Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

To Bog Lake and Back
by sterngirl

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 08/29/2008
Entry & Exit Point: Bog Lake (EP 67)
Number of Days: 3
Group Size: 2
Trip Introduction:
This was my second Labor Day weekend trip to Bog Lake. I've never seen a trip report from anyone who has ventured there, so thought I'd write a quick one.
Day 1 of 3
Friday, August 29, 2008

After several last minute cancels, this trip ended up being just 2 people. (and 2 dogs)

We left Hudson, WI at 4:30am, heading for Ely. We picked up the permit at the ranger station, which was completely empty at 9:30am. Ranger Tim decided that I needed a review of all rules. (maybe because I was headed for Bog Lake) He went into his spiel about fishing, and I told him that we weren't fishing. He said "No fishing?! Why are you going to Bog Lake then? That lake is full of walleyes." We finally got the permit and headed down Hwy. 1 to Tomahawk Rd. Finally made it to the Bog Lake parking lot around 11am.

We unloaded the packs, hooked up the dogs to leashes, and took off down the portage. (we had 2 packs and 1 canoe, so we would double portage) The path started off VERY brushy. It was a little disorienting, because you couldn't see a path. It was much more overgrown than last Labor Day. After getting through the brushy part, then it was a nice walk in the woods with a variety of coniferous trees. About 2/3 of the way, it heads uphill, finally descending to Bog Lake. We took a few minutes break, and then headed back for the canoe.

We started paddling around 1:00. There wasn't anyone else on the lake, so we had a leisurely paddle to the middle campsite on the north shore. We stopped to fill up water jugs, and then headed to the site. We got the tent set up and then hung the hammocks. The rest of the day was spent relaxing in the sun, and exploring the site.

We made pizza for dinner, and then hit the hay early since we had been up so early.