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jhornberg
  
02/16/2022 11:15PM  
My buddy and I will be making our first trip to BWCA with our kayaks the first weekend of June. I am wondering what a good map would be to acquire to help us navigate through the Moose Lake area? Any tips and tricks would be truly appreciated!
 
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straighthairedcurly
distinguished member(1921)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/16/2022 11:51PM  
The main map brands are Voyageur, Fisher, McKenzie, and True North (cloth maps). Everyone has their favorite(s).

I have started using Voyageur maps the most because the color contrast works best for my eyes and they are easy/quick to get when I order through bwca.com store. The maps you need depend on whether you are staying on Moose or traveling to surrounding lakes. Voyageur Maps #4 and 5 will cover Moose, Newfound, Ensign, Wind, Basswood, etc.

I'm sure others will answer which maps cover this area for other brands.
jhornberg
  
02/17/2022 12:03AM  
Thank you for your help I appreciate it! Do they show portages and campsites?
YetiJedi
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02/17/2022 01:13AM  
jhornberg: "Thank you for your help I appreciate it! Do they show portages and campsites?"

Yes, the maps include the portages (length of rods included) and campsites.

What route do you plan to take and how long will you be on your trip?

For Moose entry point you can use McKenzie 9; Fisher 10 and 31; Voyageur 4, 5, 7; or a cloth map from True North #7.

I always take paper maps and compass as well as an electronic device with downloaded maps and GPS capabilities. McKenzie maps are my favorite just because I got used to them first. The True North cloth masks are starting to grow on me because they can be wadded up in your pocket. I use the garmin inreach to track my routes, guide me to portages from time to time, get weather updates, and stay connected to my family - plus it serves as an emergency notification system if needed.

Moose is an entry point with lots of options. As you plan your trip your map needs may change. You can find map coverage charts on the internet to match up with your trip plans.

If you are using an outfitter, they are happy to sell you the maps you need and go through and mark good fishing spots, interesting places to see, hidden waterfalls, etc. By exploring the maps on this website you'll also find out more about the area you plan to visit.
jhornberg
  
02/17/2022 07:11AM  
Our trip is going to be 4 days. We are hoping to set up a base camp on Moose or Newfound and then from there just go out fishing and maybe do some portages into some of the smaller lakes.
02/17/2022 08:10AM  
jhornberg: "Our trip is going to be 4 days. We are hoping to set up a base camp on Moose or Newfound and then from there just go out fishing and maybe do some portages into some of the smaller lakes. "


I've used Fisher for many years and I recommend it. Map F10 should be all you need but you might want F11 too. Fisher maps are water resistant but it's best to keep any map, regardless of vendor, in some kind of waterproof, transparent case for extra protection against rain and abrasion.

Whichever map vendor you choose, it's a good idea to purchase a duplicate set of maps to keep in your pack or have in your buddy's kayak. If you lose or accidentally destroy your maps while in the wilderness at best you're inconvenienced and at worst you get seriously lost.

Found Lake and Skull Lake are nice little side trips off of Moose and you can get away from the regular motor traffic on Moose itself. If you're willing to do a longer portage, you can also daytrip up to Wind Lake.
cyclones30
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02/17/2022 12:23PM  
Buy a Voyageur (from this site's store) and then buy another brand. There are color differences, a portage might say it's 10 rods on one brand and 8 rods on another. But it sounds like you're not going real far so not a big deal.

You will see/hear motor boats on Moose as they're allowed all the way to the border and lots of outfitters running people back and forth.

If you can try and do the short portage to either Birch or Ensign if you want to get away from that.
schweady
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02/17/2022 01:34PM  
And... welcome to bwca.com!

Lots of info to explore here. Feel free to ask if you can't find it with a search.
Driver42
member (12)member
  
03/01/2022 04:28PM  
From Moose why not trek to Knife lake and base camp there? That gets you away from the motorized lakes.
 
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