First timer coming to BWCA, 67yr old, solo. 4 night/5 day triop. I am checking to see if my planning might be accurate, and if the trip is recommended for a 5 day paddle. Currently thinking to push through Hog Creek through Perent into Isabella on 1st day, then to lower Bald Eagle, then upper Bald Eagle for 4rth night.

Any comments, links to trip reports, updates, suggestions, photos would be welcome.

I entered Hog Creek and paddled through Bald Eagle then looped back to Kawishiwi at the end of June. Here is my Trip report. I also have a lot of video I have not edited yet but could share with you if helpful.

From what I’ve read from several sources, water levels have been dropping fast in many areas, and they were already low when I went through. Another member just posted that they cancelled a Hog Creek permit because water levels had dropped enough to significantly increase the time it takes just to get to Perent Lake, but has not been back to tell where he heard this.

So even when I went through, I’d say paddling from the Hog Creek entry all the way to Isabella lake on the first day is a very, very hard stretch. Under normal conditions getting to Perent Lake is about a 2 hour paddle with lots of twists and turns, then maybe another hour across Perent Lake just to the river entry. The first campsite after leaving Perent Lake is on an unnamed lake just south of Boga Lake, and is after 11 or so portages plus a few beaver dams to get over. Lower water could slow things more.

The river from Isabella west to Bald Eagle is a bit easier, but still a decently long paddle. I spent three days paddling from Perent Lake to Bald Eagle, but a fit paddler with a light load could do it in two. I had a lot of gear and a dog with me.

Once on Bald Eagle, getting up to the exit at Gabbro is a minor deal compared to the river.

Whether you are 67, 47, or 27, I’d say what matters is how fit you are for paddling and portaging through rocky, muddy trails. Without knowing how low the water may have gotten, I’d say 5 days and 4 nights is reasonable for a decently strong paddler/portageur, but I’d plan on Perent Lake for night one and somewhere near Isabella for night two.

That's a solid first day for anyone, let alone a first timer, with low water. You'll also be in a burned area for some of that stretch....it's cool to see but also why campsites are closed in places and shade can be hard to find.

I would enjoy the video links. Thank you very much for a considered response. Perhaps I should plan to chill out at Perent Lake for 1st night? There doesn't seem to be much along the Perent/Isabella stretch as a mid point stopping place.

chrisstratton: "I would enjoy the video links. Thank you very much for a considered response. Perhaps I should plan to chill out at Perent Lake for 1st night? There doesn't seem to be much along the Perent/Isabella stretch as a mid point stopping place."

I was going to edit them into a video soon but I can do a quick version for you if that’s helpful. Shoot me an email telling me when you are going and I’ll send you a link.

Also I just saw in a Trip Report that the FS was sending emails warning folks about low water and slow going on Hog Creek - so do read the first paragraph of that report.