What route would be best likely for a family group with experience, and a couple of newbys? We'd like to go from Fall Lake Campground to Hoist Bay in late September. The goal is to find the sunken steam boiler/engine/hoist. I see possibilities from FL through Newton/Pipestone then into the bay area via the 62 rod portage to the right near the mouth of Pipestone Bay. I'm also curious about the creek between Ella Hall and Good Lakes shown on the map. Is it even navigable in late September? And what happened to Four Mile Portage? Finally, it looks like Wood Lake (ep 26) might provide the most direct access. Any feedback on the area is appreciated. Thanks!

We visited this spot last September. I can't comment on Ella Hall or Wood routes as we put in at the Fall Lake boat ramp. The Newton Falls and Pipestone Falls portages are about as easy as they come and with an experienced group of paddlers you can be at the portage into Back Bay by lunchtime. That portage was also very easy, a nice wide path and good landings. We stopped at the end of the four mile portage (old railroad spur) where there are remnants of pilings from the old piers. The steam engine is submerged just to the east of that spot.

Not sure how much time you have, but the route from EP24 through Newton and Pipestone into the no-motor zone is a nice one...some great campsites up by Upper Basswood Falls and on US Point. From there we looped south past Washington Island into Hoist and then Back Bay.

FYI, we put in at EP24 the last two Septembers and had to wait until about 8:30am for the fog to burn off Fall Lake. We didn't see a single motor boat the entire journey.

Have a great trip!

Woodweller: "I see possibilities from FL through Newton/Pipestone then into the bay area via the 62 rod portage to the right near the mouth of Pipestone Bay."

Definitely your best bet unless you drive to EP26.

Woodweller: "I'm also curious about the creek between Ella Hall and Good Lakes shown on the map. Is it even navigable in late September?"

I cannot confirm but most likely a bad idea.

Woodweller: "And what happened to Four Mile Portage?"

It is still used and maintained every winter by local mushers. The north end is usually very wet in the summer. Not recommended unless you want to hike through swamp. If you're camping on Fall Lake and have a day to burn, it would make memories.

Woodweller: "Finally, it looks like Wood Lake (ep 26) might provide the most direct access."

Correct. This is the only route I would consider if I was day tripping.