BWCA EP14 LIS/Pauness/Shell/Loon Area Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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Ranger1
member (14)member
  
01/22/2021 08:21AM  
Hello all! I'm looking for first hand information about the area north of EP14. I trip every summer with 4 buddies and none of us have ever been up in the NW part of the BW. We've been on the far eastern side the past two years (Winchell/Horseshoe area) and while that has been great, we're looking to change it up this year.

We generally go in about 8 hours on the first day and set up a basecamp. We then do day trips for fishing and exploring after that. So, I'd love to hear about good campsites, general fishing info, things to note, etc. Last, can anyone tell me if it's reasonable to expect to paddle back upstream to get back to the EP on the way out? Or should we exit at a different EP?

Thanks in advance!
 
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treehorn
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01/22/2021 09:29AM  
You've made a good choice - it's a great route and great area.

There is no problem paddling back out the way you go in...the river doesn't really have much current.

When you get to Lower Pauness, you'll have to decide to go north up through Loon, or east into Shell.

Probably hard to go wrong either way...I've never been up through Loon, but have been through Shell over to Lynx. You should definitely consider Lynx or Hustler for a base camp destination...some nice sites, good fishing, and access to interesting side trips to different lakes.
01/22/2021 11:11AM  
Following as that is our entry point this year,
I had planned on doing the loop up thru the northern section and exiting back through Hustler, Lynx and Shell route.
I worry about those long portages on the last couple days combined with campsite availability.
Nothing worse than putting in a hard day and not finding a campsite and having to keep going.
I know the lakes on that end are more popular.
cyclones30
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01/22/2021 12:11PM  
No issues w/ heading back out the way you came. Beautiful paddle on that stretch of the river and that single portage between the EP and Pauness is one of my favorites....I need to take more time on it to look around next time.

As for where to go...I'd head east-ish once you hit Pauness, more options. If you head north you'll hit Devil's Cascade which is cool and then Loon which can have motor boats. (not so cool) So I'd not recommend staying on Loon. Slim is a cool lake, not sure on the fishing if that's what you're after. If you push hard you can get to Snow Bay of Lac La Croix as we did on our trip to that area but that's all dependent on your wishes, abilities, and all that. What are your goals? What do you like to do on your day trips? I see fishing you said....so again I'll suggest heading east and north once you hit Pauness and head for Lynx/Hustler or whatever you want depending on how you feel and the weather that day.
bombinbrian
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01/22/2021 12:35PM  
I've been this way several times. I head up through Loon, Little Loon {which has a great campsite on the north end} and then up Slim and around. Not a lot of people once you get past Little Loon. portage to Slim sucks. Portage to Steep Lake sucks, I think they named the lake to describe the portage. Finger has a great campsite on the island. Caught some smallies from that camp.

I have never cut over to Shell though. My loops always end at #16 entry when I do this trip.
01/22/2021 01:18PM  
^^^ I second the campsite at the top of Little Loon, but I don't recall how large it is (or if I even saw it all). It is suppose to be a non-motor lake, but I still got buzzed by one. I dont know how the fishing is on Loon, but usually the big lakes are pretty good, and you could do day trips over to slim and maybe Fat for some lakers. I also really liked Hustler if you want to go that far, or Lynx if not. Plenty to explore for a few days and again could day trip over to Oyster for lakers. That portage is pretty long but actually pretty easy. The ones from Pauness to Shell and Lynx to Ruby were shorter but a good deal harder if I recall correctly. Worth it for the area though I'd say.
VoyageurNorth
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01/22/2021 06:59PM  
Little Indian Sioux is a great trip! Moderate travel and yet offers lots of wildlife, good fishing, waterfalls too
 
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