BWCA EP 14 - LIS to ???? How far is reasonable for a first day? Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Trip Planning Forum
      EP 14 - LIS to ???? How far is reasonable for a first day?     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

tomgavin13
  
08/02/2020 05:21PM  
Greetings fellow paddlers,

I plan on taking a trip into the BWCA from EP 14 the week after labor day 2020 and I had a few questions, for anybody that has been through this way, since Ive never been this far west in the BWCA before.

1st question, How far is reasonable to expect to get on day one? I am traveling with my wife, and we are both seasoned paddlers, and in good physical shape. We plan on single portaging most portages. I've seen that Slim lake is a place that people consistently get to on day one, but is it possible to get farther with a good start, and some motivation?

2nd question regarding Fat Lake, i've heard fat lake is one of the clearest lakes in the BWCA, and with excellent trout fishing. Has anybody used the unofficial portage coming from Slim lake? and is the portage easily found, and can it be traversed? One Of my goals is to catch the site at Fat lake, and I figure going after Labor day gives me the best chance. Also, Is this site typically taken?

question 3 - Are there any other cool spots around the smaller lakes to the south of lac la croix? im thinking like steep lake, North lake, little beartrack.

Thanks in advance!

 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next
08/02/2020 08:00PM  
Q1. Single portaging helps a lot, but it depends on how early you start. I had to drive up from MPLS, stop for leeches at 3 places, got paddling late and got hit by thunderstorms early. Day two was windy and rainy so I just stayed put, and day three I just wasn’t in the mood to push. Got to Fat via the secret portage on day 4. By comparison, a notable member here who single portages started early and did not have a problem getting to Fat on day 1. He may weigh in.
Q2. The secret Fat portage is doable but takes a bit more work to find. It’s not as obvious as most, but stick to your map reading skills and it will work. It’s not officially maintained, so if storms come through there could be trees to clear. Fat has one site only. In an ordinary year I’d say it’s a risk to bank on any one site, this busy year, it’s really a risk. I got the site, but an hour later others came through the secret portage and asked me how long I was staying.. Again, in an ordinary year, after Labor Day would help a lot, but this year all bets are off.
Q3. Others can add more, but I found all the lakes in this area amazing.


cyclones30
distinguished member(4163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/02/2020 09:09PM  
We single portage and got an early start a few years ago. We made it to Snow Bay of LLC via Loon and the Beatty portage. We were setting up camp just after lunch but we were pushing pretty much the whole time and had decent weather. So...I guess anywhere in your realm of target spots was in range for us that day.

I hate Loon after some boat experiences there on that trip. Otherwise, everything else was great about the trip. Slim is a cool looking lake, we took that route on our way out. Section 3 pond or whatever it is, is a cool little spot.

08/03/2020 07:05AM  
We did this on the second day the BW was open in May this year.

Doubled the early portages, then singled from Little Loon to Slim, and Slim to Fat.

Took us 5.5 hours.

The Slim to Fat portage was long and has a tough spot or two, and once or twice the faint trail took an abrupt 90+ degree turn that almost threw us. We were through in 30-40 minutes (both times; we did it again 5 days later)... BUT: We had the luxury of no foliage on the undergrowth, and hence really good visibility. Some folks have gotten off the trail and ended up having a tough day as a result. I think someone posted their GPS track for this portage - having some way to ensure you are on-trail is a good idea.
bombinbrian
distinguished member (407)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/06/2020 09:33AM  
In May of 2019, my son and I got a late start, about 10am. It was cold and windy with a little must. We had to double portage some because of being packed for 10 days and made slim with absolutely no problem by about 4pm. That portage into steep is no fun, but there's a campsite just to the left once you get there.

My favorite is a little island site on finger or thumb, sorry I don't have my maps in front of me right now.
TuscaroraBorealis
distinguished member(5665)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/06/2020 09:43AM  
bombinbrian: "My favorite is a little island site on finger or thumb, sorry I don't have my maps in front of me right now."


You're probably referring to this one.
bombinbrian
distinguished member (407)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/06/2020 11:37AM  
TuscaroraBorealis: "
bombinbrian: "My favorite is a little island site on finger or thumb, sorry I don't have my maps in front of me right now."



You're probably referring to this one."


That be the one
08/06/2020 02:47PM  
TuscaroraBorealis: "
bombinbrian: "My favorite is a little island site on finger or thumb, sorry I don't have my maps in front of me right now."



You're probably referring to this one."


Good site but it would be a lot better with the kitchen rotated 180 degrees for the view!
 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next
Trip Planning Sponsor:
Seagull Outfitters