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
Day 3 of 3
Sunday, August 31, 2008

Got up this morning and had a leisurely morning. Had coffee and granola bars, then packed up the gear and tent. It was really windy this morning, and so the paddle back to the portage was an effort. It was also getting really warm. I decided to take the canoe first this time, and come back for the second pack. From Bog Lake, the first 90 rods are mostly uphill. It's a gradual ascension, but an ascension nonetheless. The dogs found a dead mouse on the trail, and spent a while sniffing it. By the time we made it to the car, it was downright hot. We loaded the gear and took the portage back to the lake. When we got back to the lake, the lab took a quick swim and both dogs got a lake drink. We grabbed the last pack and headed back one more time. On the last pass, we passed two older gentlemen who were heading to Bog to fish for the day. We got the canoe loaded and then headed back to Ely to have lunch and do a little shopping.

Bog Lake is a great little lake. The portage is definitely more challenging this year because of the overgrown foliage near the beginning of the portage from the parking lot. The north central site was really nice, with plenty of trees for hanging hammocks. There are 2 good-sized tent pods. The only bad part was the number of cigarette butts we picked up, both on the portage and at the campsite. Walking the portage, it's clear why the lake is named Bog. The portage goes through a bog, and the lake is surrounded by it. I wouldn't recommend portaging and camping here in the spring or early summer, but fall seems to be a nice time to enjoy the lake.