Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Mudro Loop through Crooked
by AdventureRob

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 08/08/2025
Entry & Exit Point: Mudro Lake (restricted--no camping on Horse Lake) (EP 22)
Number of Days: 7
Group Size: 6
Day 7 of 7
Thursday, August 14, 2025

Saw on a weather report that another storm was rolling in over night and into Friday so we decided to cut the trip a day short and head out. Had a large (lighten the load) breakfast, two pots of coffee and got packed up for the last haul through boot, over to Fourtown and through the dreaded Mudro triple portage. As expected for the final day the wind was a in our face across Boot, down Fourtown...the whole way. The final portages from Fourtown to Mudro were not as bad as I had expected honestly but that doesnt mean they were good either. Very rocky, every step is an ankle buster if you are not paying attention. Luckily it was not wet, with only minimal mud in a couple spots. The first is short and sweet, the second is one of the longest 1/3 of a mile I think I have ever walked. A lot of up, then down, then up again, and some more down....then more up, up and some more up, then some down and finally a false end. Again it's not the worst portage in the world but if you are not paying attention it can be a bad day on your feet or ankles so take it easy and watch your step. We managed to make it through all three in pretty decent time. We waited for the rest of our group to catch up and finally got out at Mudro about 2 hrs behind schedule but about 5 minuets before it started to rain. Small wins. Over all though it was a great trip as any trip in the BWCA is. Just remain flexible and enjoy nature at its best. Already excited for the next trip and so is my son.