BWCA Campsite 1262 on Ensign

This campsite has some real downsides, but it also has very nice views. The landing is difficult, small, narrow, and rocky, so getting the canoe up was not easy. There may be a couple of different landing options, with the west side of the peninsula looking a little easier than the east side. The campsite itself is close to the water and sits up on a rock peninsula about five or six feet above the lake. From there, you get great views both east and west down Ensign. The tradeoff is that there is very little cover, so this would not be a great site if you are looking for a wind break. It could be windy on a windy day. There are one to two good tent pads and three maximum tent pads. Near the kitchen there are two possible spots, one grassy and one a little muddy, and there is another possible tent spot up the hill along the latrine trail. The main camp area is mostly spruce and balsam, without many of the classic red or white pines, but the latrine area actually has a nicer little pocket with a white pine and other trees. I liked the views from the rock peninsula, but the landing and exposure are the main things holding this site back.

Bear swiped a pack from us. The bear seemed to be very acquainted with this campsite. Despite the blow down we were able to rig a bear pack and keep food safe. Pack that was taken had dried apples in it. Overall very little cover.