It now looks like we're going to go in through the Ely area, so same questions as I posted yesterday, but with Ely-area entry in mind...

I'm planning a trip for July with my wife and three kids, ages 16, 14 and 10. Looking to base camp for four days, three nights. Most interested in:

* Great scenery
* Smaller waters (hate battling wind!)
* Hiking (trails or portage walking)
* Chance to see many critters
* Good northern and walleye fishing

I'm wide open to any suggestions.

Please provide your best advice.

Thank you, folks!

I'd recommend EP 14 or EP 16. There is a ton of info on here on both areas. Have fun!

The two that immediately come to mind for me is Mudro (EP 23) and Lake One/North Kawishiwi (EP 30/29).

With Mudro I think I'd to Fourtown. Good fishing. Some neat exploring with the old logging camp artifacts. Good day trip opportunities to Boot and Fairy.

With lake One I head down the Kawishiwi River rather than to Lake One. I think the fishing is as good and probably a better opportunity for wildlife sighting. Maybe not as much exploring opportunities on foot.

Nolan,
Entry Point 16 would be a good choice depending on water levels... if the water is very low, there are several beaver dams and shallow water in the Moose River. Agnes is a easy one trip to get to, the campsite on the peninsula on the left going to the 115 rod portage to the Boulder River is a great site!! Day trips from there include, Boulder River for fishing, rapids below the narrow portion of the River is great for fishing. Iron Lake, Curtain Falls, Rebekah Falls, Warrior Hill. Fishing below Bottle Rapids is good also, Just make sure you are on the US Side. You can even go to Oyster or Lac La Croix to Laker fish.
From entry point to campsite is about 9 miles or a little more good easy day beautiful small river, lots of deer, possible Moose. I think you would like it! Email me if you want more specifics...

Bruce

nolanbunch,

I'd echo everything that has been said about EP16. Did that trip for seven straight years up to Agnes or Boulder Bay and I never got bored with it. There is some great scenery, great camp sites and great fishing in that area. Even so, decided to do something different this year just for a change of pace. But I will be back in that area again, guaranteed. I will caution you, however, that on a windy day Agnes can be a challenge, but the same could be said about any lake up there.

thlipsis29

Okay. So we're going in July 28 in EP 23 and base camping three nights on Fourtown with day exploring. Any final advice, tips, knowledge to share????

Thank you, board! Thank you!

one of the 4 campsites closest to the horse lake portage(s) is a 5 star (i forget which one)...see if that one is open first. fish horse lake.

Nolan Bunch--was just up on Fourtown last week. We camped on the north end of the lake and it was okay. There are three sites, 2 on the north side of the bay and one on the south side on the point. That one on the point looked like a five star and was recommended by our Outfitter, to bad it was full. Also, while paddling out, we stopped at the first site on the east side of the lake as you head north. I would recommend this site if you are going with a family. Not to mention after that 140 r portage you may want to find a site quick. This site was spacious, great views, lots of wood around, and a couple of nice tent pads, lots of seating, a decent landing area, and a small protected swimming area. There are also a couple of sites further north on the east side. If you stay on the east side of the large island and go in the bay, the two most southern looked pretty good. The most southern one there is right next to some rapids.

All of these sites will give you the easiest access to Horse.

Have fun, I wish I was going again!!