Going in tomorrow for 3 days/2 nights, solo with a 50# dog. I have never been to either EP or area, I am on the fence as to which area to see. I doubt I'll fish, just want to do a little exploring and kick back a little. I am not concerned about the differences in portage length between the two, I did read that the portage from EP 32 is rockier, I am not a great fan of rocks. I have a 12.5 foot Old Town Pack so it is quite slow, plus the 50# dog. The dog will be leashed and double portaging with me.

Just curious what the differences are between the two areas. "Scenery, pretty campsites and other things" do any of you have a preference between the two?

Edit:
How are the wind/waves on Little Gabbro and Gabbro? The forecast is for west winds with 30 mph gusts the next two days. I'm wind bound at around 15 mph winds. Thinking about the Kawishiwi River given this forecast.

I was just at EP 32 for a day trip. The portage from the parking to South Kawaishiwi is not bad at all. The water levels are very low. Only one site was occupied

Blatz: "I was just at EP 32 for a day trip. The portage from the parking to South Kawaishiwi is not bad at all. The water levels are very low. Only one site was occupied "

Thanks Blatz, I was wondering about campsites also, didn't figure it would be busy but didn't think it would have that light of usage.

Curious, looked at your profile, how does on day trip from Illinois?

I have daytripped out of those entries quite a few times..we typically put in at one or the other, paddle between, and walk the road back to the truck. As far as scenery goes, I guess they are both nice, but I prefer Little Gabbro that way...it's really nice classic Canadian shield country. I always find the paddle north from the S. Kawishiwi entry a bit dull until the "river" narrows up. Not sure how that stretch even gets called a river.

Really, both of these entries put you into the same country. Little Gabbro has more options, with S. Kawishiwi you pretty much are going to have to paddle north and return the same way. (You can also paddle down the Kawishiwi to the Kawishiwi campground, which is a very nice paddle as well but it takes you out of the BW.

I consider the South Kawishiwi portage easier, only because it is shorter. Yes, a little more tricky footing, but pretty easy by my standards. Much of the little Gabbro portage is like a walk on a road, just a bit long. If you do go in on Little Gabbro, turn around as you paddle away and memorize where it is. For some reason, it's a tricky one to find from the water, and some maps even have it in the wrong place.

Hi Lindentree, sorry I can’t help with your question. New to that area, but I’m entering there Tues for a 3-night solo so we may cross paths. If you see an old red Bell Morningstar with one (hopefully dry!) paddler, please say hi. I’ve been planning on entering South Kawishiwi and think I’ll stay with that plan. Like you, I’ll simply be hanging out exploring the area, though I may try some fishing along the way. Hope you have an enjoyable trip!

SunrisePaddler: "Hi Lindentree, sorry I can’t help with your question. New to that area, but I’m entering there Tues for a 3-night solo so we may cross paths. If you see an old red Bell Morningstar with one (hopefully dry!) paddler, please say hi. I’ve been planning on entering South Kawishiwi and think I’ll stay with that plan. Like you, I’ll simply be hanging out exploring the area, though I may try some fishing along the way. Hope you have an enjoyable trip!"

Copy, I will look for you, I'll have a small green canoe with a dog in it, wearing a big hat. That's my hat not the dogs :-)

LindenTree: "

Blatz: "I was just at EP 32 for a day trip. The portage from the parking to South Kawaishiwi is not bad at all. The water levels are very low. Only one site was occupied "

Thanks Blatz, I was wondering about campsites also, didn't figure it would be busy but didn't think it would have that light of usage.


Curious, looked at your profile, how does on day trip from Illinois?"

I have a family cabin in Biwabik MN. Did Mt Bike rides and BW day trips last week.

Lake landing at EP 33, Little Gabbro, is real muddy, because of low water. I was up there 10/1.
I'd be tempted to go 32, it might be more interesting.

Jim

Thanks all for your help, I will be doing EP 32, I woke up this morning to strong winds and don't feel like being on a lake if I can help it.

LindenTree: "Thanks all for your help, I will be doing EP 32, I woke up this morning to strong winds and don't feel like being on a lake if I can help it."

Did you make your trip or did weather get in the way?

Pinetree: "

LindenTree: "Thanks all for your help, I will be doing EP 32, I woke up this morning to strong winds and don't feel like being on a lake if I can help it."

Did you make your trip or did weather get in the way?"

Yes, got out just before the weather turned really crappy.

Wrote about it here.