BWCA #47 Poplar Lake Loop Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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prizes14
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09/08/2019 08:17PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Going on a solo October 7-14 starting at Poplar Lake and wondering if anyone has done a loop going to Rush Lake, Long Island Lake and around to Omega to Horseshoe-exiting out Poplar again?

I only found 1 trip report of someone who did the route I'm going on and wondering how the longer portages are and if 7 days is long enough with short days and allowing plenty of time for fishing. I don't want to push too hard but am thinking that the loop from Meads, Omega, Winchell, Horseshoe, etc would be too short for 7 days.
 
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09/08/2019 09:54PM  
I'll be doing it in late Sept.....but not solo. I'm planning on 5 days, 4 nights. Probably have one layover day also. You should be fine solo and 7 days.
Northwoodsman
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09/09/2019 08:14AM  
I paddled that general area several times. Winchell can be a very windy lake and may be a challenge for a solo. The long skinny lakes just north of Winchell are beautiful (Henson, Omega, Kiskadinna). A couple of the portages just east of Long Island are challenging - the one from Long Island to Muskeg is a boulder strewn creek, and the next one (178 rod) from Muskeg to Kiskadinna is also known as "the wall". Going west to east is a very steep uphill for 70 rods right in the middle. Good chance of seeing moose in this area.
09/09/2019 09:12AM  
West end of loop will be toughest. Banadad down to Long Island are some tough portages from what I've read. The top part of this loop is the only part I have not done before.....looking forward to it. Long Island to Kisk is a little challenging as mentioned. Once you're to Omega, the loop back to Poplar is pretty easy and has various routes. Meeds is a nice lake, but I would exit back to Poplar via Caribou/Lizz to avoid the Meeds to Poplar portage and end your trip on a high note. I would take my time on the west end....see how you feel from lake to lake, and then make up time if needed looping back on the east end.
I will be back on 9/28 and can post any more info if needed cuz it looks like I'll be doing the exact same route....possibly......I'm going to feel out my last day and exit route. I may go from Winchell, through Gaskin to Meeds, or Caribou for our last night. Either way, I'm coming out through Lizz.
Michwall2
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09/09/2019 10:30AM  
I have done your route in reverse (not solo though).

There is one portage (I think it is the one between Little Rush and Rush) that has been relocated to the north side of the stream due to beaver activity on the original side.

The portages from Long Island Lake to Banadad get a little tougher as you go east. So the first one should be the toughest for your direction. (east to west). As I recall the difficulty lies in the rocks and muddy sections. There are some significant ups and downs as well but not as bad as the ankle breakers. Take a little time to read about them on in the maps section here on this site. There are some good descriptions from previous travelers.

Campsites on the east side of Long Island are nice. The best is the island site. In the other one (eastern most), the tent pads are behind the kitchen on lower ground.

The portage from Long Island to Muskeg Creek starts on a rock field and ends on top of a beaver dam. In the middle, depending on the water level, you may be walking in the the creek or along side it.

From Muskeg Lake to Kiskadinna there is a very steep and medium length hill. We have always gone the other way to avoid portaging up it under weight, but if you take your time and double/triple portage should not be too bad.

The rest is relatively easy after that. There are paths to the top of the cliffs on Winchell. There is also a little falls on the south side of Winchell. As you paddle along you may hear it before you see it. You can climb the falls into the marsh from which it originates high above. Pretty spot in the BW.

Good moose viewing prospects can be found on Horseshoe.

Have a great trip.
09/09/2019 11:48AM  
I did your route in reverse with my teenage daughter in four days, three nights this August. Read my trip report. The portages are somewhat challenging but the loop isn't very big. We found it a very relaxing four day loop. Unless you want a lot of down time, this isn't a seven day loop.
Othello
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09/09/2019 11:58AM  
treehorn
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09/10/2019 02:26PM  
Only advice I'll offer is make Banadad your Day 1 destination...the island site is the best, but the whole lake has an almost mystical feel about it. You'll probably be alone there. It's easy enough to get to on Day 1, and then you'll be close and fresh in the morning to take on the string of lakes/portages to Long Island.
 
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