I've taken two trips to Basswood, each time starting from the Moose Lake entry with a motor boat (I have over 100 canoe trips into the BWCA) and obviously staying in the motoboat region. I'd like to get up into the no-motor section. Of all the articles I've read none say to use the Wood Lake entry. I've actually stayed on Wood Lake a couple times, once taking a daytrip into Basswood. Is there a reason why this entry wouldn't be mentioned? To me it looks like the easiest and shortest route. Only 3 portages, none of which are long. Then its a decent, but not terribly long, paddle past Washington and Lincoln Island. At least that would be my planned route. This is primarily a fishing trip, so any info on that area would be appreciated.

Also, what's the route from Mudro? That's mentioned as a popular starting point. can you paddle the river out of Sandpit Lake? Or do you need to continue straight north all the way to Basswood Falls, then back south into Basswood Lake.

Thanks much.

pos1: " Of all the articles I've read none say to use the Wood Lake entry... Is there a reason why this entry wouldn't be mentioned? "

I think its a great entry for Basswood, possibly the quickest way to get to Washington Island. Perhaps its not mentioned much because you go from a non-motor lake to a motor lake, and I'd suspect most people would rather start at a motor entry to eventually get away from motorboats, not the other way around.

Searching this site, you should find lots of info on entering via Wood Lake.

You can take a short portage from Tin Can Mike to the Range River. The Range River will take you Jackfish Bay. There's a large beaver damn at the end of the portage so water levels may be low heading down river.

interesting. Not shown on any maps I've seen. Thanks.

Thanks much.

YaMarVa: "

pos1: " Of all the articles I've read none say to use the Wood Lake entry... Is there a reason why this entry wouldn't be mentioned? "

I think its a great entry for Basswood, possibly the quickest way to get to Washington Island. Perhaps its not mentioned much because you go from a non-motor lake to a motor lake, and I'd suspect most people would rather start at a motor entry to eventually get away from motorboats, not the other way around.

Searching this site, you should find lots of info on entering via Wood Lake.
"

pos1: "interesting. Not shown on any maps I've seen. Thanks."

Sorry, I made a mistake. The portage is from Sandpit and NOT Tin Can.