fire. In 20 or so years if you return you can see the difference and that can be a neat experience as well.

2. If we get to Insula lake by 2pm on that Wednesday, any idea how likely we are to find a good campsight?

Insula has a ton of sites. You shouldn't have too much of an issue finding one. Worst case scenario is you camp on Alice or Carol but I doubt you would run into that issue.

3. We aren't planning on using an outfitter (too poor), once we unload at the entry point, how close is the parking area?

The parking area is a short walk. You don't have to worry about this at all.

4. I see there are two portage routes to Alice lake, a short route leading to a stream into Alice lake and a series of three portages via Lake Carol and Hum lake. Are both options that time of year?

I do not know if they are but I would assume that since they are listed they are both navigable at most times. Maybe some extra pullovers on a river but nothing crazy. Since at this time you are only day tripping I would personally choose the 3 portages since you won't have all your gear.

5. Better suggestions for a short trip to a special place in BWCA unlikely to be too mobbed?

I usually go for lakes that others aren't interested in. Lake 1 and 2 are going to be busy but it should let up the farther in you go. However, Insula lake is on my list of lakes to visit. I think this is a great trip choice.

- does the burned area around Lake Insula detract from the experience?

Not at all, I believe the added variety will add to the experience. It will add a degree of difficulty to bear bag hanging. I suggest a bear barrel of some sort.

- if we get to Insula lake by 2pm on that Wednesday, any idea how likely we are to find a good campsight?

I've never been to Insula. I wouldn't be worried about this though. There are a lot of campsites on Insula.

- is berry picking good that time of year?

Maybe, I think you will be past prime though.

- we aren't planning on using an outfitter (too poor), once we unload at the entry point, how close is the parking area?

I've never been to this particular entry, but generally speaking, you can drive right to the dock, thren drive back to the parking area, and return on foot. Worst I've seen is about a quarter mile.

- I see there are two portage routes to Alice lake, a short route leading to a stream into Alice lake and a series of three portages via Lake Carol and Hum lake. Are both options that time of year?

I've never been on either route. I am planning a fall trip to this area and everything I've found implies both are very doable.

- Better suggestions for a short trip to a special place in BWCA unlikely to be too mobed?

I go for the solitude mainly. Traffic in the latter half of August is beginning its decline. You won't see mall type crowds but, Lake one in August is not an option for me. May I suggest late September?

Thanks for the advice everyone!

The time of the trip is set in stone as it's part of a larger trip (heading to Isle Royale for a week after BWCA), so we can't change that.

One of the reasons why I thought this might be a good route for us is we're both new to canoeing in the backcountry. I have years of backpacking experience in the Sierra Nevadas, but that's a much different beast. I figure if getting to Insula lake in one day proves to be too much for two 50 year old guys we can stop at one of the numbered lakes.

All that said, as several mentioned, solitude is a big part of what we're looking for. I've assumed our options are very limited there given our short time frame, but maybe I've overlooked other places? Alice lake sounds really awesome and the pictographs at Fishdance lake are a big motivation for this trip too.

Just to add to our constraints: Friday we need to be able to get back to the road and drive to Grand Portage that night. We're taking an early ferry from there to Isle Royale Saturday morning.

Thanks again everyone!!

Kevin

It is a great trip and if you can't make it maybe head up to Fire Lake above Lake 4. I doubt you would see anyone up there. I also think Insula will be plenty isolated. It is a big lake with lots of structure and as others have said it is towards the end of the really busy season.

Oh, one other potential thought: since we need to be in Grand Portage by a decent hour Friday evening, should we consider instead a similar trip along the Gunflint trail? I haven't looked over the options so much on that end of BWCA. Maybe Sea Gull Lake to Saganaga lake?

Thanks again, and apologies for so many questions!

kwalla101: "Oh, one other potential thought: since we need to be in Grand Portage by a decent hour Friday evening, should we consider instead a similar trip along the Gunflint trail? I haven't looked over the options so much on that end of BWCA. Maybe Sea Gull Lake to Saganaga lake?


Thanks again, and apologies for so many questions!"

That isn't a bad idea. I would actually say go to Pine Lake and check out Johnson Falls (really cool area). Stay on the west side and you have plenty of day trip options to check out. Only concern would be getting out if you got wind at ya.

x2jmorris: "

kwalla101: "Oh, one other potential thought: since we need to be in Grand Portage by a decent hour Friday evening, should we consider instead a similar trip along the Gunflint trail? I haven't looked over the options so much on that end of BWCA. Maybe Sea Gull Lake to Saganaga lake?



Thanks again, and apologies for so many questions!"

That isn't a bad idea. I would actually say go to Pine Lake and check out Johnson Falls (really cool area). Stay on the west side and you have plenty of day trip options to check out. Only concern would be getting out if you got wind at ya."

Thanks! I remember reading that Johnson Falls is pretty. I see there are a number of EPs for Pine lake, any you would recommend? Or any recommend avoiding?

Thanks again!

Thanks! I remember reading that Johnson Falls is pretty. I see there are a number of EPs for Pine lake, any you would recommend? Or any recommend avoiding?

Thanks again!"

I went in on EP 68. I don't think the other ones you are allowed to go towards Pine.... someone else should correct me if I am wrong but yeah I used 68 and paddled through McFarland.

x2jmorris: "

Thanks! I remember reading that Johnson Falls is pretty. I see there are a number of EPs for Pine lake, any you would recommend? Or any recommend avoiding?


Thanks again!"

I went in on EP 68. I don't think the other ones you are allowed to go towards Pine.... someone else should correct me if I am wrong but yeah I used 68 and paddled through McFarland."

Well, bummer: the permits for Pine lake are already taken for those days. :-(

Well, bummer: the permits for Pine lake are already taken for those days. :-("

You could get there through bearskin or clearwater fairly easy if either of those are open. I've never gone that way but it doesn't look very long.

x2jmorris: "

Well, bummer: the permits for Pine lake are already taken for those days. :-("

You could get there through bearskin or clearwater fairly easy if either of those are open. I've never gone that way but it doesn't look very long."

Yes, after looking it seems like East Bearskin to Canoe lake would be easy on the water.

From Canoe lake to Johnson falls would be on foot though and there are some steep parts and marshes marked on the map. Anyone know if there's a decent cross country route from Canoe lake to the falls?

Another nice easy trip off of the Gunflint Trail is Lizz entry point. Access is through Poplar Lake. You can travel to Horseshoe or Gaskin or Vista. It can be a busy area but Horseshoe is known for moose. We once saw 7 moose in one day while on Horseshoe. Gaskin can be busy... but we've also camped on it when we were the only ones on the lake and that was August so it's hit or miss I guess.

I would definitely suggest finding an entry off the Gunflint Trail, it will make your drive to Grand Portage shorter.

I have never gone to Johnson Falls so I can't speak to the easiest way to get there but it's on my list of places to get to.

You might check out crocodile ep66 or ely side moose river South. Maybe a shot at some relative solitude. Neither is over an easy half day in or out. 66 even less off bearskin.

Hey Kwalla I just got home and was able to go over that area. Johnson Fall's coming from the West that is.

So yeah you could put in at East Bearskin Lake and head to Alder Lake and then Canoe Lake. You could then camp on Canoe Lake. If those sites are taken then the surrounding lakes also become an option in Pierz Lake and Crystal Lake. I looked up the reviews and all the campsites seem to be pretty good. You could make it to a campsite and set up easily in one day.

The second day you could leave your gear and just take your canoe and some poles and take your time on the Pine Lake portage and then make it to Johnson Falls. I tried to see if you can easily walk from the portage to the falls but cannot get a solid answer. You could also just hike without a canoe across the portage and maybe get lucky. You have all day to get there so there is really no rush.

Be sure to bring something to swim in as the falls have decent pools to jump into.

Then day 3 pack up and head out. Leave by 9am and you shouldn't have much issue getting to your car by 1 or 2 which leaves plenty of time for your drive.


Keep in mind you can also go through Clearwater Lake to Caribou to Little Caribou.

Both ways seem way doable for your time frame. Allow you to see something cool and probably have decent isolation. Plus it shortens your drive by a lot as opposed to Ely area.

Doesn't make a lot of sense to go in an Ely entry point if you have a hard time commitment in Grand Portage on Friday - Grand Marais entry points would be so much easier.

EP64 Clearwater Lake, take the portage to Caribou Lake. Several campsites, beautiful lake, very good fishing. Easy daytrip to Johnson Falls.

Ep 47 Lizz Lake, enter through Poplar Lake and head down to Horseshoe, also good options on the long narrow lakes to the west or further south on Gaskin or Vista. Again good fishing, scenic, known for Moose sightings.

Or a John Lake entry off the Arrowhead Trail, even closer to Grand Portage. Nice lake, good fishing, extremely easy entry and exit.

East Bearskin to Alder, a good destination in itself, or go on to the smaller lakes to the east for some very nice campsites and fishing.A long portage trail to Johnson Falls from Canoe lake if you are up for it.

Any of these makes more sense than an Ely entry,, given your schedule and itinerary.

have fun

Thanks for the advice and suggestions everyone (especially x2jmorris who went above and beyond the call of duty)!

Got a permit for East Bearskin lake. We'll head for Canoe lake and hopefully find one of the camp sites there open, or like suggested, check out the other nearby lakes. I think we can just follow the portage trail to Pine lake on foot and then head towards the falls. Hope to find some fish for dinner that night too.

I really love this resource and all the helpful, enthusiastic folks here.

Have a great night everyone! Kevin

kwalla101: "

x2jmorris: "

Well, bummer: the permits for Pine lake are already taken for those days. :-("

You could get there through bearskin or clearwater fairly easy if either of those are open. I've never gone that way but it doesn't look very long."

Yes, after looking it seems like East Bearskin to Canoe lake would be easy on the water.


From Canoe lake to Johnson falls would be on foot though and there are some steep parts and marshes marked on the map. Anyone know if there's a decent cross country route from Canoe lake to the falls?"

Hi, kwalla101. East Bearskin-->Alder-->Canoe-->Johnson Falls would be a go for 3-day trip on the Gunflint. The portages are easy and just enough distance to keep it fun and less muscle aches the next morning.
The E. Bearskin Lake landing is accessed from the road that goes to the campground. It splits left for campsites and right for landing/parking area.
To Johnson Falls: Start the hike at the east end of Canoe Lake. Leave your canoe/paddles/PDF well off to the side away from the landing. (plenty of room) Flip canoe over your stuff in case of rain. The chance of anyone messing with your stuff is remote and would be exceptionally rare. Ahead is a wide path (portage) with rolling-hills terrain. When you reach Pine, take the obvious left path to the falls. Mud and wet with occasional dodging a puddle of water under the canopy of heavily wooded cover but not boggy/soggy footing. Don't forget the bug dope because this section is where the mosquitoes will greet ya! After this short hike you'll be treated to the magic of the falls. It is a magical spot.
If memory serves me well, I did this route at 66 yrs old and didn't find it particularly challenging. As a reference, I am 5'7" and 165 lbs. I did this as an afternoon trip in late June when temp averaged 55 lo/78 hi. While I recall the hike to the falls as pleasant and not a laborious affair, I can't consider portaging a canoe and pack loads on that portage. That would be a game-changer.

I agree with Lindylair. Do a Gunflint entry this time and save Insula for another year.

East Bearskin should work well for you. It's easy to get to Canoe - a couple of short easy portages, BUT there are 2 portages from East Bearskin to Alder - make sure you take the southern one. Alder is a nice lake. Easy portages to Pierz or Crystal.

kwalla101: "Thanks for the advice and suggestions everyone (especially x2jmorris who went above and beyond the call of duty)!


Got a permit for East Bearskin lake. We'll head for Canoe lake and hopefully find one of the camp sites there open, or like suggested, check out the other nearby lakes. I think we can just follow the portage trail to Pine lake on foot and then head towards the falls. Hope to find some fish for dinner that night too.


I really love this resource and all the helpful, enthusiastic folks here.


Have a great night everyone! Kevin"

Late to the discussion - but I'll chime in. Lake One to Insula in 4-5 hours, especially if you are new to the BWCA, will likely be a lofty goal. We're experienced, and it took us more than double that to get to Insula and find a campsite...we have kids, and move slowly, but there are multiple spots along your trip where it is easy to get turned around. Your plan to stop on one of the number lakes if needed is wise. You'll see the burn on the south side of lakes 2-4, and once you get to Hudson, you'll be in it for awhile...no shade in campsites. There are a couple of nice site options north of Hudson. ALSO - the southern half of Insula, in the burn, is dotted with islands and you can very easily get turned around. If that is the end of a long day (and a long portage!), be careful, don't push yourself too hard and get into a bad situation. Insula is beautiful and worth it - check out my trip report on our trip there last summer. Have fun!

I would say - do a route on the east-gunflint side - the drive from Ely to Grand Portage is a strong 3+ hours.

x2jmorris: "Hey Kwalla I just got home and was able to go over that area. Johnson Fall's coming from the West that is.


So yeah you could put in at East Bearskin Lake and head to Alder Lake and then Canoe Lake. You could then camp on Canoe Lake. If those sites are taken then the surrounding lakes also become an option in Pierz Lake and Crystal Lake. I looked up the reviews and all the campsites seem to be pretty good. You could make it to a campsite and set up easily in one day.


The second day you could leave your gear and just take your canoe and some poles and take your time on the Pine Lake portage and then make it to Johnson Falls. I tried to see if you can easily walk from the portage to the falls but cannot get a solid answer. You could also just hike without a canoe across the portage and maybe get lucky. You have all day to get there so there is really no rush.


Be sure to bring something to swim in as the falls have decent pools to jump into.


Then day 3 pack up and head out. Leave by 9am and you shouldn't have much issue getting to your car by 1 or 2 which leaves plenty of time for your drive.



Keep in mind you can also go through Clearwater Lake to Caribou to Little Caribou.


Both ways seem way doable for your time frame. Allow you to see something cool and probably have decent isolation. Plus it shortens your drive by a lot as opposed to Ely area."

x2jmorris: Thank you so much for your many replies--VERY helpful and will definitely be responsible for insuring a good trip! I can't wait until we're up there in August!!

Anytime Kwalla. I hope you have a great time.

Given your limited time I would agree with the suggestions of going in on the Gunflint Trail. I would do Entry Point 47 Lizz/Swamp and head down to Horeshoe Lake and set up there for two nights. Just relax and look for moose.