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Boundary Waters Entry Points

BOUNDARY WATERS ENTY POINTS SELECTION

Selection of a Boundary Waters entry point for your canoe trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is important. River Point Outfitting Co. has been servicing Boundary Waters canoeing guests for a very long time—since River Point began in 1944.

Owners, Jane, Steve, and James provide expert guidance on which entry points will work well for your canoe trip based upon your requests and what you want out of your adventure. When you arrive at River Point, various route options will be offered for your consideration during the personalized Trip Routing and Orientation Session with a knowledgeable, friendly staff person. Suggestions will be made and help given to guide you in deciding upon the actual route for your canoe trip from the entry point chosen.

Many factors come into play in selecting an entry point from the list of Boundary Waters entry points for your group based upon:

  • Availability of the entry point permit for your dates
  • Flexibility in your schedule for a possible different “start” date of the trip
  • Skill and knowledge level
  • Previous canoeing experience
  • Previous camping experience
  • Makeup of your group
  • Type of trip desired
  • Focus of the trip
  • Pacing of the trip
  • Length of the trip

How To Plan Your BWCA Canoe Trip is helpful page and addresses what to do to begin planning your canoe trip.

River Point will secure your necessary USFS Travel Permit.

 

BOUNDARY WATERS ENTRY POINTS QUOTAS

Boundary Waters entry points in the Ely area have different quotas. Some have very low quotas with just 1-4 permits allowed daily (each USFS permit allows for a maximum of 9 persons).Other entry points have higher quotas of 14 to 27 permits allowed daily. Thus, each of the Boundary Waters entry points will have a different “feel” about them due to different routes, terrain, quota allowed, lake travel, river travel, or a combiantion of both.

 

Where is River Point Outfitting Co.?

River Point is strategically located to have direct paddle access to and from 14 of the Ely area entry points. Why is this important?  You may enter the BWCA from any of these entry points and paddle downstream to River Point’s lakebase at the end of your adventure. No other outfitter has such a unique and strategic location.

 

ELY AREA BOUNDARY WATERS ENTRY POINTS

The description of the Boundary Waters entry points should be used as a general guide to options. Remember, River Point Outfitting Co. is your personalized, and a most knowledgeable guide, to listen attentively, make suggestions based on what you want from the canoe trip experience, and then give honest and pertinent guidance so that your canoe trip can be successful.

Entry points in green indicate that you can paddle directly back to River Point Outfitting Co. via the South Kawishiwi River (entry point #32) depending upon the number of days in your trip.

A true sense of accomplishment when arriving at the marina at RPO.

 

#4, Crab Lake  (4 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Access into both Crab Lake and Cummings is from Burntside Lake with a 320-rod portage (about 1 ¼  mile) to Crab Lake on the entry day. Exit location is the same with a van transport required. Great entry for a fishing base camp type of trip. Good for small mouth bass with day trips leading into other lakes with walleye and northern pike.

#6, Slim Lake  (2 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Access from the parking lot into Slim Lake is a 90 rod portage which is meticulously maintained and mostly flat over its entire length. The portage provides views of the creek that drains Slim Lake into Burntside Lake along its length. The access road also serves as the portage between the entry point parking lot and Burntside Lake making it possible to portage from Slim Lake to Burntside Lake and vice versa which is about 60 rods. Portages to three additional lakes are also an option. Slim is a small lake within a gorgeous area with huge pines, amazing granite cliffs, and offers some hiking. Paddlers should seek out their campsite early in the day as they are limited. Campsite on Hook Lake is very nice and there is a beautiful spot on Keneu Lake. Both offer some good northern fishing. Day trips into Big Rice and Lapond Lakes are options.

#14, Little Indian Sioux River North  (4 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Access is a 40-rod portage heading North from the Echo Trail. You can only proceed north (downstream) along the Little Indian Sioux River from this entry point. The only route is down the river, but once you reach Upper Pauness Lake and Lower Pauness Lake, many route options open up. Those two lakes are popular and campsites fill up rather quickly. This entry point offers access to the shortest route to Lac La Croix which is a huge sprawling lake around 30 miles long along the U.S. – Canadian Border. The Devil’s Cascade which is viewable along the portage between Lower Pauness Lake and the lower part of the Little Indian Sioux River just before it reaches Loon Lake is something you will not want to miss viewing.

 

#16, Moose River Portage North  (5 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Also called Moose River Portage North. Access is a 160-rod portage heading North from the Echo Trail. A favorite route offering many trip options, including fishing for all four main BWCA species, granite hills and cliffs, small lakes and rivers, and wildlife, including deer, fox, bear, and wolf. This entry point leads into a series of great fishing lakes, such as Nina Moose Lake, Ramshead Lake, and Lake Agnes which continue on to Boulder Bay on the eastern end of Lac La Croix Lake. From there, you may paddle eastward along the US/Canadian Border into Iron Lake and traveling further east to Crooked Lake, as one option. This is a famous historic Voyageur route.

#19, Stuart River  (1 permit daily-Paddle Only)

Access starts with a rather challenging 480-rod portage (1 ½ mile) from the parking lot to the Stuart River, which roams past several shallow lakes and end at Stuart Lake, usually on the second day of the trip. Great walleye fishing. Access into either Iron Lake or Crooked Lake from there. Exit location is usually #16 Nina Moose River or #23, Mudro Lake with a van transport required.

 

#23, Mudro Lake  (5 permits daily-Paddle Only)

This entry point is very popular due to the great scenery and superb walleye and northern fishing. Access into Mudro Lake involve portages ranging from 20–185 rods. Options can be to portage into Horse or Fourtown Lakes for base camping, or continue paddling to other smaller lakes to the northwest. Other paddling options also. Exit can be from Mudro, #24 Fall Lake and #16 Nina Moose River with van transport required.

Check out the Boundary Waters Map

 

#24, Fall Lake  (14 permits daily-Motorboats Allowed)

Easy access to big, beautiful Basswood Lake, Basswood River, and Basswood’s Jackfish and Pipestone Bays for a good degree of solitude. Excellent walleye fishing especially in mid to late May and June. Fall has some motorboat activity (maximum 25 hp) from day fisher people. Exit from Fall, #23 Mudro Lake, #25 Moose Lake, #26 Wood Lake with a van transport required.  

 

#25, Moose Lake  (27 permits daily-Motorboats Allowed)

This is by far the busiest of the Boundary Waters entry points allowing both overnight paddle or motor use (25 HP max). Many private cabins and several resorts and outfitters are located in the southwest half of the 5-mile long lake which includes an average quota of 16 motorboat groups daily. There is also more motorboat use  from towboat shuttles that transport groups on the first six miles of the chain. This entry point provides the quickest access to Canada’s Quetico Park. There are many trip options for paddlers with additional portages. For trips that start on the US side of the border, River Point does not recommend Moose Lake too often due to it being busy.. Exit from #24, Fall Lake, #25 Moose, #26 Wood Lake, #29 Ojibway(North Kawishiwi River), #30 Lake One with van transport required. May also paddle back to River Point, dependent upon number of days in the trip, from #25 Moose Lake via the North and South Kawishiwi Rivers.

 

#26, Wood Lake  (2 permits daily)

Access to Wood Lake is a 180-rod portage. The Wood Lake area has good fishing and it is quite scenic. The lake supports a good population of walleye and a descent number of northern pike. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass also inhabit the lake. The lake has relatively shallow water which contains abundant aquatic vegetation. The lake is entirely within the BWCA and its shoreline forest consists of aspen, birch and balsam firs with a scattering of pines. The only route from Wood Lake is to the north into Hula Lake via a 40 rod portage. A couple portages beyond Hula Lake is Basswood Lake. Most paddlers come back through Good Lake, Hula Lake and Wood Lake to return to the entry point. However, paddlers can also exit from EP#24, Fall Lake and EP# 25, Moose Lake.

#27, Snowbank Lake  (8 permits daily=Motorboats allowed)

Access is a canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. Many trip options on this large lake are available for paddlers. Dropping down into Parent Lake, and making a loop through lakes, such as Disappointment, Thomas, Alice, and Insula Lakes and ending up at Lake One makes for a good trip. Healthy fish habitat is several of the lakes, very pleasant route.

Winds can be heavier on Snowbank for the first three miles or so before paddling into Parent. May also head to the west into Moose Lake and paddle further down into Lake One. Exit from #27 Snowbank, #29 North Kawishiwi River, #30 Lake One, #33 Little Gabbro Lake, or #32 South Kawishiwi by van transport. Or, with enough days in the trip, one can paddle back downstream to River Point.

Check out the Boundary Waters Map

 

Entry points in green indicate that you can paddle directly back to River Point Outfitting Co. via the South Kawishiwi River (entry point #32) depending upon the number of days in your trip.

 

#29, North Kawishiwi River (also called Ojibway Lake; 1 permit daily-Paddle Only)

This entry point serves as a boat launch area and has a “roller portage”. Access the North Kawishiwi River through Ojibway Lake and Triangle Lake with two portages. This entry provides a different means to enter into the Kawishiwi flowage to access #30 Lake One (especially if all Lake One permits are sold out), or to paddle downstream into #33 Little Gabbro Lake for some excellent walleye, northern and small bass fishing and to access #32, South Kawishiwi River for the paddle back to River Point—all of which is downstream. Exit van transport from #30, #33, or #32 can also be arranged.

 

#30, Lake One  (13 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Access to #30 is a canoe landing at Lake One. Very popular entry point because there is no portage when you arrive at the landing. Just place your canoe into the water and begin paddling the chain of lakes. Popular with families with young children and groups wanting one of the relatively easy Boundary Waters entry points.

Because there are a total 14 permits offered daily into the Lake One entry point area, the landing can be busy especially in the morning hours. However, paddlers spread out quickly with advanced paddlers speeding ahead into other lakes. And there are several routes that in an hour or so will lead into lakes and rivers with more solitude. To the east of Lake One are Lakes Two, Three, Four, Hudson and Insula Lakes. Good fishing through most of the summer.

Further out, one may paddle to Moose Lake for about a 50 mile canoe trip. Closer to River Point, you may head into the Kawishiwi River system into #29 North Kawishiwi River stopping along the way into #33 Little Gabbro Lake and Bald Eagle Lake for some fine fishing and great scenery. Then do a “paddle-back” downstream on the South Kawishiwi River due south with a gentle current to end your canoe trip at River Point’s marina. You may also schedule an exit van transport from #25 Moose Lake, #27 Snowbank Lake, #29 North Kawishiwi River, or #31 Farm Lake.

Check out the Boundary Waters Map

 

#31, Farm Lake  (3 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Access is a boat landing on Farm Lake with access to South Farm Lake. Paddlers can access the North Kawishiwi River from Farm Lake. This is a light use entry point which is quite easy.  Smaller lakes with less wind with some good fishing opportunities-walleye, pike, smallmouth bass and crappie. Good route for families with smaller children or groups wanting an easy route. Some trip options available for paddlers with additional portages. Exit van transport from #29 Ojibway Lake (North Kawishiwi Lake), 30 Lake One, #33 Little Gabbro Lake, and #32 South Kawishiwi River. But, most River Point canoeists simply paddle back with a gentle downstream current to River Point’s marina.

 

#32, South Kawishiwi River  (2 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Access is a 140-rod portage to the river. This amazing entry point is just four paddle miles and four easy portages, with the longest being 70 rods, northeast of River Point’s lake front location.
Extremely scenic river system on the South Kawishiwi River past rapids and some great spots for walleye fishing. This is one fo the Boundary Waters entry points that is a photographers paradise, along with plenty of wildlife.
It is a superb entry point to access #33, Little Gabbro Lake, if permits are sold out at #32. Many campsites on the river. Most groups paddle back to River Point at the trip’s end, but van exit transport at #29 North Kawishiwi River, #30 Lake One, #33 Little Gabbro Lake, or #32 is offered. Only two permits per day sell out quickly.

River Point is the only and closest outfitter to the South Kawishiwi River entry point… Ely Outfitters™

Check out the Boundary Waters Map

 

#33, Little Gabbro Lake  (1 permit daily alternating with 2 permits every other day-Paddle Only)

Access is a 200-rod portage (½ mile +) from the parking lot to beautiful Little Gabbro Lake. Portage is rather long but relatively level ground with some inclines. Expect to work a bit harder, but it is worth the effort.

Great area for a base camp type of trip, or tour into adjacent Bald Eagle Lake. Excellent fishing for walleye and northern pike, especially in mid May through June into early July. Paddle further to other campsites or stay at your base camp and do day canoe excursions. Small portage into Bald Eagle lake of just 40 rods for more fishing action with smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye.

These two lakes are two of the most beautiful in the BWCA with lovely campsite areas to enjoy the scenery. To get off into more remote lakes from Bald Eagle, take the 186 rod portage into Turtle Lake. From there you can paddle and portage into Clearwater Lake which connects via short portages to Pietro Lake and Gull Lake. A real paradise area with abundant wildlife—beaver, otter, mink, loons, eagles, and more. Hear wolves howling in the distance…all of this just a short downstream paddle back to River Point via the South Kawishiwi River.

If you paddle in a northeasterly path from #33, you may opt for an exit van transport from #29 Ojibway Lake (North Kawishiwi River) or #30 Lake One. Exit van transport from #32 South Kawishiwi River will save you the last four miles of river paddling and four short and easy portages back to River Point. Only two permits offered per day into #33, makes Little Gabbro Lake one of the most sought after Boundary Waters entry points.

River Point is the only and closest outfitter near the Little Gabbro entry point… Ely Outfitters

Check out the Boundary Waters Map

 

#34, Island River  (2 permit daily-Paddle Only)

Two small portages leading to Isabella River. No portages on Island River. Island River entry point is about 2 miles west of the Isabella entry point. This entry point leads to the Isabella River. The area adjacent to Island River and Isabella Lake entry points is the heart of moose country in the Boundary Waters. Opportunities abound for moose sightings due to the low lying marshlands which is natural moose habitat, and it is also abundant with ducks, geese, mink, otter, and beaver.

Great opportunities to hear wolves, and possibly observe wolf tracks on the shorelines and portages. With about a day and a half to two days paddle you will access Bald Eagle Lake, and from there Little Gabbro Lake for excellent scenery and superb walleye, northern, and small mouth bass fishing. Great scenic campsites, too.

There are many short portages on the Isabella River, about 8 with the longest being 190 rods at the entrance to Bald Eagle. So, it is more about paddling a short distance, then getting out of the canoe and loading the gear for a short portage, then back into the canoe to paddle again, and so on.  As the terrain changes to higher ground in Bald Eagle, the portages cease unless going into the smaller, scenic lakes to the north of Bald Eagle (see #33 Little Gabbro Lake entry point). Paddle directly back via a downstream gentle current to River Point Outfitting Co. on the South Kawishiwi River. Or, schedule an exit van transport for either #33 Little Gabbro Lake or #32 South Kawishiwi.

River Point is the only and closest outfitter to the Island River entry point…Ely Outfitters

 

#35, Isabella Lake  (2 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Access is a 35-rod portage to Isabella Lake. Isabella entry point is about two miles to the east from the Island River entry point. This entry point leads to the Isabella River. Reference information on #34 Island River entry point above for paddling west back to River Point’s base on the South Kawishiwi River. Another option from the Isabella entry point is to paddle east to Parent Lake via the Parent River. Many short portages with the longest being 57 rods. Many opportunities to observe moose and other animals, ducks, turtles, loons, and birds. Or, do a base camp on Isabella Lake which has just four campsites…a remote and smaller lake.

River Point is the only and closest outfitter to the Isabella Lake entry point...Ely Outfitters

Check out the Boundary Waters Map

 

#36, Hog Creek  (5 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Access is a 15 rod portage from Hog Creek leading into Perent Lake. Tiny streams are encountered versus wider expanse of most lakes. Stay on Perent Lake for a base camp experience. Remote area with lots of wildlife and lowlands.

River Point is the only and closest outfitter to Hog Creek entry point.

 

#37, Kawishiwi Lake  (9 permits daily-Paddle Only)

Access is a boat landing at Kawishiwi Lake. Very remote entry point and definitely “off the beaten” track. This entry point is the farthest to the east of all the Ely area entry points. This entry can be the start of an adventure all the way to #30 Lake One with a variety of scenic and remote lakes to paddle. End the trip on the numbered lakes of Lake Four, Three, Two, and One. Great fishing, great opportunities to both observe and hear all kinds of wildlife and birds. Photographers dream.

This entry point can also be the start of a paddle trip all the way back to River Point’s base on the South Kawishiwi River via the Isabella River, Bald Eagle and Gabbro Lakes, finally the South Kawishiwi River. The entire paddle is downstream. Exit van transport at #35 Isabella Lake, #34 Island River, #33 Little Gabbro Lake, or #32 South Kawishiwi River can be arranged dependent upon how many miles your group wished to paddle.

River Point is the only and closest outfitter to Kawishiwi Lake entry point…Ely Outfitters

 

#75, Little Isabella River  (1 permit daily-Paddle Only)

Access is a 20-rod portage to the Little Isabella River. Several short portages before you reach the middle of the Isabella River. Very remote entry point with abundant wild life. Short portages with marsh lands and winding rivers help to make it an easier area to paddle. The typical route leads through Bald Eagle Lake and into #33 Little Gabbro Lake (great fishing and extremely scenic), continuing into the Kawishiwi River system of the North and South Kawishiwi River back to River Point. This entire route follows a gentle downstream path. Good option of an entry point to access Bald Eagle Lake and #33 Little Gabbro Lake when that entry point’s permits are sold out.

River Point is the only and closest outfitter to Little Isabella River entry point….Ely Outfitters

Check out the Boundary Waters Map

 

#84, Snake River  (1 permit daily-Paddle Only)

Access is a 160-rod portage to Snake River & several short portages before reaching Bald Eagle Lake. Back-up option to access Bald Eagle Lake and #33 Little Gabbro Lake when that entry point’s permits are sold out, or when permits are not available for a specific date in the canoeing season. Very short paddle into Bald Eagle Lake, but there is a long portage at the beginning, which can be rather brushy, and often this entry point has low water levels.

River Point is the only and closest outfitter to Snake River entry point…Ely Outfitters

 

Let the experts at River Point Outfitting Co. help select the best choice of Boundary Waters entry points for the type of adventure you want.

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