Rating:
Good Tent Pads:
Max Tent Pads:
Visit Date:
8/11/2021
This site is tucked back away from the lake. We were just stopping for a snack break as the stiff headwind still hadn't let up from early the previous day.
Rating:
Good Tent Pads:
2
Max Tent Pads:
4
Visit Date:
5/20/2019
There are two canoe landings that branch off from the fire grate area--both very easy with ample room to load/unload. There is a bit of an incline from the water to camp, but nothing crazy, and there is plenty of space between the trees, so there are no really tight squeezes. The site is fairly sheltered, especially from the north and east, but even from the south and west there is a good amount of vegetation to take the edge off of strong weather. Nice, useful fire grate area. While I'm personally more pro-LNT and anti-log bench, what's done is done, and the logs are well-positioned and sturdy. Not a ton of tent pad options. We fit two without much trouble and I think three tents could be done, but that might be about the limit unless you're cleverer than I. If you have hammockers in your group, much more potential is unlocked. The areas where we did pitch our tents was pretty level, especially for this far eastern area of BWCA where level ground in sites can be a bit harder to come by. The view isn't epic, especially from up in camp, but if you stand at the water's edge, we found the views to be better than we expected based on the map and first impressions of the site. The little bay the site is on seemed to be attractive to some wildlife and passing mergansers which was welcome. Despite being the first site on West Pike and relatively near the Clearwater-W Pike portage, the site felt peaceful and secluded. I think this is due in part to how it's relatively easy to assess of the site is occupied from a distance, and paddlers passing by won't really find themselves passing too close to the site. The BRT, Gogebic Lake, Clearwater and Watap palisades, and Johnson Falls are all easily accessible in a day from this location. The eastern Clearwater-Caribou portage is probably the biggest challenge of that list, but despite its length and elevation changes, it's a pretty wide, easy portage with some nice sights along the way. There are just a couple short sections that are a little challenging especially if wet on each climb/descent. Would I stay at this site again? Sure. Would I go out of my way to stay at this site? Honestly, no...unless strong east winds were in the forecast, then I'd be a little more drawn to it over any of the other nearby sites.
Rating:
Good Tent Pads:
2
Max Tent Pads:
3
Visit Date:
2/10/2012
there is a decent climb up to the site. It is situated in a grove of trees with some very nice red pines. Firegrate is well laid out & their should be ample room for larger groups. Doesn't provide the greatest view of the lake.
