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seekadventure
member (12)member
  
03/18/2020 11:34AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hi everyone!

This will my group's (six people) first time in the BWCA. We are heading out June 14th, so water may be slightly higher yet. Most of us are experienced with the outdoors, two are fairly green. We are trying to prepare the less experienced as much as possible before the trip.

That being said, is it feasible to reach Friday Bay of Crooked from EP23 in one day? If so, by which direction? I feel the path through Fourtown, Boot, Gun, etc. would be the quickest, even with the additional portages.

Thanks!
 
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03/18/2020 12:21PM  
Just under 19 miles to the very south end of Friday Bay is very doable with normal weather conditions. Get an early start. The 300 portage into Wagosh is very flat and mellow so no worries there. It's those damn first 3 portages you'll hit right away that kind of suck. If you can't make it all the way there's a nice site on Niki. You'll have the lake to yourself
03/18/2020 12:35PM  
Last June, at about that same time, my 12-year old son and I went from the top of Thursday Bay down Friday Bay and out to EP23 in one day double portaging. It was a long day but doable with cooperative weather. If it gets too long there are several campsites that could be used on the smaller lakes along the way. The biggest issue could be finding an open campsite once you get to Friday Bay late in the day.
cyclones30
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03/19/2020 06:42AM  
I'll agree with what's been said, it's possible but it's a long day for experienced trippers. I'd have lakes and sites in mind not that far, but a goal of Crooked is still fine. If you feel like stopping at Gun or wherever it's all good. Stop and smell the flowers sometimes. You are correct abou thatbroute being fastest way to Fri Bay.
03/19/2020 11:12AM  
I believe that is the shortest route and it would be a very long single day or 2 easy days. Last year we did the loop up the Horse river to Basswood river to Crooked and then back to EP23 via the route you described. From Friday bay we used 2 easy days of travel back to the entry point (Camped on Gun lake). I agree with the other posts that the long portage to Wagosh is long but flat and pretty easy. The 3 portages into Fourtown felt like more effort and it is very crowded area with other paddlers.

If you are wanting to make it in one day my biggest recommendation would be to limit loose items at portages to as little as possible and have a plan of who is taking what. It is amazing how much time you can lose at each portage getting everything put away. On travel days we have everything in a pack or secured to canoe with BDBs except water bottle, PFDs and paddles. Single portaging gives you the best chance of making it in one day if you can achieve it. We double portaged and it was a little more than two half days of actual travel.
VoyageurNorth
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03/21/2020 11:16AM  
Good point, if you want to travel faster the first day, try to pack things in packs instead of hanging loose. But don't try to carry too big/heavy of packs either, no use to hurt yourself on the first day & have injuries for the trip

03/21/2020 01:03PM  
VoyageurNorth: "Good point, if you want to travel faster the first day, try to pack things in packs instead of hanging loose. But don't try to carry too big/heavy of packs either, no use to hurt yourself on the first day & have injuries for the trip


"
No loose items and everything in packs is always a good idea
seekadventure
member (12)member
  
03/23/2020 11:27AM  
Thanks for all the advice everyone!! It sounds like the best option is to plan for Gun, but if we are ahead of schedule and not feeling too burned out, press on to Friday bay.

We are planning to only have minimal loose items (maps, water, and small personal items). Everything else we plan on having in some form of pack ready to be slung over shoulders, weather a large back pack or smaller day packs. The goal is to have no one person carry more than 75# of gear.
buzz17
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03/23/2020 02:19PM  
The trip to Friday bay will take a good 8-9 hrs with a group. I agree that the first 3 portages will drain you. The Wagosh portage isn't bad, but 300 rods is 300 rods. A good point to rest! If you can't quite make Friday bay, I recommend the only campsite on Chippewa. Great bass fishing ( large and smallmouth) and you may catch a dinner plate size bluegill!
 
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