Wondering where most of the trip destinations are when headed in on either of these two entry points. Is the border route more popular than going west or east?81 potencial groups in a 3-day period seems heavy even though we did south arm last year and only seen maybe 2 groups in a week.

SammyD: "Wondering where most of the trip destinations are when headed in on either of these two entry points. Is the border route more popular than going west or east?81 potential groups in a 3-day period seems heavy even though we did south arm last year and only seen maybe 2 groups in a week."

I haven't been through Snowbank, but I've entered through Moose many times. Keep in mind that all of these routes are from one of the busiest entry points in the BWCA, so crowds/campsites can be an issue sometimes.

Popular routes are through Splash Lake to Ensign and beyond.

Knife like via a series of lakes to the east. Some folks will paddle up the Moose chain to Birch and go from there. Others get a tow to Birch.

Basswood, via prairie portage to the west is also very popular, but you will have to deal with motor boats there. Good fishing on Basswood for most species except lakers.

Wind lake is a portage away from Moose and can get you to Basswood as well after passing through a couple smaller lakes.

Some people just stay on the chain of lakes there without going too far in.

I appreciate the response. I did not realize how busy 25 was. Makes sense with all of the options and proximity to Ely. We are headed east via tow up, didn't know what to expect for traffic and campsite availability this early but we will find out in short time.

The Snowbank/Disappointment route to Cattyman with destinations at Jordon and Ima and points beyond is an alternative to the Splash/Ensign route to Cattyman. The Snowbank route will have less traffic but with the tow it would not make much difference compared to Ensign which is itself a destination lake.
I recall the principle the farther in and with difficult portages the less likely you will see anyone. Past Ima the crowd thins, likely effect of the takeout and climb from Ima to Hatchet.
I have a trip through this area in late July and hoping the past trends will leave open campsites but have learned even a remote spot can be crowded. Scout motto insert.