So far, all of my trips to the BWCA have been in early spring backpacking or the second week of September at the earliest.
I've never really experienced a crowd, with the exeption of the easier to reach Pawness lakes, which I just passed through. Once past the Pawness Lakes and after the big portage leading up the river to Loon Lake. I can honestly say I've never seen more than eight people on a trip.

It looks like this year, I'll be starting a little earlier. The Thursday just before the big Labor Day weekend. I would imagine there might be crowds everywhere, but I'm not sure what to expect.

What can I expect up EP 14, through Loon into LaCroix, over to Lady Boot and Fish Stake Narrows, swinging back WSW to make my way back through the lakes over to the NE corner of the bay on Loon? I'll be 10-11 days and plan on paddling around doing a lot of day trips out from camps.

crowds? hmmmm
well in comparison to what you are used to, then yes crowded.
however as per usual the first big portage leaves many behind.
then again its towards the end of summer and peeps will be getting out.
then again its nearly autumn and peeps might not be going to the woods.

what is the real answer is a good size portage or two and it wont be "crowded", or at least wont feel that way

in my experience anyhow..........whatever that is worth

I have a feeling I'll be seeing a lot of south bound traffic my first day or two and heavy boat traffic coming out of the Vermillion River onto Loon up to the Beatty portage.

I'm also figuring on seeing some groups (like scouts) just before the school years start for many.

I just wanted a general feel for what others have experienced here. Of course I'm wondering about the availiability of finding sites the first day and through the weekend, but general traffic will be the deciding factor of what time I'll start looking for an open site.

I'm just hoping it's not as bad as some make it out to be from my reading in various places.