Since my buddy and I decided to move our canoe trip entry point elsewhere and away from the forest fire burnt areas, I have been pouring over my National Geographic BWCA maps. Right now I am seriously considering Boundary Waters Entry Point #64, on East Bearskin Lake.
BWCA Entry Point 64
As I mentioned in a previous post, I had been looking keenly at entry point 64. Over the past few days I did more research on the lakes we can reach from there, and they look very promising. The type of trip Jim and I want to make can be easily accommodated through EP 64.
We are still planning on 5-6 days in the BWCA wilderness, and would stay in and around the following lakes; Alder Lake, Pietz Lake, Canoe Lake, Crystal Lake, and Pine lake.
All the lakes offer good fishing, and Alder offers lake trout, which I would like to try and catch a couple on our trip. The time of year we are going, late August, lake trout are still in the deep water – but I am not worried about presenting some baits before them. Lake trout tastes so good.
Some Places Of Interest From Entry Point 64
We are planning on base-camping on this trip. Taking it easy and doing partial day trips from our camp location. Lounging around camp and fishing are our primary objectives, but there are some sights in the area we can hike to and check out as well.
Johnson Falls is in the area, and from what I have read online it’s a place of beauty to behold. There is an upper and lower falls, and a swimming hole below the upper section. From what I have researched it’s considered a moderate hike to reach, but well worth it but all those who have seen it.
Another local site in the area we are camping worth trying to find is an old fur trapper’s cabin from the late 1800’s somewhere inland on the east side of Crystal Lake. It’s said to be ruins without a roof, but sections are still standing and makes for a great photo opportunity if it can be located.
It’s Always Good To Have A Solid Backup Plan
While we are going to focus on EP 64, I plan on having a backup in place just in case we have troubles getting an entry permit for 64. I can’t imagine we will. Our vacation is planned for the last week of August or first week in September. Things really quiet down in the BWCA around that time.
However, having a back up plan is in my nature, so I will keep pouring over my maps for another suitable location that catches my eye. There really are many unique entry points to choose from, that offer different experiences.
My current back up entry point is #41, on Brule Lake. It’s a bigger body of water, with more entry permits granted per day, and many options to head off into the wilderness from.
Wrapping It All Up!
I checked both entry points, 64 and 41, against the fire burn maps online and on Google Earth. So both my friend and I are feeling confident about those selections, and have read some good things online about going in at either EP. Of course I first focus is for 64.
The Forest Service suggests you list a couple alternatives to your primary choice when applying for an entry permit. Like I said earlier, I am not worried about getting one of the 4 entry permits for the day we plan to head into the wilderness from EP 64. It will be a quiet time of year, and we will apply early.
You can put in a reservation for an entry permit for a specific day in advance. And ordering online is super easy.
TD
