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Route Overview

Total Travel Time: 17:30
Paddling Time: 10:40
Portaging Time: 3:41
Loading Time: 3:10
The travel times do not include breaks except for the time spent unloading and loading at portages. The portaging time shown is only the walking time.
Total Travel Distance: 63.3 km (39.3 mi)
Paddling Distance: 51.5 km (32.0 mi)
Portaging Distance: 11.8 km (7.4 mi)
The portage distance is calculated as the total distance walked. The portage(s) total 3947 meters, but since you are taking 2 trips across each portage, you are walking the portage 3 times. 3947 x 3 = 11842
Number of Portages: 19
Total Length: 3947 m (785 rods)
Longest: 824 m (164 rods)
Meters Climbing/Descending: 140.5/161.6
Average Hilliness: 76.6
The hilliness index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change every 10 meters is totaled and multiplied by 1000. Portages on this route climb and descend a total of 302.1 meters over the total length of 3947 meters. 302.1 / 3947 * 1000 = 76.6. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61.
Travel Time Distance Portage Stats
Day Total Paddling Portaging Loading Total Paddling Portaging # Total Length Longest Climb/Desc Avg Hilliness
1 2:24 1:45 0:19 0:20 9.5 km (5.9 mi) 8.5 km (5.3 mi) 1.0 km (0.6 mi) 2 345 m (69 rods) 195 m (39 rods) 12.3/7.6 57.7
2 4:14 2:52 0:42 0:40 16.1 km (10.0 mi) 13.8 km (8.6 mi) 2.2 km (1.4 mi) 4 748 m (149 rods) 467 m (93 rods) 35.4/27.1 83.6
3 3:16 2:01 0:55 0:20 12.7 km (7.9 mi) 9.7 km (6.0 mi) 2.9 km (1.8 mi) 2 982 m (195 rods) 824 m (164 rods) 39.3/33.9 74.5
4 2:59 1:39 0:30 0:50 9.6 km (6.0 mi) 8.0 km (5.0 mi) 1.6 km (1.0 mi) 5 540 m (107 rods) 219 m (44 rods) 12.5/27.4 74
5 4:37 2:23 1:15 1:00 15.5 km (9.6 mi) 11.5 km (7.1 mi) 4.0 km (2.5 mi) 6 1333 m (265 rods) 689 m (137 rods) 41/65.6 80
Total 17:30 10:40 3:41 3:10 63.3 km (39.3 mi) 51.5 km (32.0 mi) 11.8 km (7.4 mi) 19 3947 m (785 rods) 824 m (164 rods) 140.5/161.6 76.6

Day 1

Total Travel Time: 2:24
Paddling Time: 1:45
Portaging Time: 0:19
Loading Time: 0:20
The travel times do not include breaks except for the time spent unloading and loading at portages. The portaging time shown is only the walking time.
Total Travel Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 mi)
Paddling Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 mi)
Portaging Distance: 1.0 km (0.6 mi)
The portage distance is calculated as the total distance walked. The portage(s) total 345 meters, but since you are taking 2 trips across each portage, you are walking the portage 3 times. 345 x 3 = 1036
Number of Portages: 2
Total Length: 345 m (69 rods)
Longest: 195 m (39 rods)
Meters Climbing/Descending: 12.3/7.6
Average Hilliness: 57.7
The hilliness index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change every 10 meters is totaled and multiplied by 1000. Portages on this route climb and descend a total of 19.9 meters over the total length of 345 meters. 19.9 / 345 * 1000 = 57.7. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61.

Lake One - Overnight Paddle Only

You will arrive at this access point approximately 0:00 into your day
Almost There by bstrege
Access is a canoe landing at Lake One.

Lake - One

You will arrive at this lake approximately 0:01 into your day
20180713_095545.jpg by smccoid
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Bluegill
  • Lake Whitefish
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Burbot
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 898.3
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

Overlook - South Snowbank Overlooks

You will arrive at this point of interest approximately 0:12 into your day

One of the better viewpoints from the southern edge of Snowbank along the Kekekabic is here. It's a narrow view from a maintained opening but has decent views out into the lake itself. 

Overlook - South Snowbank Overlook

You will arrive at this point of interest approximately 0:12 into your day

From this spot, an informational sign and a maintained view give a glimpse out into the valley. It's the first real overlook of the Kekekabic after leaving the western terminus. 

Dam - Lake 2 Dam

You will arrive at this point of interest approximately 0:25 into your day

This logging-era relic still partially obstructs the outward flow of Lake Two, slightly raising its water level. The channel below the dam is rarely paddled—and for good reason. The dam and the surrounding set of rapids are extremely hazardous, with no direct portage available to bypass them. While there is a trail beginning on the Lake Two side that is frequently used by fishermen, it does not extend all the way to Lake One. The combination of swift water, unpredictable currents, and the lack of a complete portage route makes this area particularly dangerous. Extreme caution is advised.

150-Meter (30-Rod) Portage - From One

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:09 into your day
Hilliness Index: 51
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 4.7 meters and descends 2.9 meters over the total length of 150 meters. (4.7 + 2.9) / 150 * 1000 = 51. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 41% of portages in the BWCA.
Portage by smccoid
Pond to Lake One by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
Rhawley reviewed on 1/9/2025
Date Visited: 10/11/2024
As other have said this is a very easy portage. The only thing to watch for is lots of rocks on both sides, however there are spots to easily avoid them
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 1/28/2024
Date Visited: 8/5/2016
easy
Sluggman42 reviewed on 3/22/2022
Date Visited: 8/15/2019
Easy, essentially flat, can be tricky to find from the lake one landing side as it's tucked back into a bay. As mentioned, it's a highway... be aware/courteous as traffic exists.
MNBorris reviewed on 12/8/2021
Date Visited: 8/13/2019
Heavily trafficked. Easy portage
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/8/2018
I mean this is basically the BWCA's interstate. So many people through here! Worst part is coordinating landings and set downs.
lindsayt reviewed on 8/8/2018
Date Visited: 7/8/2018
These are flat, wide, and very heavily used. They feel more like a state park path than a wilderness trail.
saberboys reviewed on 12/30/2015
Very short, level, easy portages with a small paddle in between

195-Meter (39-Rod) Portage - To Two

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:29 into your day
Hilliness Index: 63
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 7.6 meters and descends 4.7 meters over the total length of 195 meters. (7.6 + 4.7) / 195 * 1000 = 63. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 57% of portages in the BWCA.
Portage by smccoid
Lake Two to Pond by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
Rhawley reviewed on 1/9/2025
Date Visited: 10/11/2024
Another very easy portage, just watch for rocks on both sides
collinsm22 reviewed on 12/19/2024
Date Visited: 8/2/2024
Easy portage, except for folks who might not yet know what they are doing, as it might be their first portage. There is a nice rock for having lunch between the portage and rapids.
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 1/28/2024
Date Visited: 8/5/2016
easy. can be busy
Sluggman42 reviewed on 3/22/2022
Easy, essentially flat, second in a series from lake one. Can't miss this from the west, paddle the pond. As mentioned, it's a highway... be aware/courteous as traffic exists.
MNBorris reviewed on 12/8/2021
Date Visited: 8/13/2019
Second portage in this series. Another easy but heavily trafficked portage.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/8/2018
Easy little walk through. So much traffic!

Lake - Two

You will arrive at this lake approximately 1:40 into your day
Behind campsite looking towards Lake Three.
1525 by figgie45142
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Bluegill
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Burbot
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 537.5
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

Lake - Three

You will arrive at this lake approximately 2:13 into your day
20180713_083635.jpg by smccoid
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Bluegill
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Burbot
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 991.2
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

Campsites Near the Planned Stopping Point

2220  -  4.0 stars 3.1 good tent pads4.9 max tent pads
Three Campsite by Larix813
Reviews from Community Members
Dishan reviewed on 8/19/2024
Date Visited: 8/17/2024
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
Very large site, good for multiple Hammocks and tents. Great for a larger group. Massive kitchen, good benches work space. With low water right now super easy landing, been here when it’s be a little harder but large flat rock isn’t bad. Views are a little closed in unless standing on the waters edge. Get your firewood on the shore, the whole island has been picked over. Down side, very close to two other sites so you can hear everything
Bill's Worm reviewed on 7/17/2024
Date Visited: 7/9/2024
4 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
Nice site. Well worth basecamping. What others have stated is true. It is in the main channel to paddle to lake 4 and Lake Insula. If you dont mind being friendly to fellow canoeist, it's a good spot. First impressions when I arrived I noticed a birch tree with bark removed and cut green branches seemingly built as a fort for the local red squirrel population. Nice kitchen and did catch a mixed bag of fish, no whoppers. Fishing from the island rocks very early morning resulted in fish for early risers. Seemed to be an old campsite to east which had fish jumping off point in deeper waters. Other rock fishing spots to the north west and south side of island from shore. One downside would be bugs due to wind sheltered area. Plus is it wasnt a burn area and has a wooded setting with mature trees. I noticed most canoes that seemed to go by did so at about 1030am - 230pm. We arrived at 1040am to find the campsite available. We left Kiwishiwi lodge and outfitters at 7am. Double Portage. We took our time paddling and were the first through the two short Portages and I was traveling with children . If looking for a campsite on lake 3 I'd plan on being at lake 3 at 1030am. The better sites seemed to be taken by basecampers for a few days at a time and the leftover sites seemed to be filled with camoes over night which stopped for the night late and left early in the morning. There was campsite availability near lake 4 at lake 4 entry all days. Bring a bug tent and you'll enjoy this site. Although among mature trees the only limbs for bear hang tree I found was a tree close to tent pads and twenty yards from the kitchen seating area. Was a dead mature tree amongst the trees adjacent the commonly used tent pads that did worry me. Take note.
NatesBS reviewed on 6/22/2023
Date Visited: 6/19/2023
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
This site is excellent, as others have said. Many tent pads softly padded with pine needles, nice fire area, nice big rocks on two sides, and easy trails around the island. Even with reasonably heavy traffic, we did not find it obtrusive. The problem with the site is that it is kind of trashed from overuse.
schwantke reviewed on 10/8/2021
Date Visited: 10/6/2021
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Good site, pretty sunset. Nice fire area. Just enough space to spread out and good wind block.
batarvers reviewed on 7/11/2021
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
noodle reviewed on 9/2/2020
Date Visited: 8/28/2020
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
The landing is soft and easy. The tent pads are numerous and clear. The kitchen has some of the best seating I've ever seen. What prevents this from being 5-star? All the damage done, so many trees cut down with hatchets, so many names carved into trees. Great sunsets though, but you get a lot of traffic coming through south of the island.
Larix813 reviewed on 11/6/2019
Date Visited: 11/2/2019
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Nice island site on the north side of Three. We stopped in for a snack break during a pretty strong wind from the West. This site is located on the South side of the island, and can be hard to land at with a Westerly wind. There is a small landing on the East side of the point that is the best spot. The camp kitchen is awesome and there are good tent pads scattered around. The entire site is even aged Red and White pine with a nice layer of Cedar underneath. Awesome site. I would stay here.
1489  -  3.0 stars 1 good tent pad2 max tent pads
Lake 3 Campsite 1489 by halvorson.christopher
Reviews from Community Members
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 1/28/2024
Date Visited: 8/5/2016
3.0 stars
decent site, good pine, firepit was welcoming. Spared from the Fires.
Larix813 reviewed on 11/5/2019
Date Visited: 11/3/2019
3.0 stars
Decent enough site on a slope down to the water. There is a good landing, and a pretty decent camp kitchen. This site didn't burn, so it is pretty sheltered yet.
rejcbl reviewed on 8/22/2015
Date Visited: 8/16/2015
3.0 stars 1 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
best tentsite is sloping; there is a pretty site , slightly better (?)site 100 ft. to the east, across from the island. rocky landing
1488  -  4.4 stars 3.2 good tent pads4.5 max tent pads
Lake Three site 12 (#1488) by Gavia
Reviews from Community Members
kecker reviewed on 8/3/2022
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
We just stopped here for lunch so didn't stay but overall it's a very nice site. Nice and open, so you're going to get lots of wind and sun. It's also at a bottleneck so there will be lots of traffic going past. Other than that, great site.
Larix813 reviewed on 11/5/2019
Date Visited: 11/3/2019
4.0 stars
Big, open site right near the channel from Lake Two. During the summer lots of groups pass right by the front of this site. It does have an awesome landing, decent tent pads, and a great camp kitchen though. Also no issues with the bugs during the season I imagine with the amount of wind through the site (it was 25 degrees this last time I visited, so bugs weren't going to be an issue anyhow.)
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 6/2/2019
Date Visited: 5/29/2019
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Decent landing. Fire grate is mostly exposed. Several nice tent pads. It's a very nice spot but, there are lots of other campsites nearby and being at the bottleneck area - there will almost certainly be very little privacy in this camp. Trails for exploration.
Grandma L reviewed on 8/27/2014
Date Visited: 8/21/2014
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Huge site, open, gets LOTS of wind and sun, minimal shade. Some good tent spots up away from the water, in high traffic spot.
Gavia reviewed on 4/18/2014
Date Visited: 5/20/2009
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Superb site - open with good tarp trees, plenty of level tent spots, good landings.
Woods Walker reviewed on 2/9/2014
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Great views, the forest service did a great job saving the site from the fire... burned around it, but from camp you will never know... we had 3 hammocks & one 4 man tent on the site
dblwhiskey reviewed on 8/18/2013
Date Visited: 8/1/2013
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Very nice site, on a point so there was always a breeze to help with mosquitos. Used the tent site to the east of the fire grate to break soon of the wind off the tent. Roomy with a great view onto the lake from a elavated fire site. There are multiple landings for this site and they are all are rocky with some steep drop offs and varying degress of difficulty. The best landing IMO is off the south shore as soon as you round the point, pull up parallel to it faceing in an east to west direction and step out to the shore side. You will get your feet just slightly wet useing this approach.
1511  -  4.3 stars 4.3 good tent pads5 max tent pads
Campsite 1511 by bstrege
Reviews from Community Members
bstrege reviewed on 5/31/2023
Date Visited: 5/26/2023
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Popular site on a popular route. Landing is a sloping rock in front of the site. We were able to squeeze two canoes in - barely. Kitchen would most likely be in the sun most of the time. There are several tent pad options. One was in the sun, but the rest were shaded. A few hammocking options, too. Latrine was close. We did not find any good hanging trees - maybe there are some, but I didn't see any near. We eventually moved on, so we didn't need to find one.
zackcwilliams reviewed on 1/28/2022
Date Visited: 9/9/2021
5.0 stars 5 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
This was an awesome site. Easy access to the water, plenty of good landing areas. The latrine was close (maybe too close with the right wind). There is a ton of space for tents and it is all level. The community gathering area was large, with plenty of seating options. Easy to find trees for bear hangs away from tent sites.
Grandma L reviewed on 8/27/2014
Date Visited: 5/26/2013
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Getting to be over used, landing on the side is small, good lake view from kitchen, faces East-no sunset, back of site heads up hill
1490  -  4.0 stars 2 good tent pads3 max tent pads
Lake Three site 15 (#1490) by Gavia
Reviews from Community Members
Gavia reviewed on 4/18/2014
Date Visited: 5/22/2009
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Somewhat small site but has level tent pads, southern exposure, good landing, good tarp trees.
1491  -  3.5 stars 2 good tent pads3 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
thistlekicker reviewed on 7/17/2020
Date Visited: 7/8/2020
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
decent site, just in the burn. Good tent pads, though.
dwk98 reviewed on 7/27/2017
Date Visited: 7/21/2017
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Nice campsite with easy approach and good fire grate area.
1510  -  3.4 stars 1.8 good tent pads3.6 max tent pads
Campsite 1510 by bstrege
Reviews from Community Members
ShawnK18 reviewed on 12/21/2023
Date Visited: 6/7/2023
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Somewhat elevated and slanted site with heavy use and very exposed to winds from the south and east. Not a lot good tent pad options but we made due. Landing was a bit rocky and difficult as well. Best parts of the site, the views and fishing from the site was good for the small amount of time spent casting from shore.
MNBorris reviewed on 12/8/2021
Date Visited: 8/13/2019
5.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
One of my favorite campsites. I loved to watch people paddle by. Great swimming area as well. You might have a tough time finding a large tent pad. Ate my share of berries and enjoyed the afternoon views from the fireplace.
Goby reviewed on 8/20/2020
Date Visited: 8/1/2020
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Good sized site, but very few level tent pads. Land on the south side is easier than the small one on the north side. Raspberries on latrine trail and a good bear hang tree. great view of lake from this elevated site, and good breeze to keep bugs down. great fire pit with a well placed rock for prep. lots of fire wood in burn area behind camp. despite being in burn area, has good shade. GREAT hammock site, lots of options. 3 stars only due to tent pads not being close to level except the lower one on the north end
Grandma L reviewed on 10/17/2015
Date Visited: 8/15/2015
3.0 stars 1 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Small site - nice view of the lake from the fire grate. Small tent sites that are not level. Poor landing
bstrege reviewed on 9/21/2014
Date Visited: 8/8/2014
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
The site has two different landings. On the south side it is a nice gravel landing. The north side is a narrow, deep take-out that was difficult to negotiate. We were able to put a tent right next to the kitchen and one halfway up the latrine trail. We had a third tent on a slight slope. There is a large, flat area next to the north landing, but it could get wet since it is low. The fire didn't touch the campsite itself but came very close. The latrine was put where the burn area begins/ends. There was a nice hanging tree right next to the latrine (the tree got lucky - burn marks around the base but escaped the fire).
1493  -  3.0 stars 1 good tent pad2 max tent pads
Lake 3 Campsite by Larix813
Reviews from Community Members
Cosmo Kramer reviewed on 1/16/2023
Date Visited: 9/13/2022
4.0 stars 1 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
We were expecting long and heavy rain so we made camp early in the day at this site. We ended up staying 3 nights. Amazing sunset views and an easy bag hang. Rocky landing. Kitchen area is very nice. Not too much traffic as most people we saw were far off in the distance continuing on to Lake Four.
Larix813 reviewed on 11/3/2019
Date Visited: 11/3/2019
4.0 stars 0 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
It was tough to rate this site. The forest service moved this one since the other two reviews. It now sits on a rock slightly north underneath some massive white pine. This site has an amazing camp kitchen, good landings, and is incredibly beauitful. If the tent pads had been better, this would be an easy 5 star site now. I would stay here. Today we just stopped for lunch. This would be a great site for hammock camping
mfisch reviewed on 9/23/2018
Date Visited: 9/15/2018
1.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
We ended up here because all other campsites in the area were taken. Stayed one night and moved to a better place. Its windswept and rough with no really good bear tree. But it was good in a pinch.
saberboys reviewed on 5/1/2014
Date Visited: 6/21/2013
1 good tent pads 1 max tent pads
This site was burnt in the Pagami Creek fire. It is pretty desolate. When it fills back in it has a neat view of Lake 3. Landing isn't very good.
1509
1515  -  5.0 stars 3 good tent pads4 max tent pads
Relaxed by Woods Walker
Reviews from Community Members
noodle reviewed on 5/30/2022
Date Visited: 5/28/2022
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Slightly more difficult landing with the very high water in early 2022, but excellent high-ground site, very good tent pads, very little traffic on this end of Lake Three. The bear tree northeast along the trail in another review is there, but it's an adequate rather than good one, as there's no limb to get it both high enough off the ground, low enough from the branch, and far enough from the tree -- but still better than leaving a food pack on the ground.
mfisch reviewed on 9/23/2018
Date Visited: 9/17/2018
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Excellent on all accounts. The perfect campsite with lots of space for tents. And a fantastic easy bear tree just down the trail a bit on the northeast side.
looncall3366 reviewed on 7/24/2015
Date Visited: 6/27/2015
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Great site! Elevated fire grate with great breeze, sun, and views. Site is positioned on a narrow pass so pretty private even though Lake 3 can be busy. Great fishing around the islands in front. Great sandy canoe landing. Will be checking out this site again!
1508  -  1.0 stars 2 good tent pads2 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
dahlbergs@charter.net reviewed on 8/2/2020
Date Visited: 7/27/2020
1.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
2221  -  4.5 stars 3.7 good tent pads8 max tent pads
Beautiful Morning by bstrege
Reviews from Community Members
ShawnK18 reviewed on 11/21/2024
Date Visited: 6/22/2024
4.0 stars
This island site in the burn area of lake 3 was a pleasant surprise for our group. Has a nice kitchen area and the site has plenty of places to pitch a tents or hammocks as you get away from the kitchen area. Fishing in the area was pretty good but it was pretty much non existent from this site during the day (we went during a may fly hatch) but as soon as the sun started setting the bite was very good. Landings where also nice and we did have people at the nearby sites but wouldn't have known it if we didn't paddle by and see them.
bstrege reviewed on 5/31/2023
Date Visited: 5/26/2023
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads
Gem of a site on the quiet side of Lake Three. Might be 4.5 stars, but I rounded up to 5. Landing is really easy, at least in the high water we had. Little sandy area to park one canoe, and a weedy/grassy area to park the other. Kitchen has a nice view; unfortunately, it is of the burn area on the next island over. The best tent pad is on the northwest side of the island, up high. It is rocky and difficult to stake, though. We had to use some rocks to hold it down. The latrine is as hidden as it can be; however, we discovered that it can be seen from certain points on the island. We had good fishing right in front of the kitchen - caught a nice walleye meal right there. Plenty of hammocking trees. It was semi-difficult finding a good hanging tree, but we settled for one by the best tent pad. It was a bit high, but it ended up working well. A potential downside is that the next campsite is very close, but our neighbors were quiet. (I hope we didn't disturb them too much.)
jetboiled! reviewed on 9/15/2021
Date Visited: 9/10/2021
5.0 stars 4 good tent pads 7 max tent pads
Really nice site. Somehow this little island escaped the burn. Good rocks for viewing stars and for drying. Good bear hanging trees. Lots of tent pad options to spread out. Small gravel landing made loading/unloading a breeze. Nice fire grate and kitchen area. Good trees for tarps.
Larix813 reviewed on 11/6/2019
Date Visited: 11/3/2019
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 9 max tent pads
This site is located on a tiny little island (no bigger than the dot on a McKenzie map), but the site itself is big and spacious. This island escaped burning in Pagami, even though most of the islands north and West of here didn't. We counted 9 tent pads here. The camp kitchen is nice enough, and there is even a large, flat stone next to the kitchen that serves as a table. On an island this small there is nowhere to hide the biff. They did their best and put the biff right next to a huge boulder. A couple trees have recently come down next to it, however. The best landing is on the West side of the island near the grate, and the best tent pads are north and east from there. Only drawback of this site is the proximity to the neighbors. We were just stopping in for a snack, and it was November, so there were no neighbors to be found.
1512
William & the Ducks by Woods Walker
1487  -  3.5 stars 2 good tent pads3.5 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
StuartLaker reviewed on 7/23/2024
Date Visited: 8/4/2023
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
A fair site. Adequate, but I wouldn't necessarily seek it out. Kitchen is average -- nothing remarkable but no complaints. Stayed here 3 nights with a group of 6. Close to decent fishing (though there wasn't much action from shore). The biggest perk is that it offers some seclusion from the otherwise busy canoe highway. Decent amount of breeze coming through the bay will keep the bugs away to some extent.
noodle reviewed on 7/30/2019
Date Visited: 8/15/2018
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Nice and secluded, no traffic coming back in this bay. Very easy and gentle sandy landing. Latrine is remarkably far back. Lots of easy trees for hanging food bag.
1492  -  2.0 stars 1 good tent pad2 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
looncall3366 reviewed on 7/24/2015
Date Visited: 6/26/2015
2.0 stars 1 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Very private and heavily wooded site. Biggest drawback is bugs. Site is so shaded and protected from all directions there is no breeze to help w/ mosquitoes. They were awful. Firewood is also very sparse. Easy canoe landing and nice rock for swimming off of.
1513  -  2.0 stars 2 good tent pads2.5 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
chungus2 reviewed on 7/14/2024
1.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
rono_cluck reviewed on 7/23/2019
Date Visited: 5/17/2019
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
the island burnt in the pagami creek fire but there are several dozen live trees in and around the campsite. we didn't see a single canoe pass the site. fishing was great around the other islands in that part of the lake. we day hiked down to rock of ages. tons of available firewood on the island. there was only one good place for a bear bag and the tree was past its prime; i'll bring a canister if i ever plan to stay here again.
1525  -  3.3 stars 2.3 good tent pads3.7 max tent pads
Lake two camp by birdcaca
Reviews from Community Members
mwbowers78 reviewed on 5/26/2015
Date Visited: 5/23/2015
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Camp area is largely shaded. Easy canoe landing. Likely to have more bugs than other sites given the shade and undergrowth.
birdcaca reviewed on 9/20/2014
Date Visited: 9/18/2014
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
If you want to camp on this busy lake this is a nice site - very good landing and swimming area, big, open camp, nice tent pads, good views and rock ledges to sit around on. The kitchen area is over built with rock tables set up. I doubt this will last - when next the usfs folks visit they will hopefully disassemble this as it detracts from the wilderness feel here.
Grandma L reviewed on 8/27/2014
Date Visited: 8/21/2014
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Huge good landing-sandy area, site higher off the water tucked in the trees, good sun rocks, good mix of sun and shade.
1516  -  2.5 stars 1 good tent pad2 max tent pads
Lake 3 Campsite by Larix813
Reviews from Community Members
Larix813 reviewed on 11/3/2019
Date Visited: 11/3/2019
3.0 stars
Decent site situated perched up on the rock ledge above the lake. This site didn't burn, so it has some nice shade yet.
saberboys reviewed on 5/1/2014
Date Visited: 6/20/2013
2.0 stars 1 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Decent island campsite with a good canoe landing and access to plenty firewood. There is a neat rock outcropping for sunning or fishing. Tent pads are just "ok". South facing but has a decent breeze to keep the bugs away.
1494  -  4.0 stars 2.2 good tent pads2.8 max tent pads
Campsite by gjfellman56
Reviews from Community Members
chungus2 reviewed on 8/30/2024
3.0 stars
gjfellman56 reviewed on 2/11/2023
Date Visited: 9/26/2017
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Nice campsite that was missed by the Pagami fire. Depending on water level has a nice ledge for pulling canoes up onto.
terry5652218 reviewed on 8/13/2020
Date Visited: 8/6/2020
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
This was a great site. Site is just up on a rock ledge with a small slop in one area. Kitchen is pretty good even with a south wind. 3 pretty good level tent pads with the option for a couple more back on the trails away from camp. 3 areas to hang a tarp. Some good trees for hammocks to rest in or sleep in. This site has one of the best bear hanging trees I have seen in a long time back away from camp on the shore line.
woodduckiemn reviewed on 6/16/2020
Date Visited: 5/31/2020
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Enjoyed the elevated site to catch a little extra breeze to keep the bugs down & cool in the evening. Nice view to the south & west of the lake, along with a nice trail to the point with visibility to the south & east. Enough tree cover to rig a tarp and get a couple hammocks underneath to enjoy the rainfall.
mattbentzinger reviewed on 6/28/2016
Date Visited: 6/19/2016
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Nice site with a trail to a fishing spot on the point. Had nice southern exposure and adequate trees to rig a tarp to ride out a storm. Landing is several feet below but is nice sloped rock. If you want your canoe more than a couple feet from the water, you'll have to hoist it up over a ledge.
Gavia reviewed on 4/18/2014
Date Visited: 9/6/2010
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Small site, level tent pads, good tarping. Nice southern exposure with shade.
2224  -  4.0 stars 3.7 good tent pads8 max tent pads
Campsite by gjfellman56
Reviews from Community Members
bstrege reviewed on 5/31/2023
Date Visited: 5/28/2023
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 9 max tent pads
Four stars for the relative solitude and view. Three stars for everything else. I used a landing on the west side. It was a bit of a hike up to the site. There might be a better one elsewhere, but I didn't look. The kitchen sits high off the water, affording a great view of the lake. There are a couple of tent pads near the kitchen area with a lot more potential ones in the open forest behind the site. Many hammocking options. Access to the Pow Wow Trail.
gjfellman56 reviewed on 2/11/2023
Date Visited: 9/4/2016
4.0 stars 6 good tent pads 9 max tent pads
Great campsite, has room for many tents and/or hammocks. Also, direct access to the Pow Wow trail. Fire ring is high off the lake and often bug free. Only negative is the landing spot is small and not great.
woodduckiemn reviewed on 7/16/2020
Date Visited: 6/4/2020
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
Overall, our family loved this site. We enjoyed the elevation up off the water to help limit bugs for most of the day, the views from the high point overlooking the lake to the south, the fact that you're a ways off the traveled routes on Lake Three for pretty good privacy, and the proximity to the Pow Wow hiking trail which provided opportunities for exploration via land. Depending on your definition of "good" tent pads, how far you're willing to disperse from the fire grate, and how comfortable you and your gear can get on a rock surface, you have many options for setting tents. The undergrowth is minimal to the north up the peninsula - almost feeling like a state park or campground. There is a bit of that feel as well, as you can tell larger groups with less discernment for gathering firewood have been through here. Lastly, with the elevation above the water level, your crew needs to be prepared to work their way up a steep climb to the campsite. We found a secure landing site & storage for canoes on the east side of the campsite, so you'll not need to heft canoes up to high ground.
1524  -  3.8 stars 2.6 good tent pads4.5 max tent pads
Campsite 1524 by bstrege
Reviews from Community Members
Dishan reviewed on 1/26/2023
Date Visited: 5/15/2022
3.0 stars 1 good tent pads
Water was so high, could not get to the latrine without wading. Wind was howling and due to the water there was little available firewood. Could be a great spot, I had lunch and when the wind died down some I moved on.
bstrege reviewed on 6/4/2020
Date Visited: 9/2/2017
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Nice rock outcropping for seeing the view. Open campsite layout. Several places to put tents. Two tent pads close to the kitchen. There is another tent pad up a trail on top of a rock with a nice view. However, this one does not have good staking options since it is on a rock.
sublib reviewed on 1/23/2020
Date Visited: 5/12/2019
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Well appointed on the north shore of Lake Two. Nice rock outcropping; Pretty good canoe landing; Plenty of easy exploring on foot; Across the lake from the burn area (burn area is visible from this campsite); Good Northern fishing off the rocks, or up in the inlet on the east side of the campsite. Good tree cover toward the rear of the campsite; Easy to erect a tarp or tie up bear proof storage.
chimes reviewed on 8/9/2015
Date Visited: 8/4/2015
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Nice big, elevated site. Several good tent pads spread out over site.
mwbowers78 reviewed on 5/26/2015
Date Visited: 5/23/2015
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Large sunny site. Elevated above the lake and very open for lots of sun and star gazing. Only thing missing is a beach area to make this a 5 star site.
1530  -  4.0 stars 4 good tent pads5 max tent pads
Lake 2 by relax7279
Reviews from Community Members
bstrege reviewed on 12/9/2021
Date Visited: 6/12/2021
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Decent landing - you can park on a little grave/sand space or use one of the smooth rocks in front of the site. The kitchen is open with a good view of the water. Most of the tent pads are down a path back in the woods in a shaded clearing. There are a few hammock-hanging options. We had one tent and one hammock, and both fit nicely in the tent pad area. Nice swimming area. Overall, a nice site, and I am glad that we were able to stay here.
relax7279 reviewed on 6/17/2019
Date Visited: 6/8/2019
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Beautiful site! Landing is ok, great view of lake #2. Multiple tent pads, 2 fire areas, latrine is a little hike and was pretty full. Hard to find trees to hang food, but we made due. Great hammock trees.
1495  -  2.0 stars 1 good tent pad3 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
terry5652218 reviewed on 8/13/2020
Date Visited: 8/8/2020
2.0 stars 1 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
We only base camped on the site next to it. The site is pretty open and not protected from much other than being in the bay. Might be hard with a east or south east wind. Not the best tent pads from what I could tell. Maybe 1-2 good ones with the option for 1 or 2 more. In the 7 days only one group stayed at the site. I would only stay if there was no other options.
2202  -  2.0 stars 2 good tent pads2.7 max tent pads
Campsite 2202 by wxce1260
Reviews from Community Members
Rhawley reviewed on 1/9/2025
Date Visited: 10/11/2024
2.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
We just stopped here for lunch. The hike up from the landing is a little steep but fairly clear. The landing itself is fine although might be a bit small for a larger group. As others have said the site itself clearly got hit hard by the fire but it is starting to grow back. You will still be fairly exposed at this site but that does leave you with a nice view. The toilet is back far enough of the brush that you will have privacy for that at least. There is a small clearing about 1/2 way down the trail to the toilet that you could maybe put a 3-4 person tent if you wanted a bit of shelter (I uploaded a picture of this). Overall not too bad consider what it had been through, but it also wouldn't be my first choice. Hopefully a few more years will help
wxce1260 reviewed on 1/1/2022
Date Visited: 10/1/2021
2.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
I think this was probably much nicer before the fire. Spent two nights here..steep hill to get up to the campsite. Camp area is worn and tired. Very few trees for hanging anything. On the bright side it has beautiful views.
Larix813 reviewed on 6/6/2019
Date Visited: 6/4/2019
2.0 stars
Oh so bad. This one burned really hot and there isn't a lot left of the site. The USFS cut it a hole out of the brush, so it is what it is.
mwbowers78 reviewed on 5/26/2015
Date Visited: 5/23/2015
2.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Smaller site with difficult canoe landing area. Fire ring is located right next to the shore line limiting the number of people who can gather around the fire with no wind protection.

Day 2

Total Travel Time: 4:14
Paddling Time: 2:52
Portaging Time: 0:42
Loading Time: 0:40
The travel times do not include breaks except for the time spent unloading and loading at portages. The portaging time shown is only the walking time.
Total Travel Distance: 16.1 km (10.0 mi)
Paddling Distance: 13.8 km (8.6 mi)
Portaging Distance: 2.2 km (1.4 mi)
The portage distance is calculated as the total distance walked. The portage(s) total 748 meters, but since you are taking 2 trips across each portage, you are walking the portage 3 times. 748 x 3 = 2244
Number of Portages: 4
Total Length: 748 m (149 rods)
Longest: 467 m (93 rods)
Meters Climbing/Descending: 35.4/27.1
Average Hilliness: 83.6
The hilliness index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change every 10 meters is totaled and multiplied by 1000. Portages on this route climb and descend a total of 62.5 meters over the total length of 748 meters. 62.5 / 748 * 1000 = 83.6. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61.

Lake - Four

You will arrive at this lake approximately 0:17 into your day
Falls on Kawishawi by Egapillar
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Bluegill
  • Lake Whitefish
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 577.8
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

101-Meter (20-Rod) Portage - From Four To Four

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:04 into your day
Hilliness Index: 95
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 5.4 meters and descends 4.2 meters over the total length of 101 meters. (5.4 + 4.2) / 101 * 1000 = 95. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 81% of portages in the BWCA.
Lake Four Portage by bstrege
Portage Lake Four pond to Lake Four
Four Pond - Lake Four by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 1/28/2024
Date Visited: 8/5/2016
easy. flat
motley reviewed on 6/9/2021
Date Visited: 6/1/2020
I agree with lindsayt we actually thought the path on the right side of the rapids to the north was the portage...so did the group before us and after us. It's not, don't do what we did.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/8/2018
Water levels are everything here. Can be rocky or not too bad.
lindsayt reviewed on 8/8/2018
Date Visited: 7/7/2018
A little tricky to find from the east side. An uneventful portage.

119-Meter (24-Rod) Portage - From Four

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:27 into your day
Hilliness Index: 39
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 3.5 meters and descends 1.1 meters over the total length of 119 meters. (3.5 + 1.1) / 119 * 1000 = 39. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 29% of portages in the BWCA.
Hudson-Four Middle Portage by bstrege
just starting to dry out
Portage by colandene
Notes from Community Members
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 1/28/2024
Date Visited: 8/5/2016
easy. flat
Dishan reviewed on 5/18/2022
Date Visited: 5/13/2022
Water was high and flowing hard on both sides of the trail, I couldn't get close due to wind and current in my solo boat.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/8/2018
We didn't really have any trouble here. One of our groups slipped in and got pretty well soaked. Watch your footing I guess... But all in all, not a bad portage
lindsayt reviewed on 8/8/2018
Date Visited: 7/7/2018
There's a false/secondary portage that looks more established than the primary portage when approaching from the southeast side. It's not too long but it's definitely longer - maybe 60 rods - and a real beast because it gets very tight with post-fire jackpines and deadfall from the fire. This crappy portage *does* go through, but you're better off hugging closer to the rapids and finding the primary portage.

61-Meter (12-Rod) Portage - To Hudson

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:47 into your day
Hilliness Index: 46
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 2.4 meters and descends 0.4 meters over the total length of 61 meters. (2.4 + 0.4) / 61 * 1000 = 46. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 37% of portages in the BWCA.
Hudson-Pond Portage by bstrege
Portage Hudson pond to Hudson Lake
Hudson pond - Hudson Lake by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 1/28/2024
Date Visited: 8/5/2016
easy. flat
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/8/2018
No problems here. Quick carry, grab some water, and keep paddling to try to get out of the burn area.
lindsayt reviewed on 8/8/2018
Date Visited: 7/7/2018
Quick and easy portage.

Lake - Hudson

You will arrive at this lake approximately 1:51 into your day
IMG_1725.JPG by Egapillar
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Bluegill
  • Lake Whitefish
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 381.6
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

467-Meter (93-Rod) Portage - From Hudson To Insula

You will arrive at this portage approximately 2:41 into your day
Hilliness Index: 97
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 24.1 meters and descends 21.4 meters over the total length of 467 meters. (24.1 + 21.4) / 467 * 1000 = 97. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 83% of portages in the BWCA.
This view of the burned shore convinced us to try Fire Lake. That might have been a mistake.
Welcome to Hudson Lake by collinsm22
Insula-Hudson Portage by bstrege
Notes from Community Members
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 1/28/2024
Date Visited: 8/5/2016
pretty portage! some elevation gain/loss, walks along river.
motley reviewed on 4/1/2021
Date Visited: 6/1/2020
Wide open because of the burn down. Expect to be blown around a bit if you're carrying a canoe and it's a windy day.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/9/2018
It's a pretty steep portage. Views looking back towards Hudson are good. The burn hit this area really hard, so if it's hot, stay hydrated. There's no shade here.
lindsayt reviewed on 8/8/2018
Date Visited: 7/6/2018
A somewhat steep start coming from Insula and a good bit of elevation change, but not a difficult portage, and incredibly beautiful views of both lakes and the burn area. A surprisingly enjoyable portage.
birdcaca reviewed on 9/19/2014
Date Visited: 9/17/2014
Yeah, this is a real treat of a portage. It is wide open looking down into the gorge because of the unobstructed view caused by the fire removing the trees, leaves and shrubs. Huge granite cliffs and boulders line the sides and whitewater and falls go tumbling down the drop. You have a great view of it all as you portage the ridge that traverses it. Enjoy it!
jeemon reviewed on 1/22/2014
Date Visited: 10/1/2013
Superb view of Pagami Creek burn, will inspire much photography, stone stairs make you feel as though you're climbing to a wilderness palace, enjoyed every step of this portage, usually don't

Lake - Insula

You will arrive at this lake approximately 3:06 into your day
Paddling Insula by bstrege
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Lake Whitefish
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 3187.9
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

Campsites Near the Planned Stopping Point

1341  -  4.8 stars 3 good tent pads4.8 max tent pads
Insula2023-6 by gjfellman56
Reviews from Community Members
gjfellman56 reviewed on 1/9/2024
Date Visited: 9/5/2023
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
I've stayed at over 250 BWCA campsites and this one is in my top 10. Fantastic kitchen set-up, spread out tent sites, great hammock trees and with the low water level we had there was an amazing sand beach. Plenty of room to pull up canoes, go swimming and fish right from camp. Even though it was on an island (that was great to explore by the way) we found plenty of firewood. Only 1 small drawback is that the view from the main area is looking towards the burn out area but this is getting greener every year.
dugn reviewed on 4/6/2023
Date Visited: 8/6/2019
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
This is one of the best sites on Insula. Firegrate is up against a huge boulder with rocks on both sides for setting things and a nice flat table on on the left side of the grate, plus a bonus flat serving table. Nice big logs in a big rectangle will seat a large group around the fire. Private cove and sandy beach. Great tarping trees. Great hammock trees down by the water. Numerous tent pads. Faces West for great sunset views. View of mix of non-burn and burn could be considered a plus or a minus (since there is view of the burn). Sunrise lights up one section of burn that makes the tall pines turn white.
motley reviewed on 6/2/2020
Date Visited: 5/23/2020
5.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
I'm not sure how anyone could give this less than 5 stars. I've been to the BWCA 20 times and this is the best campground I've seen. A gem.
IHearTheRain reviewed on 3/31/2019
Date Visited: 8/24/2016
5.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Fantastic island campsite. Elevated grate, room for a cooking fly and numerous tent pads. Great beach and shallow area to swim. Easy to walk shoreline for exploring and fishing.
sherpagt reviewed on 5/27/2015
Date Visited: 5/18/2015
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
This is a really nice spot! We saw a moose at this campsite, too. The fire grate looks like something out of Game of Thrones. Several tent pad options, three were decent.
1344  -  2.0 stars 2 good tent pads3 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
petticat reviewed on 12/13/2016
Date Visited: 9/13/2016
2.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Was stuck here for a night due to heavy rains and other sites on Insula were taken. Nice beachy area if you have good weather to enjoy it. Lots of downed trees for firewood, but very few places to hang a bear pack (we ended up suspending it over the "ledge" over the beach hoping that would be enough). Also no trees substantial enough for hammocks. There were lots of thorny plants on the way to the latrine and very little privacy at the latrine. Glad that this was the worst spot of our trip!
1340  -  3.5 stars 1.5 good tent pads3.2 max tent pads
Burn zone view by sherpagt
Reviews from Community Members
Larix813 reviewed on 6/6/2019
Date Visited: 6/3/2019
3.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Quite the nice camp kitchen, lots of sitting room around the site. There are a few really dangerous trees leaning over some of the tent pads, so watch out! Pretty cool island and nice to camp in an unburned site!
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 6/3/2019
Date Visited: 5/29/2019
3.0 stars 0 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
A large boulder provides a sheltered landing. The fire grate is elevated and provides a nice overlook of the surrounding area and the ravages of the Pagami fire (this site was untouched by the fire). It's a beautiful site and I would rate it higher except I could only find one 'semi' decent tent pad. There was a cool rock near the fire grate.
rejcbl reviewed on 8/22/2015
Date Visited: 8/14/2015
4.0 stars 1 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
LAST SOUTHBOUND SITE BEFORE THE BURN, enough said; spacious site with good trees for bearlines or hammocks
sherpagt reviewed on 5/27/2015
Date Visited: 5/16/2015
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
This site is just past the burn zone. The landing is good, the camp area worked well for my party of 2. Decent cover from winds out of the NW. The tent pads are not the best.
1343  -  2.0 stars 2 good tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
dwessinger reviewed on 6/5/2019
Date Visited: 6/20/2018
2.0 stars 2 good tent pads
Flat site, enough trees survived the fire to provide shade. Good canoe landing.
1345  -  2.0 stars
Reviews from Community Members
Larix813 reviewed on 6/6/2019
Date Visited: 6/3/2019
2.0 stars
This site is definitely still open, but it shouldn't be. Gosh it's bad. It burned to an absolute crisp, but the USFS cut a hole out of the jungle for it. The only reason I gave it a 2 is for the gigantic boulder positioned behind the site that now has a broken tree precariously perched on top. It's really cool. Awful site if one had to spend the night.
1342
1337  -  3.7 stars 3 good tent pads4.3 max tent pads
Storm to the South by Solotripper
Reviews from Community Members
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 1/28/2024
Date Visited: 8/5/2016
3.0 stars
Decent site. I didn't love it, but there wasn't a lot to dislike. The fishing was great! 2-3 tent pads, firepit was well situated.
gjfellman56 reviewed on 2/11/2023
Date Visited: 9/17/2022
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Nice campsite with good landing spot, probably best as a spring or fall spot as it looks like it could be buggy at times as it can only get breeze from one angle.
IHearTheRain reviewed on 1/18/2015
Date Visited: 8/24/2012
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Fantastic 3-night stay...first trip to the BWCA
Gnawbone Jack reviewed on 7/6/2012
Date Visited: 9/11/2011
3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Elevated, good shade, nice landing, awesome view of The Rock, access to deep water (60') and excellent Walleye and Smallmouth action.
1332  -  4.0 stars 2.8 good tent pads4.2 max tent pads
Sunset from Site 1332
Insula Sunset by sylvesterii
Reviews from Community Members
BigWrigs reviewed on 7/19/2023
Date Visited: 7/15/2023
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Lots of sand and slugs
revleroy reviewed on 7/20/2021
Date Visited: 6/25/2021
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Sandy beach site that looks towards "the Rock". Shallow from beach to the back of the campsite, but nice overall
dugn reviewed on 8/12/2019
Date Visited: 8/7/2019
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Nice beach site, protected from West/NW winds. Firegrate is tucked behind trees and nicely protected as well should the wind be coming from the South.
sylvesterii reviewed on 1/20/2019
Date Visited: 7/30/2018
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
Great site for a large group if you want a sandy beach-style site. Great area for hanging hammocks (watch out for the large fallen tree stuck in adjacent trees still). Great swimming area, and a friendly turtle to boot! Plenty of firewood still, even though it appears to sustain heavy traffic. Easy walk down the shore in both direction for some good spots to fish from shore.
Larix813 reviewed on 8/20/2018
Date Visited: 7/9/2018
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Really pretty site! Big sand beach, awesome kitchen area. Biff is back and a little tough to find. Tent pads are pretty great. We only stopped in for lunch, but it would have been a great place to stay.
1333  -  3.0 stars
Campsite by bstrege
Reviews from Community Members
Larix813 reviewed on 6/12/2023
Date Visited: 5/28/2023
3.0 stars
This campsite obviously sees a lot of use. It's open and with some tree cover and a variety of tent pads. It's on a pinch point so some traffic passes by here.
mdvancleave reviewed on 6/27/2022
Date Visited: 6/21/2022
3.0 stars
Nice landing/beach and good tent pads with tree cover. Knocking a point because it's very exposed to the adjacent site just across the water.
1346  -  2.0 stars 1 good tent pad2 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
dwk98 reviewed on 7/27/2017
Date Visited: 7/22/2017
1 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Had to make camp here when the wind made it impossible to get out of the burn area. Small area with not much room to move around and no living trees taller than 3'. Pretty desolate, but it had a place to put two tents (side-by-side), a fire grate, and a latrine.
rejcbl reviewed on 8/22/2015
Date Visited: 8/15/2015
2.0 stars
looked at this campsite but turned around, didn't use it; very exposed after the burn
1336
1338
1347
1339  -  3.0 stars 3 good tent pads3 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
dwessinger reviewed on 5/14/2018
Date Visited: 7/15/2015
3.0 stars 3 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Off the beaten path, nice site. Best landing is on the backside of the peninsula.
1334  -  4.4 stars 3.9 good tent pads5.7 max tent pads
1334 by Fooch
Reviews from Community Members
collinsm22 reviewed on 12/19/2024
Date Visited: 7/31/2024
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
Yes, the huge sandy beach is the defining feature of this site. The kitchen is quite deliberately placed behind a small patch of cedar, but it didn't reduce our enjoyment of the site. There were plenty of places to prepare food, or to sit on. We preferred to sit in our chairs sunk down in the sand on the water's edge. We had the best food bag hang ever back up in the woods a bit. The tent pads were spacious and plentiful, but a little buggy due to the nearby marsh. There were plenty of places to hang hammocks, but the cedars blocked any view. As with other beach-centered sites, expect everything to get gritty. The landing is super easy because of the beach, but scooping water to filter required a short hike past the end of the beach, or a wade out to deeper water. It wasn't as fun as an island site, but was otherwise quite comfortable, so I rounded up on the score.
ShawnK18 reviewed on 12/21/2023
Date Visited: 6/3/2023
5.0 stars
Amazing beach site with plenty of room for large group. Site has multiple tent pads and hammocking options. Only negatives of the site would be the view from the kitchen is somewhat blocked by a cluster of cedars and you will see a decent amount of traffic pass by throughout the day.
windflower reviewed on 9/25/2023
Date Visited: 9/17/2023
5.0 stars 4 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
This is a fantastic site with great views of this part of Insula. Landing a canoe is no problem with the sandy beach. The kitchen is protected from any wind by a few red cedar trees. The ample flat tent pads are nicely spread out. Even the toilet is in a nice setting in the woods.
Larix813 reviewed on 6/12/2023
Date Visited: 5/28/2023
4.0 stars
This is a nice beach site with a good view of the sunset. We were passing by and saw it open this day, but we were heading further on. There's plenty of room here for a larger group.
kecker reviewed on 8/3/2022
4 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
An awesome campsite that was completely ruined for us due to weather. We had heavy rains and high winds most of the time we were here. But this site had some great potential. Lots of sand on the beach, and the water out front is super shallow and very slow slope in the water, you can walk out a long way!
Fooch reviewed on 8/18/2021
Date Visited: 8/11/2021
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
This is a perfect site for a BWCA chill trip. Easy access, great views, spots for hammocks, and barefoot time. The only negative is that it's very shallow around the site. The water was very low in 2021. We could walk almost 50 yards out and it was still only thigh deep. So no BWCA swimming. We LOVED this site!
dugn reviewed on 8/15/2019
Date Visited: 8/7/2019
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Great sandy beach with an amazing sunset view over the whole lake.
pdt83 reviewed on 7/30/2017
Date Visited: 7/17/2017
4.0 stars 5 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Beautiful sandy beach with great views across Insula towards the west for sunset. Very long beachfront and water is shallow going out quite a ways. Buggy toward the south end due to swampy area in the woods, but overall not bad. The latrine sits up a pretty good hike up the hill at the north end. If you are wet expect sand to stick to everything.
bstrege reviewed on 9/21/2014
Date Visited: 8/8/2014
5.0 stars 4 good tent pads 7 max tent pads
The most striking feature of this site is the beautiful sandy beach. There are a myriad of possible tent pads throughout the site. However, if you don't like sand, this probably isn't the site for you.
Grandma L reviewed on 6/8/2014
Date Visited: 6/1/2014
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Woods Walker reviewed on 2/9/2014
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
Sand beach, good swimming for kids
1348
1351  -  1.0 stars 2 good tent pads2 max tent pads
Campsite by smccoid
Reviews from Community Members
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 6/3/2019
Date Visited: 5/29/2019
1.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
A fairly decent landing. The Fire grate is very near the water and currently has no shelter. However, there are a couple of decent small tent pads. I believe that once this site (trees) grows up a bit, and provides some shelter/tarp options etc., I will rate it a bit better.
1335
1353

Day 3

Total Travel Time: 3:16
Paddling Time: 2:01
Portaging Time: 0:55
Loading Time: 0:20
The travel times do not include breaks except for the time spent unloading and loading at portages. The portaging time shown is only the walking time.
Total Travel Distance: 12.7 km (7.9 mi)
Paddling Distance: 9.7 km (6.0 mi)
Portaging Distance: 2.9 km (1.8 mi)
The portage distance is calculated as the total distance walked. The portage(s) total 982 meters, but since you are taking 2 trips across each portage, you are walking the portage 3 times. 982 x 3 = 2946
Number of Portages: 2
Total Length: 982 m (195 rods)
Longest: 824 m (164 rods)
Meters Climbing/Descending: 39.3/33.9
Average Hilliness: 74.5
The hilliness index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change every 10 meters is totaled and multiplied by 1000. Portages on this route climb and descend a total of 73.2 meters over the total length of 982 meters. 73.2 / 982 * 1000 = 74.5. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61.

824-Meter (164-Rod) Portage - From Insula To Kiana

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:13 into your day
Hilliness Index: 68
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 36.3 meters and descends 19.4 meters over the total length of 824 meters. (36.3 + 19.4) / 824 * 1000 = 68. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 62% of portages in the BWCA.
Portage Insula to Kiana in low water
Insula - Kiana (low water) by Gavia
Kiana Lake to Lake Insula by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
elkninja reviewed on 2/25/2022
Date Visited: 6/22/2020
Longer than other portages in the area with some ups and downs but nothing too difficult. No breeze the morning we came through...and plenty of bugs! Pretty area and enjoyable walk.
Larix813 reviewed on 3/2/2019
Date Visited: 6/6/2018
This portage, though longer than the others, didn't challenge us too much. The landings are nice and the portage was in decent shape.
pdt83 reviewed on 7/30/2017
Date Visited: 7/17/2017
This portage shows 185 rods on the map and seems more hilly throughout although net downhill. Near the Insula end it has some steep drops toward the end where you want to watch your footing.
Prorecreator reviewed on 4/13/2016
Date Visited: 6/6/2006
Longish, but fairly flat. Ran into a moose about half way across.

Lake - Kiana

You will arrive at this lake approximately 1:56 into your day
20180710_123808.jpg by smccoid
  • Northern Pike
  • Rock Bass
  • White Sucker
Acres: 217.1
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

158-Meter (31-Rod) Portage - To Thomas

You will arrive at this portage approximately 2:31 into your day
Hilliness Index: 111
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 3 meters and descends 14.5 meters over the total length of 158 meters. (3 + 14.5) / 158 * 1000 = 111. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 88% of portages in the BWCA.
Kiana Lake to ThomasLake in low water by Gavia
Thomas Lake to Kiana Lake by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
ElkNinja reviewed on 1/12/2024
Date Visited: 6/22/2020
Easy up and over.
Larix813 reviewed on 3/2/2019
Date Visited: 6/6/2018
This shouldn't be a bad portage, but I definitely took a spill here. It's not a difficult portage though. Pretty decent landings too.

Lake - Thomas

You will arrive at this lake approximately 2:40 into your day
Fraser-Thomas Narrows
Fraser-Thomas Narrows by sylvesterii
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Bluegill
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • White Sucker
Acres: 1485.4
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

Campsites Near the Planned Stopping Point

1185  -  3.8 stars 3 good tent pads4.8 max tent pads
Center of camp by ElkNinja
Reviews from Community Members
Jportman reviewed on 7/7/2023
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
ElkNinja reviewed on 8/12/2022
Date Visited: 6/22/2020
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Open site with a good landing, nice fire area, and good fishing nearby. Follow the trails past the latrine and you'll pop out on the other side of the island.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/10/2018
4.0 stars
Nice site. Depending on the wind direction you could get some breeze, but the back is really closed in. We just stopped here for lunch. We would have stayed had it been later in the day.
doubledown reviewed on 8/24/2017
Date Visited: 8/13/2017
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Great open site with perfect bear bag tree. Latrine is appropriate length from main site. Good canoe landing, but max 2 canoes at a time. There is a path to the back of the island for viewing weather or quick canoe landing if you don't want to paddle around (i.e. lunch break). The only reason the site does not get 5 stars is the mice. Be good about cleaning up all food items and it will be a 5 star site for you.
petticat reviewed on 12/13/2016
3.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Big site with beautiful views, sufficient trees to hang a bear bag, a moderately long walk to the latrine, and a nice big kitchen/fireplace area. Probably could only have max 3 canoes at the landing. Good site if you intend on hammocking (lots of thick trees). The only issue were the mice! I have never seen so many mice running around at night! Not our favorite site, not our least favorite site...but good if you have a nice sized group.
1184  -  3.0 stars 2 good tent pads3 max tent pads
Steak Dinner by BobberRob
Reviews from Community Members
BobberRob reviewed on 9/22/2015
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Nice site. Can catch plenty of crawfish and minnows from the land for bait.
1181  -  4.0 stars 2 good tent pads2.5 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
p.hartman5886 reviewed on 2/7/2016
Date Visited: 6/13/2015
5.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Awesome sunset views. Amazing night fishing. Elevated campsite on rock formation.
Grandma L reviewed on 6/8/2014
Date Visited: 6/4/2014
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
1183  -  3.2 stars 3.3 good tent pads4.7 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
runningrealtor reviewed on 3/17/2018
Date Visited: 7/21/2017
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
I agree the landing is bad and that this site is exposed. We camped here on a very nice day and the breeze was great for keeping the bugs at bay. The view to the east at sunset is pretty cool.
Exo reviewed on 12/5/2015
2.0 stars
Large area for tents, etc. site not very suitable for hammocks. Very poor landing area for canoes.
Woods Walker reviewed on 2/9/2014
Date Visited: 9/12/2001
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Nice site, not beat down... water on both sides... tent pads right on the water
Gnawbone Jack reviewed on 7/6/2012
Date Visited: 9/12/2011
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
Good kitchen area, tent pads, grassy area, poor landing area (had to lift canoes up rocky ledge to store for night). Nice shade but marginal wind protection.
1179  -  4.5 stars 3.5 good tent pads6 max tent pads
Thomas Lake camp
Campsite by colandene
Reviews from Community Members
colandene reviewed on 6/9/2024
Date Visited: 5/23/2022
5.0 stars 4 good tent pads 7 max tent pads
very nice open, slightly tiered site, tent pads found at all levels, we were there early and my brother caught a laker off the rock near the landing, which is easy and sheltered. very nice sunset view from the kitchen. hiked around a bit but didn't get to the other site. we got another laker trolling by the north point of the camp side of the island. there is a reef east of the island towards the portage to Alice and another laker. The trout were all near the surface, ice was out late.
Aldy1 reviewed on 5/27/2019
Date Visited: 5/24/2019
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Great site with a western view. Nice level sleeping pad. Swimming just north of the site in the black sandy beach.
niem0128 reviewed on 1/4/2015
Date Visited: 7/10/2014
5.0 stars 5 good tent pads 9 max tent pads
Best site we've stayed at in the BW. Huge site with a trail that goes up to a cliff overlooking Thomas. We wished we had more time to stay more than one night. Caught a decent-sized Northern casting from shore.
Grandma L reviewed on 6/8/2014
Date Visited: 6/5/2014
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
1180  -  4.0 stars 3 good tent pads5 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
chutney9 reviewed on 9/15/2021
Date Visited: 7/5/2021
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Good site: out of the way - not much traffic other than folks looking for a site. Stayed here 2 nights because it was so busy. Nice spot for fishing and swimming near the landing.
1182  -  4.0 stars 3 good tent pads4 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
ADK_BWCA reviewed on 6/3/2021
Date Visited: 5/28/2021
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Tracks with previous reviews. The kitchen seating was pretty much gone during my stay. There were several logs cut next to site that could be used for normal seating configuration. Shaded in front but had a sunny area behind kitchen. Plenty of firewood due to blowdown at rear of site. Some walking trails with limited access to bay at rear of site. The latrine was quite exposed here and close to tent areas. Landing was average. Enjoyed a couple of nights here and would return.
jaygibson reviewed on 7/1/2018
Date Visited: 6/25/2018
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Great "hidden" site in small bay. Plenty of space for tents and/or hammocks. Good kitchen area with a beautiful view of the lake.
pdt83 reviewed on 7/30/2017
Date Visited: 7/15/2017
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Open campsite with lots of pine needles and nice landing area. There is good seating around the fire as well as ample shallow areas on the rocks. The campsite sits in a nice bay protected from the open lake and wind.
1186  -  3.0 stars 2 good tent pads2 max tent pads
Kitchen on 1186
campsite 1186 by 30Smoke
Reviews from Community Members
30Smoke reviewed on 1/11/2022
Date Visited: 6/18/2020
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Stopped to stretch our legs after a long time fishing for Lake Trout. Decent site back in the small bay, with a good landing, nice kitchen, and flat area for a couple of tents. Didn't stay overnight, but got some pictures.
1178  -  1.0 stars 1 good tent pad2 max tent pads
1178 campsite by freeleo1
Reviews from Community Members
freeleo1 reviewed on 7/18/2021
Date Visited: 7/2/2021
1.0 stars 1 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
We did not stay here, but got out to check it our. It is a small site with minimal sitting logs. Very closed in with bushes, not many accessible bigger trees. Rocks in front of landing make it necessary to paddle in parallel to the landing. After that getting out to the site is easy. Latrine is encroached by rose bushes. One or 2 tent pads, but there would not be much area to spread out or walk around.
1391  -  4.2 stars 3.3 good tent pads4.7 max tent pads
Snowbank_08_045.jpg by 4everpaddle
Reviews from Community Members
sthayer reviewed on 6/4/2019
Date Visited: 5/31/2019
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Scenic site on a point, elevated a bit above the water. As mentioned, nice rocks out from of the site. If the wind is coming from the north or east, the fire grate is a bit exposed. In calmer weather, a really nice site.
dwk98 reviewed on 7/27/2017
Date Visited: 7/23/2017
5.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Very nice campsite. Have to get gear up a slope to the campsite, but it's not a big deal. Great views from the point. Fun rocks near the shore for the kids to play on.
JudgeJudy&Executioner reviewed on 8/24/2016
Date Visited: 6/28/2016
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Agree with descriptions. Great canoe "garage" between the rocks. I left my hatchet there! I hope someone got some use out of it.
rejcbl reviewed on 8/22/2015
Date Visited: 8/13/2015
4.0 stars
pretty site, good access for canoes & hammock hanging trees; small beach nearby for swimming
troytraub@comcast.net reviewed on 6/22/2015
Date Visited: 6/16/2015
4.0 stars
Nice site. A couple good tent pads big enough for a 4 man tent. Nice landing. Good tarp trees. Cought a couple Northern off the point from shore. Fire pit sits back enough off water that the wind is not bad.
1393  -  2.0 stars
Reviews from Community Members
rejcbl reviewed on 8/22/2015
Date Visited: 8/14/2015
2.0 stars
steep lakeshore landing for canoes, lumpy tentsite
1188  -  4.2 stars 3 good tent pads4.5 max tent pads
IMG_0120.jpg by PaddlinJoe
Reviews from Community Members
Jeremy Pederson reviewed on 11/6/2024
Date Visited: 11/1/2024
5.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Landing is on the east side of the big rock out front. Better site for tents than hammocks but its manageable. Very sheltered from anything but a south east or south breeze, great place to watch a sunset and the amenities were all as they should be.
dadof6 reviewed on 1/26/2023
Date Visited: 7/1/2005
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Decent site, open and fewer trees for hammocks. Spent 1 night here and moved on.
beelarr reviewed on 6/12/2019
Date Visited: 6/4/2019
4.0 stars 4 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
Nice big site that is up over the water with a stone entrance.
PaddlinJoe reviewed on 3/29/2019
Date Visited: 7/26/2014
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Nice landing area and a wide open grassy area for multiple tents on a lower level. The upper level has the fire grate and another tent pad option back in the woods.
1187  -  3.0 stars 2 good tent pads3 max tent pads
Campsite by steveopfer
Reviews from Community Members
Little Grumpy reviewed on 7/9/2020
Date Visited: 6/28/2020
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Though it appears dark and densely forested from the water, this site has plenty going for it. A few nice tent pads and a comfortable camp kitchen stay sheltered from the weather and neighbors.
1392
1394  -  3.0 stars 2 good tent pads4 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
windflower reviewed on 9/25/2023
Date Visited: 9/15/2023
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Should have been 3, not 2 stars!!
Sluggman42 reviewed on 9/19/2016
Date Visited: 9/10/2016
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Ok site overall, landing is decent with a good landing and ok tent sites. Nice kitchen with a flat rock for pans/stoves. Good view of Thomas lake. Fishing was poor, but I've always had a tough time on Thomas, so that wasn't a shock.
1680  -  3.0 stars 2 good tent pads3 max tent pads
Reviews from Community Members
RGR reviewed on 7/12/2016
Date Visited: 5/29/2016
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Easy landing. Flat site with a long point to cast off. Nice fire grate with trees available for a tarp. Two nice pads and a short walk to the box. Lake trout caught just off shore.

Day 4

Total Travel Time: 2:59
Paddling Time: 1:39
Portaging Time: 0:30
Loading Time: 0:50
The travel times do not include breaks except for the time spent unloading and loading at portages. The portaging time shown is only the walking time.
Total Travel Distance: 9.6 km (6.0 mi)
Paddling Distance: 8.0 km (5.0 mi)
Portaging Distance: 1.6 km (1.0 mi)
The portage distance is calculated as the total distance walked. The portage(s) total 540 meters, but since you are taking 2 trips across each portage, you are walking the portage 3 times. 540 x 3 = 1619
Number of Portages: 5
Total Length: 540 m (107 rods)
Longest: 219 m (44 rods)
Meters Climbing/Descending: 12.5/27.4
Average Hilliness: 74
The hilliness index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change every 10 meters is totaled and multiplied by 1000. Portages on this route climb and descend a total of 39.9 meters over the total length of 540 meters. 39.9 / 540 * 1000 = 74. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61.

37-Meter (7-Rod) Portage - From Thomas To Thomas

You will arrive at this portage approximately 0:38 into your day
Hilliness Index: 3
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 0 meters and descends 0.1 meters over the total length of 37 meters. (0 + 0.1) / 37 * 1000 = 3. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 0% of portages in the BWCA.
Hatchet creek ~ Thomas portage by TuscaroraBorealis
Pond to Lake Thomas by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 6/2/2019
Date Visited: 5/23/2019
A wilderness highway!
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/10/2018
7 rods, don't sweat it. Some of these portages are paddle by depending on your canoe and the time of year.

219-Meter (44-Rod) Portage - From Thomas

You will arrive at this portage approximately 0:51 into your day
Hilliness Index: 39
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 1 meters and descends 7.5 meters over the total length of 219 meters. (1 + 7.5) / 219 * 1000 = 39. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 30% of portages in the BWCA.
Portage Thomas pond to Hatchet Creek - line through in low water
Thomas pond - Hatchet Cr (line through) by Gavia
Thomas Pond Portage
Thomas Pond Portage by sylvesterii
Notes from Community Members
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 6/2/2019
Date Visited: 5/23/2019
Decent landings on both ends. There is a nice rock shelf on the downstream end that is perfect for taking packs on/off. Trail climbs only slightly. Kekekabic Hiking Trail cuts through the portage but, common sense should get you where you need to go.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/10/2018
We ended up pulling out and carrying this one. The water level was decent, but we didn't know what it would hold. Easy carry, landings weren't bad.

73-Meter (14-Rod) Portage - To Hatchet

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:15 into your day
Hilliness Index: 86
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 3 meters and descends 3.3 meters over the total length of 73 meters. (3 + 3.3) / 73 * 1000 = 86. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 76% of portages in the BWCA.
Portage on Hatchet Cr (paddle through rapids in high water)
Hatchet Cr rapids by Gavia
Body Surfing by the Portage
Portage by MD_MooseLick
Notes from Community Members
windflower reviewed on 9/25/2023
Date Visited: 9/15/2023
The portages on this stretch are not properly marked by anyone. McKenzie shows a portage by Hatchet that does not exist. Paddle Planner and McKenzie also do not mark the other portages properly. There are 5 short portages on this stretch, all short, some that can be partially "walked" pulling canoes, none that should probably be run unless you dont respect your canoe very much.
MontanaPaddler reviewed on 9/12/2022
Date Visited: 9/7/2022
We skipped this one and waded the canoes through the creek. It was a fun adventure, although I doubt it saved us any time.
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 6/2/2019
Date Visited: 5/23/2019
Depending how particular you are about your canoe??? This one can likely be lined without too much difficulty. Otherwise, the trail is about as easy as you could expect a portage of this length to be.
Larix813 reviewed on 8/20/2018
Date Visited: 7/10/2018
We ran our canoes through this set as did the poor people behind us in their kevlars. Why did anyone think it was a good idea to trust my lead? Hah! I winced every time I heard those beautiful kevlar canoes scrape a rock. Both groups made it through fine.
Woodstripper reviewed on 3/21/2016
Date Visited: 7/6/2011
Hatchet creek is a delight. Every time I've been through, the water has been high enough to permit walking the canoes through all but one of the portages. Great on a hot day with youth that want to cool off.

Lake - Hatchet

You will arrive at this lake approximately 1:18 into your day
Hatchet by tonecoughlin
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Yellow Perch
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 150
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

143-Meter (28-Rod) Portage - From Hatchet To Ima

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:43 into your day
Hilliness Index: 147
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 8.5 meters and descends 12.5 meters over the total length of 143 meters. (8.5 + 12.5) / 143 * 1000 = 147. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 95% of portages in the BWCA.
Portage Hatchet Cr to Ima
Hatchet - Ima by Gavia
Ima L. end of Ima-Hatchet portage by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
ElkNinja reviewed on 1/10/2024
Date Visited: 6/29/2020
Plenty of people pass thru and the Ima side is very small. Patience is key. Pretty rock wall and a beautiful forest.
windflower reviewed on 9/25/2023
Date Visited: 9/14/2023
On the Ima side this portage landing is fairly well disguised. It is located in a little notch. You will have to cruise close to shore to find exact location. The Ima side has little room for more than 1 canoe at a time. And landing requires use of the rocks on the left side to unload. Other than that the portage is not too complicated.
pleflar reviewed on 6/20/2023
Date Visited: 6/5/2023
Passed the landing on the Ima side right by and had to backtrack a little. Definitely not easily spotted from a distance. It is tight on Ima, one boat at a time and would be difficult with larger boats to get everyone out cleanly. Expect to get wet and then go straight up a rocky, but beautiful, path. Much easier on the Hatchet side.
Larix813 reviewed on 5/23/2023
Date Visited: 7/10/2018
A little hill, a few rocks, and yes, there is a good amount of traffic through here. We were moving fast to try to get a nice site on Ima. The western landing is a tricky one with a drop off
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 6/2/2019
Date Visited: 5/23/2019
The Ima landing is literally a 'hole in the wall'! But still, it's a reasonably decent, though tight, landing. The trail is not overly difficult yet is still a decent climb over a boulder strewn path.
flynn reviewed on 1/3/2019
Date Visited: 6/5/2018
Wasn't exactly sure if the landing was the right spot or not, coming off of Hatchet, and found that the Ima side landing sucked. Some slippery rocks, not a lot of good footing, and it's small with only enough room for a single canoe. I liked this portage a lot though, it was quite a beautiful walk with varied terrain and foliage.
Egapillar reviewed on 7/22/2018
Date Visited: 10/3/1992
I traversed this on a cold, windy day in 1992. the portage was uneventful, but getting off the shore on IdA in a solo canoe with whitecaps coming in was quite the trick.
pdt83 reviewed on 7/30/2017
Date Visited: 7/15/2017
Entry from Ima side was small and difficult to spot on a windy day. Short uphill on some slippery stones as you leave the water. The remainder is unremarkable.
Woodstripper reviewed on 3/21/2016
Date Visited: 7/6/2011
Traversed this one several times over the years. Unremarkable, except that the Ima side is very narrow and is difficult to spot from the lake. Can be very congested during peak season.

Lake - Ima

You will arrive at this lake approximately 1:50 into your day
North at 1199
North at 1199 by sylvesterii
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Lake Trout
  • Bluegill
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 766.9
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

67-Meter (13-Rod) Portage - From Ima To Ima

You will arrive at this portage approximately 2:33 into your day
Hilliness Index: 60
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 0 meters and descends 4 meters over the total length of 67 meters. (0 + 4) / 67 * 1000 = 60. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 52% of portages in the BWCA.
Ima Lake.jpg by tkohlhorst
Jordan Lake to Ima Lake by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
windflower reviewed on 9/25/2023
Date Visited: 9/19/2023
The portage is straight-forward. However with a strong SE wind, it can be difficult to work around the rocks guarding the Ima side. Take your time, find the rocks, and work around to the left side coming out of Ima.
kaywhypaddle reviewed on 7/18/2021
Date Visited: 7/6/2021
Very short and easy portage. Landings on both side are large and not too rocky. Small falls to the left of the Jordan side that is very pretty. In the narrows heading toward the larger portion of Jordan, there are some faded petroglyphs on the right hand side. Kind of hard to see what they "are", but still neat.
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 6/2/2019
Date Visited: 5/21/2019
A short, gradual climb up to Ima Lake along a bouldery path.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/8/2019
Date Visited: 7/10/2018
Not a difficult portage, even in the rain. Really cool paddle on the Jordan side also.

Lake - Jordan

You will arrive at this lake approximately 2:49 into your day
Jordan cliff by AmateurHour
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Yellow Perch
  • Burbot
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 155.3
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

Campsites Near the Planned Stopping Point

1203  -  4.6 stars 3 good tent pads5 max tent pads
Campsite by smccoid
Reviews from Community Members
eagle98mn reviewed on 10/10/2023
Date Visited: 9/20/2023
5.0 stars 2 good tent pads
A really nice campsite with a raised kitchen overlooking a sandy beach landing. Good views south and east. You'd be hard pressed to find a nicer spot.
DirtyDadbod reviewed on 2/25/2021
Date Visited: 7/12/2020
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
This campsite is really great for a large group. The sand beach and landing is wonderful, the stairs up to the main site is unique, there are multiple tent pads that have different unique features, and TONS of great trees for hammocks. The rock overlook is a great place to watch the sunrise, look at the stars, or enjoy a drink/smoke with friends/family. There is a raspberry bush right in camp behind the kitchen, and there is more back behind the site if you're willing to look for them. There is a decent amount of traffic, but essentially none that comes directly in front of the campsite. The site provides easy access to Cattyman falls and Jordan narrows, which offers great fishing, cliff jumping and animal sightings. We didn't catch anything from our site, but was probably due to weather. The overlook is essentially a giant wall adjacent to the landing flats of the campsite. If this site is open, take it. You will not regret it.
PaddlinJoe reviewed on 8/4/2020
Date Visited: 6/13/2020
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Lovely sprawling multi-level site with many tent pads and areas to set up tarps. Lovely coffee rock to view lake that is separate from the rest of the campsite area.
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 1/3/2020
Date Visited: 5/21/2019
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Beautiful sandy beach landing that has a neat stone staircase that leads up to a spacious elevated site. Lots of room for every purpose here. Plenty of downed wood back behind camp and good shore fishing spots. Not really any good tarp options near the fire grate and there will likely be a good amount of traffic paddling by.
nosajphillips reviewed on 5/27/2019
Date Visited: 6/17/2017
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads
This was among the kid's campsites. Nice sandy beach. Plenty of room. Lots of rocks to explore
smccoid reviewed on 8/29/2018
Date Visited: 7/10/2018
3 good tent pads 5 max tent pads
Beautiful site. Sandy beach, great views. We stayed here 2 nights after putting in at Snowbank. Spent a day with easy access to fish and photo Jordan Narrows. We tented up on the rock and had limited opportunities to stake out the tent but still found it was the best spot. Added some pics of our time here
looncall3366 reviewed on 5/25/2016
Date Visited: 5/20/2016
4.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Nice site on a stunning little lake. The sand beach landing is outstanding and offers a great place to swim and cool down. Site could use more shade and is blocked from most breezes has great elevated views and ample space. Quite a bit of visible traffic as groups cross from the Jordan portage into Ima.
niem0128 reviewed on 1/4/2015
Date Visited: 7/11/2014
5.0 stars 5 good tent pads 7 max tent pads
What more can I say that hasn't already been said? Great site. Before we left we watched a couple foxes moving about 50 yards or so down the shoreline. Really great spot right by the lake where we were able to set up our mosquito tents and tarp.
Hawk70 reviewed on 1/18/2014
Date Visited: 6/5/2013
5.0 stars 4 good tent pads 6 max tent pads
This is the best site I have been to. Very large and very popular. Sandy beach!
bstrege reviewed on 11/14/2013
Date Visited: 7/2/2010
4.0 stars
The landing was sandy and would make a good swimming area. There were several tent pads, but I don't recall exactly how many. The kitchen has a good view of the lake. The campsite is nice and on the main travel route, so it is pretty popular.
1202  -  3.2 stars 2.5 good tent pads2.8 max tent pads
Campsite on Jordan Lake by Randy.Pfeifer
Reviews from Community Members
eeyanna21 reviewed on 9/6/2022
Date Visited: 9/3/2022
4.0 stars 3 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Great northern views of the lake, good landing with an area to store canoes. Tents need to be very close together.
pdt83 reviewed on 7/30/2017
Date Visited: 7/14/2017
3 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Nice views, rocky area that sits above the water allows for nice seating. Good landing and area to stow canoes. Not very good branches for bear bag, many trees down around the campsite.
p.hartman5886 reviewed on 2/7/2016
Date Visited: 6/12/2015
3.0 stars 1 good tent pads 2 max tent pads
Caught nice walleye in the mouth of the inlet into the rock formation. Rained on us that day/night. Decent cover up on campsite. Nice overlook of the lake.
jeemon reviewed on 1/22/2014
Date Visited: 9/28/2013
3.0 stars 3 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Buggy, even in September, pockets of space, kitchen and tent pads close together, somewhat sloped
bstrege reviewed on 11/14/2013
Date Visited: 7/2/2010
3.0 stars
The landing was nice. There was a small grassy area by the kitchen. The only issue I had with the site was that the latrine was visible from the kitchen.
1201  -  3.7 stars 2.3 good tent pads3.3 max tent pads
Tent Pad at Jordan Lake Site by bstrege
Reviews from Community Members
MontanaPaddler reviewed on 9/12/2022
Date Visited: 9/8/2022
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
Great site with good kitchen and gravel swimming and canoe landing area. Plenty of room for tents, and I hung my hammock on the large trees down by the shore. There was a strong south wind and we were well protected in camp back here. Interestingly enough, like elkninja, we has a loud party group on the site directly north. It didn't bother us too much but the older couple on the northern beach site were very unhappy when we saw them on the portage the next morning. There's a cool beaver skeleton perched up on a rock in the bay to the southeast of the site.
elkninja reviewed on 2/25/2022
Date Visited: 6/23/2020
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 4 max tent pads
We enjoyed the solitude of not seeing others although we heard plenty from the group to the north. Fishing was fine from shore. Our two tents fit just fine. We watched the sun set from the point and a beaver slapped his tail at us over a dozen times as we sat there. The only caution...the latrine trail had several downed trees you had to walk under and a few looked like they could fall at any time.
Sluggman42 reviewed on 9/19/2016
Date Visited: 9/12/2016
4.0 stars 1 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Bit of a climb to the camp from shore and the pullout was just ok. Good kitchen with only one really good tent site but multiple options if you have more. Plenty of trees for tarps/hammocks. Best feature of this site is the seclusion, very private on a busy lake. That alone makes up for any of the other possible problems.
andyvap reviewed on 3/3/2016
Date Visited: 8/6/2011
3.0 stars 3 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Busy area and tough spot to get. South end of the lake around a little point. Good spot for swimming. Private other than hopefuls. Nice fire area, good trees for hammocks and tarps.
gaffaney reviewed on 5/26/2015
Date Visited: 5/23/2015
5.0 stars 3 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Great campsite secluded fromt eh rest of the lake. Nice canoe landing and fire grate area with a large stone ideal for preparing meals. Fishing was a little slow but were still able to land two nice walleye and a couple large Northern pike.
bstrege reviewed on 11/14/2013
Date Visited: 7/2/2010
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
A secluded campsite on a busy lake. We didn't see anyone come down to this end of the lake over a 4th of July weekend. The swimming area is decent. There are a few places for tent pads. You don't have a scenic view of the lake from this campsite, but the seclusion made up for it for us.
JJ47 reviewed on 8/8/2013
Date Visited: 6/10/2013
3.0 stars 2 good tent pads 3 max tent pads
Secluded site with a nice gravel landing/swimming area, big enough for at least 3 canoes, great views of the south end of the lake. East exposure great for watching the sunrise. The latrine is secluded from the camp. And if you're there at the right time of year the place is loaded with blueberries.

Day 5

Total Travel Time: 4:37
Paddling Time: 2:23
Portaging Time: 1:15
Loading Time: 1:00
The travel times do not include breaks except for the time spent unloading and loading at portages. The portaging time shown is only the walking time.
Total Travel Distance: 15.5 km (9.6 mi)
Paddling Distance: 11.5 km (7.1 mi)
Portaging Distance: 4.0 km (2.5 mi)
The portage distance is calculated as the total distance walked. The portage(s) total 1333 meters, but since you are taking 2 trips across each portage, you are walking the portage 3 times. 1333 x 3 = 3998
Number of Portages: 6
Total Length: 1333 m (265 rods)
Longest: 689 m (137 rods)
Meters Climbing/Descending: 41/65.6
Average Hilliness: 80
The hilliness index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change every 10 meters is totaled and multiplied by 1000. Portages on this route climb and descend a total of 106.6 meters over the total length of 1333 meters. 106.6 / 1333 * 1000 = 80. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61.

220-Meter (44-Rod) Portage - From Jordan To Cattyman

You will arrive at this portage approximately 0:13 into your day
Hilliness Index: 90
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 8.9 meters and descends 10.9 meters over the total length of 220 meters. (8.9 + 10.9) / 220 * 1000 = 90. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 78% of portages in the BWCA.
Jordan Lake to Cattyman Lake by Gavia
Portage Cattyman to Jordan (low water)
Cattyman - Jordan (low water) by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
Larix813 reviewed on 3/15/2023
Date Visited: 7/11/2018
Not a difficult portage, though we were here in the rain when everything is muddy and slick. It is possible to line oneself around the portage, but it takes longer than just following the trail
kaywhypaddle reviewed on 7/18/2021
Date Visited: 7/6/2021
Pretty flat and easy portage. Rocky climb out of Jordan would be a little sketchy if wet, but still not bad.
TuscaroraBorealis reviewed on 6/2/2019
Date Visited: 5/21/2019
Excellent, well developed trail. Only concern is the short climb out of Jordan.

Lake - Cattyman

You will arrive at this lake approximately 0:24 into your day
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • White Sucker
Acres: 25.4
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

Waterfall - Cattyman Falls

You will arrive at this point of interest approximately 0:30 into your day
Cattyman Falls by jarmancm

36-Meter (7-Rod) Portage - From Cattyman To Adventure

You will arrive at this portage approximately 0:38 into your day
Hilliness Index: 106
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 2.2 meters and descends 1.6 meters over the total length of 36 meters. (2.2 + 1.6) / 36 * 1000 = 106. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 86% of portages in the BWCA.
Portage Cattyman to Adventure (landing)
Cattyman - Adventure (landing) by Gavia
Portage to Cattyman Lake
Adventure-Cattyman by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
windflower reviewed on 9/25/2023
Date Visited: 9/19/2023
If coming from Jordan/Cattyman make sure to take a hard left after the portage from Jordan. The Adventure side has a rocky "ledge" where you get past that before loading up.
FreeRangeZombie reviewed on 8/15/2021
Date Visited: 8/11/2021
One of those incredibly annoying short portages. Fairly certain the description of 7 rods is even too much
twincitiesjesse reviewed on 8/25/2019
Date Visited: 8/23/2019
Very short portage around a brushy, marshy stream(?) between Adventure and Cattyman. Otherwise unremarkable.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/11/2018
Quick pull over.

Lake - Adventure

You will arrive at this lake approximately 0:39 into your day
  • Walleye
  • Northern Pike
  • Yellow Perch
  • White Sucker
Acres: 48.8
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

181-Meter (36-Rod) Portage - From Adventure

You will arrive at this portage approximately 0:58 into your day
Hilliness Index: 96
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 9.2 meters and descends 8.2 meters over the total length of 181 meters. (9.2 + 8.2) / 181 * 1000 = 96. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 82% of portages in the BWCA.
Portage to Jitterbug Lake
Adventure-Jitterbug 1 by Gavia
Jitterbug Lake to Adventure Lake by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
twincitiesjesse reviewed on 8/25/2019
Date Visited: 8/23/2019
Unremarkable, easy portage.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/11/2018
No problems and pretty nice landings. Adventure was a pretty lake, even in the rain. We didn't have any problems here.
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 2/13/2015
easy, relatively flat.

Lake - Jitterbug

You will arrive at this lake approximately 1:15 into your day
Jitterbug Lake.jpg by tkohlhorst
  • Northern Pike
  • Yellow Perch
  • White Sucker
Acres: 28.4
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

86-Meter (17-Rod) Portage

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:29 into your day
Hilliness Index: 107
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 5.7 meters and descends 3.5 meters over the total length of 86 meters. (5.7 + 3.5) / 86 * 1000 = 107. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 87% of portages in the BWCA.
Jitterbug Lake portage
Jitterbug Lake portage by SnowBird2016
Portage Ahsub to Jitterbug
Ahsub-Jitterbug by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 1/28/2024
Date Visited: 8/20/2012
Muddy on Jitterbug side, short and easy.
windflower reviewed on 9/25/2023
Date Visited: 9/19/2023
Going Jitterbug-to-Ahsub, keep your eyes open when coming around Jitterbug to find the little passageway leading to the portage. As mentioned by others, this side is pretty mucky. Take care where you stand.
Tippy Canoe reviewed on 9/13/2021
Date Visited: 9/9/2021
Came through this portage twice - on our route going from Snowbank to Alworth and then back a few days later. It sucks both ways. Low water has caused the Ahsub side of this portage to be extremely muddy. The mud is that bottomless peaty kind, so be prepared to go in up to your knees or higher if you step out of the canoe. If you can find footing on a log or rock, or if you can get to the grass, you might try that. Look for a rocky/grassy landing on the left bank as you approach down the stream toward the portage where people get out early, and take out your gear there. There's a bushwhacked trail that leads to the real portage landing. The Jitterbug side is kind of muddy but it's got a lot more gravel and is much easier to get loaded and launched on that end. The portage itself is nothing special, just getting to it and out of it on the Ahsub side is where there's the tricky bit.
Tippy Canoe reviewed on 9/13/2021
Date Visited: 9/9/2021
Came through this portage twice - on our route going from Snowbank to Alworth and then back a few days later. It sucks both ways. Low water has caused the Ahsub side of this portage to be extremely muddy. The mud is that bottomless peaty kind, so be prepared to go in up to your knees or higher if you step out of the canoe. If you can find footing on a log or rock, or if you can get to the grass, you might try that. Look for a rocky/grassy landing on the left bank as you approach down the stream toward the portage where people get out early, and take out your gear there. There's a bushwhacked trail that leads to the real portage landing. The Jitterbug side is kind of muddy but it's got a lot more gravel and is much easier to get loaded and launched on that end. The portage itself is nothing special, just getting to it and out of it on the Ahsub side is where there's the tricky bit.
FreeRangeZombie reviewed on 8/15/2021
Date Visited: 8/11/2021
Easy and pretty portage
Big6 reviewed on 2/18/2021
Date Visited: 8/2/2020
If you are coming from Ahsub Lake, you need to go pretty deep to see the landing. The lake of the lake has changed a lot, Google map is pretty accurate about it compared with printed map we have from the outfitter.
twincitiesjesse reviewed on 8/25/2019
Date Visited: 8/23/2019
If you are coming from Jitterbug, the landing is located in the marshy area. Look for an inlet that's a little more devoid of lily pads than the rest. Portage itself wasn't bad, just finding the landing is.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/11/2018
It may have been the weather, or the fatigue of a long trip, but we struggled immensely to find the portage landing on the Jitterbug side. Pretty weedy landing.
SnowBird2016 reviewed on 9/23/2017
Date Visited: 9/6/2017
This is a good portage with nice landings on both sides the channels are a bit shallow and weedy.
JJ47 reviewed on 8/8/2013
Date Visited: 6/12/2013
Very muddy, with sink holes, shallow landing that makes it difficult to land loaded.

Lake - Ahsub

You will arrive at this lake approximately 1:41 into your day
  • Brook Trout
  • White Sucker
Acres: 71.1
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

120-Meter (24-Rod) Portage - From Ahsub To Disappointment

You will arrive at this portage approximately 1:57 into your day
Hilliness Index: 117
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 2.8 meters and descends 11.2 meters over the total length of 120 meters. (2.8 + 11.2) / 120 * 1000 = 117. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 89% of portages in the BWCA.
Portage Ahsub to Disappointment
Ahsub-Disappointment by Gavia
Poartage Disappointment to Ahsub (approach)
Disappointment - Ahsub (approach) by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
windflower reviewed on 9/25/2023
Date Visited: 9/19/2023
As mentioned the biggest challenge with this portage is the coming and going traffic between Disappointment and Ahsub. Both times through on our trip this year there was some timing involved to coordinate with other groups. The portage itself is very straight-forward without complications.
twincitiesjesse reviewed on 8/25/2019
Date Visited: 8/23/2019
Quick little portage. Was a little crowded with traffic when we visited.
Larix813 reviewed on 2/24/2019
Date Visited: 7/11/2018
After a quick lunch at the campsite, we carried through here. No problem.
SnowBird2016 reviewed on 9/23/2017
Date Visited: 9/4/2017
The Disappointment Lake landing is rocky! Careful when landing as options can be tricky. High traffic on this portage daily. Rocky and narrow path.
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 2/13/2015
Date Visited: 8/14/2012
Short, decent landings on both sides. Slight up and down

Lake - Disappointment

You will arrive at this lake approximately 2:03 into your day
Disappointment Lake paddling in the fog
Paddling in the fog by SnowBird2016
  • Walleye
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Northern Pike
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 919.3
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

Overlook - North Snowbank Overlook

You will arrive at this point of interest approximately 2:08 into your day

The north shore of Snowbank consists of large outcrops of stone over which the Snowbank Trail crosses on the way to Disappointment Mountain. This high point is one of the finest views afforded of the lake sprawling out towards the southern shore. 

689-Meter (137-Rod) Portage - From Disappointment To Snowbank

You will arrive at this portage approximately 3:11 into your day
Hilliness Index: 62
The index allows you to compare portages to each other. The elevation change on each point in the graph below is added up, divided by the length of the portage, and multiplied by 1000. This portage climbs 12.2 meters and descends 30.2 meters over the total length of 689 meters. (12.2 + 30.2) / 689 * 1000 = 62. For comparison, the average hilliness of portages in the BWCA is 61, making this portage hillier than 54% of portages in the BWCA.
Disappointment Lake fog at portage
End of trip at Disappointment by SnowBird2016
Snowbank Lake to Disappointment Lake by Gavia
Notes from Community Members
windflower reviewed on 9/25/2023
Date Visited: 9/14/2023
A very straight-forward, well-traveled medium-sized portage. Nothing too rocky or hilly but some gradual ups-and-downs. The entry from Disappointment can have wind issues with a SE wind. But nothing too difficult.
SnowBird2016 reviewed on 9/23/2017
Date Visited: 9/4/2017
This portage is long and has rocks and roots with a good amount of elevation. We found that since there had been a bit of rain that it was muddy in spots but not anything that caused issues. Nice landings on Sanowbank and Disappointment sides. Hiking trail cuts next to portage on Disappoinment side and is nice to hike. Beaver swimming close to Disappoinment landing. Arrowheads and flint knapping were at the Snowbank landing. Cool if you have time to look!
BobberRob reviewed on 1/4/2017
Date Visited: 12/31/2016
Uphill going into Disappointment. A little tricky pulling a sled. Four or five 'bend downs.' Probably not too bad during the summer. 3/5
Sluggman42 reviewed on 9/19/2016
Date Visited: 9/14/2016
Mostly level walk. As of Sept 2016 there was a tremendous amount of blowdown. Halfway along the portage it looked like a tornado came through. The whole area from Snowbank to Thomas was like that though, must have been a heck of a storm.
halvorson.christopher reviewed on 2/13/2015
Date Visited: 8/23/2012
The elevation change is so gradual... it is barely there. Nice, wide, good landings, well traveled
jeemon reviewed on 1/22/2014
Date Visited: 9/28/2013
Long but mostly down hill when heading into Disappointment

Lake - Snowbank

You will arrive at this lake approximately 3:49 into your day
On Snowbank Lake 140 rod portage bay by SnowBird2016
  • Walleye
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Northern Pike
  • Lake Trout
  • Rock Bass
  • Yellow Perch
  • Burbot
  • Golden Shiner
  • Northern Pike (silver phase)
  • Tullibee (Cisco)
  • White Sucker
Acres: 4667.1
The following information was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their LakeFinder page.

Snowbank Lake - Overnight Paddle or Motor

You will arrive at this access point approximately 4:37 into your day
Ready to hit the Water at Snowbank! by toonces
Access is a boat landing or canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. Many trip options for paddlers.

Campsites Near the Planned Stopping Point

1476  -  4.0 stars
Reviews from Community Members
Larix813 reviewed on 3/2/2019
Date Visited: 7/11/2018
4.0 stars
We didn't get to stay here as there was another group using the site when we paddled by, but we did get a nice view of the site. It's fairly open and situated on a nice rocky point a little ways above the water. It looked a lot nicer than the site we stayed at, but, like I said, we didn't get out of the canoe.