Hey there... so I usually would just go and find out, but my curiosity is killing me, much like the cat I guess. So going in on EP 37 and am not planning on pushing further then Kawishiwi lake if I don't have to. Same group was put on a pretty long paddle last year and I promised to try and go easy on them this year... has anyone been out from this EP in the last few days and if so, how was Kawishiwi lake itself? Through traffic would not be a burden to me as that is what it is, I just hope for a campsite on Kawishiwi lake. As well, any recommends on good sites there?

Thanks to all and tip of the hat to all members, love this site.

Leo66 (Jesse)

I haven't been there the last few days, so this is the best I can do to help. I was there a month ago. Grand Central Station, BWCA version. Put in early.

Mike

Thanks Mike - did you stay on Kawishiwi or pass through?

Went in at Kawishiwi Lake last September, but we passed through. There was a lot of traffic on Kawishiwi Lake, but I believe there was a site open right by the public landing. Probably a different animal this year though.

I put in at EP37 on 8/13 at 10:30 am. So about two Thursday’s ago. The EP parking lot was full. I had to park a little ways down the access road. Not too far though.

Our first day destination was Lake Polly which is an easy 3 hour paddle for my wife and I. I did not inspect every site on Kawishiwi Lake but those visible on our route down the lake were all occupied.

Got a good site on Polly with a couple to choose from on the early afternoon of 8/13. Pushed (actually pretty easy too!) up to Marlberg next moring and got the 4-5 star site by the Louse River portage. Koma wasn’t full (either coming or going). Other sites in the central section of Marlberg filled up by 3-4 pm.

On our way out on Sunday 8/16 Polly was mostly full but we lucked out and landed at the nice south facing island site to find it empty at 11:00 am. My wife pulled the “I miss the kids card” and ‘we’ decided to paddle out a day early. Kawishiwi Lake looked just as full Sunday at 2:00 pm and the parking lot was packed. Our outfitter, Sawtooth, said he had some early returns over the weekend from folks who couldn’t find an open site between Polly and EP37.

You might get lucky and a sweet site turns at just the right moment like we experienced on Polly on 8/16 but I recommend a Plan A, B and C for August weekends with nice weather. Start early and grab a site early. And our weather was just so-so with two nights of rain and thunderstorms out of the three.

You may only be a 10 min paddle from an open site on Kawishiwi itself. I suppose that's keeping it fairly short this time!

That said, it's a well-used entry and it also has a small non-BWCA campground right at the access point which is sure to be full. So you'll maybe hear and see others often.

Square is the next lake and was mostly burned, as was Kawashachong the next lake. There's maybe a site or two between the two that's still do-able post fire and it's recovering well. If you do camp on Kawishiwi, take a day trip at least to Square or beyond to see what it looks like. (and fish too)

Leo66: "Thanks Mike - did you stay on Kawishiwi or pass through?"

Correction: we went in late May. Nevertheless, my input stands.

We entered Kawishiwi Lake the day the BWCA opened (May 18.) We passed through to Lake Polly. We got to Lake Polly by early afternoon and had our pick of campsites. By the evening most campsites were occupied.

Mike

We were there about two weeks ago, if this helps, and there were people, but we found a site no problem going in. Coming out was a problem though. We wanted to stay our last night there, but couldn't find a spot. so we packed up and left. Like they always say. Portage in a lake or two and the scenery changes.
The camp ground there was a bit of a let down too. Someone was blasting pop music from a boom box that could be heard half way across the lake. Probably a good thing all the sites were taken I suppose.

Seriously appreciate the input from everyone. As well, the realization we could hit those other lakes was there and good to get the feedback. I don't shirk from the hard work but the idea to get in quick and start fishing right away while the ladies of the group can sit back and enjoy the surroundings and what the BWCA has to offer (not secluded, but they have been warned before this trip permit was pulled). I just hope we can get the fortune of a nice site!

As far as the fishing is concerned, I have had a few good tips on the area both for Kawishiwi and Square. Be fun to come out on Sunday knowing we found all the fortune I am hoping for!

Wishing all of you the best and thank you!
Leo66

PS: Usually I know what I am getting into when I pick a permit/EP. This year however, as we all unfortunately have to know, is not the same beast. So, thanks again for taking the time to reply.

If you are still reading this post, I don't know. I just got out Tuesday. Really busy and full entry point. Cars parked up/down the road, full lot.

I would be prepared to go further and think getting to Polly would be more enjoyable.

There was only one sight available on Kawishiwi when we entered on our way to Malberg. Square to be honest I saw a canoe but didn't stay long enough to see sites. Wouldn't stay there nor Kawashachong, the burn is interesting? but not for a stay. Lots of eagles. Kawashachong and Kawishiwi both were full on the way out. Just one site at the Kawishiwi lake campground open on our way in and out. Polly had openings, and is really pretty. Giant rocks hiding an couple inches under the surface here and there though.


Getting to Polly, there is a tiny lift over beaver dam going into Square, all the portages can be bypassed into Kawashachong but that is because of a tall beaver dam which became a 2 rod portage, a minor scramble. Kawashachong to Polly via townline... well, since you haven't really portaged all day isn't that bad. Into Townline is a bit long and there is a rock hill for the last rod of Polly. 2 dams and 2 portages at the end is worth getting to Polly, the river is an interesting paddle. Must have been beautiful before the fire.

If you push to Malberg... your group may hate you for a 6 hr adventure, but can tell you the crapper is a brand new hole at the farthest NW beachy site and an active pack of wolves were across the lake.

If you don't want to go further than Kawishiwi Lake, I would recommend Campsite 1006. We stayed there our last night in June on a trip to Malberg and back.

Been meaning to reply to everyone. It worked out and we got the island campsite. We were able to make it work for 3 tents too! There is a small path leading off along the shore kind of from campsite going N. We snuck the tent nicely in there... glad it didn't down pour as it was somewhat in the flood path, LOL.

There were plenty of people there... hope next year things get back to normal!

Sincere thanks everyone! - Leo66

Glad you had a successful trip. Kinda tricky near entries this year.... Camp on.