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      Trip Report - Making the Most of No Available Permits
 
  Last Visit: 05/11/2024 05:48AM

Entry Point 35 - Isabella Lake


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Isabella Lake entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Tofte Ranger Station near the city of Isabella, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 21 miles. Access is a 35-rod portage to Isabella Lake.

Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1595 feet
Latitude: 47.8009
Longitude: -91.3034
Author Message Text
TreeBear
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05/17/2023 10:44AM
  
New Trip Report posted by TreeBear

Trip Name: Making the Most of No Available Permits.

Entry Point: 49

Click Here to View Trip Report
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MikeinMpls
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05/17/2023 11:23AM
  
This is a fantastic trip report, Treebear. I am very impressed by both the amount ground you covered AND the way you took it all in and appreciated the beauty of the area. It was a treat to read.


Thanks!


Mike

I did indeed rock down to Electric Avenue, but I did not take it higher. I regret that.
sedges
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05/17/2023 01:18PM
  
I love the long day trip challenge


I have often considered a solstice run from Cross Bay Access through to Sawbill on a day permit. With a reserved site at Sawbill you could spend the night and travel back the next day and avoid an expensive shuttle. You could rent a tent and bag from the outfitter if you didn't want to carry one.
andym
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05/17/2023 05:13PM
  
What a great day. One of our favorite days in the BW was a long day trip from camp (so not quite the same). But it is amazing how much enjoyment can be gotten in a single day.
TuscaroraBorealis
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05/17/2023 09:42PM
  
Now that was a DAY trip!!! :)


Per usual, great writeup & I thought the sunset/stars picture was really cool. Thanks for taking the time to put this together and share.
YetiJedi
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05/17/2023 10:14PM
  
Impressive trip! Thank you for an excellent write-up. I also appreciated the starry sky photo.
jsmithxc
membermember
 
06/13/2023 11:29AM
  
Some of my favorite days in the BWCA have been long day trips. The nearest EPs are about 4 hours from my home. I drive up the night before and take a day permit and go light and the single trips portages go fast. Great way to spend the day. So many possibilities. One of my favorites is Sawbill to Cherokee back through the Temperances, Kelly and back to Sawbill. I always bring an emergency bivy sack, mostly for bug protection if I need to spend the night out in an emergency if necessary. Never have used it. Have paddled at night to get out in non-emergency situations. I have always wondered if I paddle all night and never camp how long does my day permit work?
TreeBear
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06/13/2023 03:40PM
  
jsmithxc: "Some of my favorite days in the BWCA have been long day trips. The nearest EPs are about 4 hours from my home. I drive up the night before and take a day permit and go light and the single trips portages go fast. Great way to spend the day. So many possibilities. One of my favorites is Sawbill to Cherokee back through the Temperances, Kelly and back to Sawbill. I always bring an emergency bivy sack, mostly for bug protection if I need to spend the night out in an emergency if necessary. Never have used it. Have paddled at night to get out in non-emergency situations. I have always wondered if I paddle all night and never camp how long does my day permit work?"


Very cool! And I have wondered the same on some of those permit technicalities. Is a self-issued permit the last day of April technically still good till you exit? Is a day permit good for a set time like 24 hours or until midnight or is it good so long as you don't camp? And then there's the "only" permits. Is a LLC only permit good for instance so long as you don't stop to camp? Just funny stuff to think on.
straighthairedcurly
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09/29/2023 10:33PM
  
jsmithxc: "Some of my favorite days in the BWCA have been long day trips. The nearest EPs are about 4 hours from my home. I drive up the night before and take a day permit and go light and the single trips portages go fast. Great way to spend the day. So many possibilities. One of my favorites is Sawbill to Cherokee back through the Temperances, Kelly and back to Sawbill. I always bring an emergency bivy sack, mostly for bug protection if I need to spend the night out in an emergency if necessary. Never have used it. Have paddled at night to get out in non-emergency situations. I have always wondered if I paddle all night and never camp how long does my day permit work?"
Day permits are valid until the end of the day which is considered midnight, at which point you need to have exited the BWCA. This includes leaving before you then enter on an overnight permit.


Great trip report! Quite a day you had!
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