BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
May 03 2024
Entry Point 20 - Angleworm Lake
Angleworm Lake entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Kawishiwi Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 18 miles. Access is a 640-rod portage to Angleworm Lake.
Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1260 feet
Latitude: 48.0659
Longitude: -91.9303
Angleworm Lake - 20
Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1260 feet
Latitude: 48.0659
Longitude: -91.9303
Angleworm Lake - 20
Murdo entry - Intorduction to BW for two of my daughters
by fishinbuddy
Trip Report
Entry Date:
May 30, 2005
Entry Point:
Mudro Lake (restricted--no camping on Horse Lake)
Exit Point:
Mudro Lake (restricted--no camping on Horse Lake) (22)
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
3
Trip Introduction:
This year I decided to spend some quality one-on-one time with each of my three daughters. In February I took one daughter to Texas to move a friend. I then planned on taking the youngest to BW for a father daughter trip. Emily, my youngest, came to me and said, "I really would like Ellen to go with us." How could I refuse and after a few days my wife said, "just book the trip for all three of you." I called and reserved a permit into Mudro. The girls talked about exploring the woods, the adventure of traveling the wilderness, being self sufficient and they were excited. I had not been to BW for almost 10 years but, I was confident in my skills and made sure I packed enough to provide a good trip, even if it meant an extra trip over the portage. What I failed to remember the portages into Fourtown were rough.
Day 2 of 5
Sunday, June 19, 2016 Duff day! [paragraph break]We planned our four night trip with two nights on Gillis, and then two nights on Tuscarora Lake, so today was all about relaxing and breathing in the wilderness. Hammocks were strung, and it was still warm enough to go for a dip in the lake, so we had big plans to do a whole lot of nothing! 
[paragraph break] We hammocked, swam while the warm temps were still upon us, and took a leisurely paddle around the majority of Gillis. During our paddle we noticed we still hadn't seen any other humans since that portage to Gotter. We figured we were the only campers on the lake. The day flew by and before we knew it, it was supper time. As the storm clouds grew to the southwest, the sound of taps played on a trumpet quickly divulged that we were not the only souls enjoying the lake. And what a treat that was to hear those sweet sounds under the pink and orange glow of the impending storm. 
[paragraph break] About a half hour after this photo was taken, we were safely hunkered down in our carefully placed tent. The storm raged pretty good around us, but nothing we hadn't been through before. Little did we know, that to the northeast of us, a man would die that night in the Boundary Waters. That was sobering news when we emerged from the wilderness a few days later. I think about that a lot when we are out there now, how fragile we are in the presence of mother nature.
[paragraph break] We hammocked, swam while the warm temps were still upon us, and took a leisurely paddle around the majority of Gillis. During our paddle we noticed we still hadn't seen any other humans since that portage to Gotter. We figured we were the only campers on the lake. The day flew by and before we knew it, it was supper time. As the storm clouds grew to the southwest, the sound of taps played on a trumpet quickly divulged that we were not the only souls enjoying the lake. And what a treat that was to hear those sweet sounds under the pink and orange glow of the impending storm. [paragraph break] About a half hour after this photo was taken, we were safely hunkered down in our carefully placed tent. The storm raged pretty good around us, but nothing we hadn't been through before. Little did we know, that to the northeast of us, a man would die that night in the Boundary Waters. That was sobering news when we emerged from the wilderness a few days later. I think about that a lot when we are out there now, how fragile we are in the presence of mother nature.
Day 4 of 5
Tuesday, May 31st, 2005
Remained at Fourtown camp
Breakfast – Cereal, milk
Lunch – Pepperoni pizza, tang
Dinner – Steak, baked potatoes, cauliflower
We all agree the bugs were a nuisance and today we tried to keep away fro them. We took turns relaxing in the hammock and the tent. A hammock is a great place to rock and enjoy the view. I remember observing the girls they argued and bickered frequently. I tried to get them to work together but they did not seem to be willing. They would not help each other with bug spray for example. I also noticed they were bitten more often by the bugs, I was not as affected. On the drive home each one counted 20 plus bites on their arms alone. However, they did canoe together and get some wood from around the bay but the bickered and it was not a good atmosphere.
We tried some fishing and had some canoeing lessons. We did some camp chores and redistributed the loads. Dinner was excellent; I like having fresh foods they are a real comfort. After dinner we went out from some more fishing; this trip was trolling practice, on the way back Ellen lost a pole over the side. Unfortunately I yelled at her. I had warned her to keep a good hold on the pole. It sent me over the edge, I yelled too much, not my finest hour. We made up later and I think she will keep a better hold on fishing poles; dad will remember they are learning and it really is not that much money when they loose or break something. That night we went to be early due to bugs and we talked about the trip and some of the feelings we had, not to be sexist but girls seem to open up more that us guys.
We decided to go on up to Boot Lake the next day. I thought we might pull together if we had an easy trip. There was one condition, that if the portage to Boot Lake was too bad we would stay on Fourtown.
On this day I learned that it takes 2 to bicker, if you are an 3rd party it is very annoying.
Remained at Fourtown camp
Breakfast – Cereal, milk
Lunch – Pepperoni pizza, tang
Dinner – Steak, baked potatoes, cauliflower
We all agree the bugs were a nuisance and today we tried to keep away fro them. We took turns relaxing in the hammock and the tent. A hammock is a great place to rock and enjoy the view. I remember observing the girls they argued and bickered frequently. I tried to get them to work together but they did not seem to be willing. They would not help each other with bug spray for example. I also noticed they were bitten more often by the bugs, I was not as affected. On the drive home each one counted 20 plus bites on their arms alone. However, they did canoe together and get some wood from around the bay but the bickered and it was not a good atmosphere.
We tried some fishing and had some canoeing lessons. We did some camp chores and redistributed the loads. Dinner was excellent; I like having fresh foods they are a real comfort. After dinner we went out from some more fishing; this trip was trolling practice, on the way back Ellen lost a pole over the side. Unfortunately I yelled at her. I had warned her to keep a good hold on the pole. It sent me over the edge, I yelled too much, not my finest hour. We made up later and I think she will keep a better hold on fishing poles; dad will remember they are learning and it really is not that much money when they loose or break something. That night we went to be early due to bugs and we talked about the trip and some of the feelings we had, not to be sexist but girls seem to open up more that us guys.
We decided to go on up to Boot Lake the next day. I thought we might pull together if we had an easy trip. There was one condition, that if the portage to Boot Lake was too bad we would stay on Fourtown.
On this day I learned that it takes 2 to bicker, if you are an 3rd party it is very annoying.
Day 5 of 5
Wednesday June 1st, 2005
Fourtown, 40 rod, Boot Lake
Breakfast – Eggs, bacon, tortillas
Lunch – Tuna & egg salad, crackers, candy bars
Dinner – Steak, rice, carrots
Wednesday we broke camp and headed north to Boot. The sky was blue and the temperature upper 60’s. We had the wind to our backs and made great time with everyone working as a team. I thought we were turning the corner to having a great trip. The portage was easy and the girls liked exploring the rapids. We scouted a few sites before picking one that had the wind coming in so it would keep the bugs out. It turned out to be a great choice. It is interesting how campsites rating works for each person. For me it is tent pad first, then the fire and how the camp is situated. To the girls it was the latrine trail and smell. Oh well I am learning! We set up camp and then got down to some serious fishing before and after dinner. The girls dropped me off on a finger of land in the middle of the bay and I tried some fly-fishing. They paddled around the bay and were working well at casting some floating crank baits to see if the small mouths were willing. Nothing was biting I think the bay was too shallow or we spooked the fish. It was fun anyway.
Dinner took a 12’ jack pine tree along with some birch, which burned much better than the pine. Steak was on the menu again along with rice. I had brought butter and we cooked a top sirloin steak cubed in butter and put it over rice. All enjoyed the meal and we sat by the fire with hot chocolate until the wind died and the bugs returned. We moved to the tent and we discovered the tent zipper was broken. We had rented a 4 person timberline tent from the outfitters and the zipper had filed along a stress point. Not to worry I had duct tape and we zipped the tent up and read some and made some journal entries. We also had a great time hunting the mosquitoes that had feasted on us. We squished many on the ceiling leaving bloody marks (terminated with extreme prejudice). The mosquitoes had a preference for the girls they must be sweeter. We also talked about the trip and while things were getting better the girls were relieved when I suggested we could head out the next day if they wanted.
I was sad at the prospect of leaving but when you push too much you create enduring hard feelings. We all agreed that tomorrow we would get up early and try and make it out.
Fourtown, 40 rod, Boot Lake
Breakfast – Eggs, bacon, tortillas
Lunch – Tuna & egg salad, crackers, candy bars
Dinner – Steak, rice, carrots
Wednesday we broke camp and headed north to Boot. The sky was blue and the temperature upper 60’s. We had the wind to our backs and made great time with everyone working as a team. I thought we were turning the corner to having a great trip. The portage was easy and the girls liked exploring the rapids. We scouted a few sites before picking one that had the wind coming in so it would keep the bugs out. It turned out to be a great choice. It is interesting how campsites rating works for each person. For me it is tent pad first, then the fire and how the camp is situated. To the girls it was the latrine trail and smell. Oh well I am learning! We set up camp and then got down to some serious fishing before and after dinner. The girls dropped me off on a finger of land in the middle of the bay and I tried some fly-fishing. They paddled around the bay and were working well at casting some floating crank baits to see if the small mouths were willing. Nothing was biting I think the bay was too shallow or we spooked the fish. It was fun anyway.
Dinner took a 12’ jack pine tree along with some birch, which burned much better than the pine. Steak was on the menu again along with rice. I had brought butter and we cooked a top sirloin steak cubed in butter and put it over rice. All enjoyed the meal and we sat by the fire with hot chocolate until the wind died and the bugs returned. We moved to the tent and we discovered the tent zipper was broken. We had rented a 4 person timberline tent from the outfitters and the zipper had filed along a stress point. Not to worry I had duct tape and we zipped the tent up and read some and made some journal entries. We also had a great time hunting the mosquitoes that had feasted on us. We squished many on the ceiling leaving bloody marks (terminated with extreme prejudice). The mosquitoes had a preference for the girls they must be sweeter. We also talked about the trip and while things were getting better the girls were relieved when I suggested we could head out the next day if they wanted.
I was sad at the prospect of leaving but when you push too much you create enduring hard feelings. We all agreed that tomorrow we would get up early and try and make it out.
Day 6 of 5
I learned more about what the girls expect in a vacation, this was too much work. The bugs also added a lot to their being uncomfortable. I was not that bothered.
Thursday June 2nd, 2005
Boot Lake, 40 Rod, Fourtown, 15 rod, 104 rod, 40 rod, Mudro, Mudro entry.
Breakfast – Eggs, bacon, tortillas
Lunch – Lunchmeat, cheese, tortillas, candy bars
Dinner – The best pizza we ever had
I was up at the crack of dawn to do some fishing but my heart was not in it. I was thinking about all the things I would do differently if we were to go again. I started to make breakfast and heard splashing in the back of the bay we were on. I got up and peaked around the tent and there was a moose! I tried to wake up the girls as quietly as I could. After retrieving my cameras I finally got their attention. Then Ellen said to Emily ‘it will probably be gone by the time we get up so why bother.’ I had to use my stern voice to get them out of the tent. We spent the next several minutes watching the moose eat and then trot away. I managed to get a few pictures of them and the moose. For the rest of the day everyone we met heard about the moose.
Breakfast was good and we were packed up and on our way. The wind was in our face and paddling was more work but they did a great job helping. I made a deal with the girls; all they had to do was 2 trips over portages. Each trip was a backpack and a paddle or life vest. That meant I had 3 trips over with very heavy items. But that gave them time to relax each time and dip their feet in the water. Just changing things a bit really improved how they remember the portages out. Giving them more time to rest and explore broke up the work into manageable chunks.
At noon we were about ¾ mile from the river on Fourtown but the wind was taking its toll. We broke for lunch and rested for about an hour. The last ½ mile of paddling was rough, one time we came around a point and got hit by a gust. We went around and we headed back out of the wind. While we waited it was suggested we could camp here for the night, but it was still pretty early and I wanted to make it to a hot shower and bed. We found a lull in the wind and took off in a dash and made it to the river without too much trouble. Then the work began.
The first take-out is tough for anyone, let alone 2 girls and an out of shape dad. But we pulled together and I even caught them working as a team to get the packs up the rocks. It is about 8’ to the top and very few places to stand in-between. However, we made it and then went to the next portage the 104-rod monster. They rested while I made my first trip over. When I got back we discovered that we had left a fishing pole back at the last landing. I went back to retrieve it while they started on their first trip. I found the pole and had a time getting back with the light canoe and the wind coming down the gorge we were in. I made the next trip with the canoe and I might add, I made it all the way with out stopping. I really wanted to make it out! The rest of the portages were a blur but we made it in 2 ½ hours again and started on the trip to Mudro. Along the way we scared a bald eagle out of a tree just in front of us, they are a large bird. Emily was keeping score of the wildlife seen and the tally was; bald eagle, moose, beaver, turtles, fish various hawks, all quite close. When we had navigated the river we bypassed the normal take-out and opted to run the rapids to save the last portaging. The girls enjoyed going from rock to rock to move the canoe up the quick current. We made a soft landing on the sand and loaded the canoe quickly. While I was finishing up with securing the canoe they went in and ordered cold drinks, root beer and water, I joined them and had a beer. I returned a pair of holders for my sunglasses one of the Sisters had graciously loaned me and we headed back to Ely. The outfitters did not have any rooms for the night and we made due with an excellent room at Adventure Pines.
The girls requested dinner in the room they were tired and just wanted to sit. I took a quick shower and then headed out to retrieve pizza and milk for everyone. When I returned Ellen was still in the shower taking her time. We watched some TV and relaxed and planned the next day.
I learned hard work is good but sometimes you just need to relax.
It is amazing how one thing can make you forget so much. The moose sighting was a real treat. Emily had been told moose are not seen very often and to not expect it. It was very ironic the last day she got to see one pretty close. I think the wilderness and remoteness started to sink in.
Thursday June 2nd, 2005
Boot Lake, 40 Rod, Fourtown, 15 rod, 104 rod, 40 rod, Mudro, Mudro entry.
Breakfast – Eggs, bacon, tortillas
Lunch – Lunchmeat, cheese, tortillas, candy bars
Dinner – The best pizza we ever had
I was up at the crack of dawn to do some fishing but my heart was not in it. I was thinking about all the things I would do differently if we were to go again. I started to make breakfast and heard splashing in the back of the bay we were on. I got up and peaked around the tent and there was a moose! I tried to wake up the girls as quietly as I could. After retrieving my cameras I finally got their attention. Then Ellen said to Emily ‘it will probably be gone by the time we get up so why bother.’ I had to use my stern voice to get them out of the tent. We spent the next several minutes watching the moose eat and then trot away. I managed to get a few pictures of them and the moose. For the rest of the day everyone we met heard about the moose.
Breakfast was good and we were packed up and on our way. The wind was in our face and paddling was more work but they did a great job helping. I made a deal with the girls; all they had to do was 2 trips over portages. Each trip was a backpack and a paddle or life vest. That meant I had 3 trips over with very heavy items. But that gave them time to relax each time and dip their feet in the water. Just changing things a bit really improved how they remember the portages out. Giving them more time to rest and explore broke up the work into manageable chunks.
At noon we were about ¾ mile from the river on Fourtown but the wind was taking its toll. We broke for lunch and rested for about an hour. The last ½ mile of paddling was rough, one time we came around a point and got hit by a gust. We went around and we headed back out of the wind. While we waited it was suggested we could camp here for the night, but it was still pretty early and I wanted to make it to a hot shower and bed. We found a lull in the wind and took off in a dash and made it to the river without too much trouble. Then the work began.
The first take-out is tough for anyone, let alone 2 girls and an out of shape dad. But we pulled together and I even caught them working as a team to get the packs up the rocks. It is about 8’ to the top and very few places to stand in-between. However, we made it and then went to the next portage the 104-rod monster. They rested while I made my first trip over. When I got back we discovered that we had left a fishing pole back at the last landing. I went back to retrieve it while they started on their first trip. I found the pole and had a time getting back with the light canoe and the wind coming down the gorge we were in. I made the next trip with the canoe and I might add, I made it all the way with out stopping. I really wanted to make it out! The rest of the portages were a blur but we made it in 2 ½ hours again and started on the trip to Mudro. Along the way we scared a bald eagle out of a tree just in front of us, they are a large bird. Emily was keeping score of the wildlife seen and the tally was; bald eagle, moose, beaver, turtles, fish various hawks, all quite close. When we had navigated the river we bypassed the normal take-out and opted to run the rapids to save the last portaging. The girls enjoyed going from rock to rock to move the canoe up the quick current. We made a soft landing on the sand and loaded the canoe quickly. While I was finishing up with securing the canoe they went in and ordered cold drinks, root beer and water, I joined them and had a beer. I returned a pair of holders for my sunglasses one of the Sisters had graciously loaned me and we headed back to Ely. The outfitters did not have any rooms for the night and we made due with an excellent room at Adventure Pines.
The girls requested dinner in the room they were tired and just wanted to sit. I took a quick shower and then headed out to retrieve pizza and milk for everyone. When I returned Ellen was still in the shower taking her time. We watched some TV and relaxed and planned the next day.
I learned hard work is good but sometimes you just need to relax.
It is amazing how one thing can make you forget so much. The moose sighting was a real treat. Emily had been told moose are not seen very often and to not expect it. It was very ironic the last day she got to see one pretty close. I think the wilderness and remoteness started to sink in.
Day 7 of 5
Friday June 2nd, 2005
Since we had planned on spending until Saturday in BW we took this day as a free day to shop and sight see.
We got up late and returned the last of our gear settled up with Mark at Canoe Country Outfitters. He took the tent off our bill and we talked about another trip into Lake One. Very little portaging and most are easy. This sounded good to the girls as long as there weren't any bugs. Maybe a fall trip would be just the ticket. Lunch was the Chocolate Moose with dessert boy did we eat.
We shopped around and then went to the Wolf Center. It was OK but the videos they showed did not interest the girls much and the wolves just laid there. I also took in the Dorthy Molter museum, the girls waited in the car while I enjoyed the history and artifacts. I took some root beer to go and we headed to highway 1 and a scenic trip down the shore of Lake Superior. If you go this way and like rocks there is a shop at Beaver Bay that is a rock hunters dream. Ellen especially liked visiting and looking at the rocks, talking about rocks. Next time we come up it will be an extra stop. Dinner this night was at a KFC south of Minneapolis, they had a buffet and we tore it up, worth every penny. We stayed in a motel and the next morning was shopping at Gander Mountain and then Cabela’s, planning for the next trip.
Bottom line from the trip, everyone enjoyed themselves and remember the trip in a positive light. Everyone realized solitude in BW equates to hard work. The girls just are not physically ready for a trip like this, but they did like the outdoors and wilderness aspects. This fall I will take Emily back to spend our alone time. She is excited and ready, if the bugs are not bad and if the portages are shorter and the gear lighter. As I write this I am planning the trip and I think Lake One will be a great place to visit.
Since we had planned on spending until Saturday in BW we took this day as a free day to shop and sight see.
We got up late and returned the last of our gear settled up with Mark at Canoe Country Outfitters. He took the tent off our bill and we talked about another trip into Lake One. Very little portaging and most are easy. This sounded good to the girls as long as there weren't any bugs. Maybe a fall trip would be just the ticket. Lunch was the Chocolate Moose with dessert boy did we eat.
We shopped around and then went to the Wolf Center. It was OK but the videos they showed did not interest the girls much and the wolves just laid there. I also took in the Dorthy Molter museum, the girls waited in the car while I enjoyed the history and artifacts. I took some root beer to go and we headed to highway 1 and a scenic trip down the shore of Lake Superior. If you go this way and like rocks there is a shop at Beaver Bay that is a rock hunters dream. Ellen especially liked visiting and looking at the rocks, talking about rocks. Next time we come up it will be an extra stop. Dinner this night was at a KFC south of Minneapolis, they had a buffet and we tore it up, worth every penny. We stayed in a motel and the next morning was shopping at Gander Mountain and then Cabela’s, planning for the next trip.
Bottom line from the trip, everyone enjoyed themselves and remember the trip in a positive light. Everyone realized solitude in BW equates to hard work. The girls just are not physically ready for a trip like this, but they did like the outdoors and wilderness aspects. This fall I will take Emily back to spend our alone time. She is excited and ready, if the bugs are not bad and if the portages are shorter and the gear lighter. As I write this I am planning the trip and I think Lake One will be a great place to visit.