Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Entry Point #12 - Little Vermillion Lake. Three beginners and one camper who has been to BWCA once.
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aarono2690 |
No longer doing #12. Sounds like Sawbill will be much more enjoyable for the group. |
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Z4K |
Big Lake and Trout Lake both have some permits still available in late July. You'll still have boats on Big and Vermillion/Trout but those lakes aren't a highway like the Loon River is. With either permit I would insist on a big portage (or two) on day one. I'd take a couple long, muddy, bug-infested portages in late July heat with a group of younger guys over 20 miles of "is this guy gonna slow down when he goes past us?" every time. |
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bobbernumber3 |
I haven't been at that entry point or route. But my experience traveling has been about 2 miles per hour, +/-, when traveling, so plan on a long day of paddling and setting up camp. I hope your winds are favorable. You'll have a blast! |
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aarono2690 |
I could switch to Big Lake EP7... |
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Z4K |
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aarono2690 |
As the title states I have a entry permit for EP12. We're going in late July so this was one of the few entry points that still had permits available. Group is four younger guys (ages 25-33) in good shape. Three of the group have NEVER been to BWCA while I have been once (went in at Moose Lake entry point). We will have two canoes. Plan is to go in very early morning via Crane Lake and paddle over to Loon Lake. I've heard this is an 18 mile journey so hopefully by leaving early we will have enough time to get to a camp site and unwind for the day. I thought about using a tow service to get in, but after looking at the cost I think we'll pass and paddle it. Couple questions: 1) Is the 18 miles I've seen accurate? 2) How bad is boat traffic on the way over to Loon? I know Crane can be bad, but since we're leaving very early in the morning I hope it's not as bad once you get around King Williams Narrows. 3) Any hazards such as rapids to be aware of along the river. 4) Any recommendations for camp sites on Loon? 5) How does parking work around Crane Lake? Do most lodges allow you to park if you pay them a fee? Is there a free government lot for the campers who go into VNP? Thank you! |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
18 miles is a long day but, since you'd likely only have the portage into Loon, it is possible. Don't know your groups threshold to put in a long day but, since you mention everyone is inexperienced, I would suggest breaking the trek to Loon up into 2 days. Or, at least, be well prepared to do so. |
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RJB |
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plander |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
plander: "I know the tow seems expensive but IF you can get a tow to Bottle Portage it’s definitely worth reconsidering that option. The tow saves a couple days, at least, and it puts you on some of the best fishing and sights the BWCA has to offer (Crooked, Iron, and the east end of LLC). That tow alone is definitely worth experience, at least once. " Agree |
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airmorse |
TuscaroraBorealis: "plander: "I know the tow seems expensive but IF you can get a tow to Bottle Portage it’s definitely worth reconsidering that option. The tow saves a couple days, at least, and it puts you on some of the best fishing and sights the BWCA has to offer (Crooked, Iron, and the east end of LLC). That tow alone is definitely worth experience, at least once. " Agree as well. |
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YetiJedi |
airmorse: "TuscaroraBorealis: "plander: "I know the tow seems expensive but IF you can get a tow to Bottle Portage it’s definitely worth reconsidering that option. The tow saves a couple days, at least, and it puts you on some of the best fishing and sights the BWCA has to offer (Crooked, Iron, and the east end of LLC). That tow alone is definitely worth experience, at least once. " Agreed. That would be my choice, especially to avoid the motors...at least for me. |
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HighnDry |
It's been some time and the waters have subsided at least a bit but I'd suggest checking with either Anderson outfitters or Zups to check on water levels and the rapids. At least one experience canoeist dumped at 56 rapids and he was luckily rescued by the towboat driver who ferried me back to Crane. A tow might be your best bet --- at least to Loon Falls --- to start your trip off on the right foot. Best of luck to you! |
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Spartan1 |
Once we took the tow to Loon falls, very enjoyable. Other times we broke it up into two days, stopping on Little Vermilion. Another time we intended to go from Lac La Croix to the parking lot on Crane Lake, but stopped at a campground in Voyageur Park. The trip report books do not indicate any problem with current, some faster water at the rapids. S1 |