Hi All,
So we leave in a month for our Crooked Lake Loop. Trying to tie up the loose ends here. Are there any car campgrounds that are closer to this entry that staying in Ely. We ussually stay right on the lake we are leaving from, but since that isnt an option this time, we were wondering if there was anywhere closer than Ely?

Also Ive read a couple of times about there being three differant portages into Mudro, a 20, a 180 and one somewhere in between. What is the differance between these (besides lenght of portage) and what is peoples preferance? Is it easy to find the one you want?

I don’t know about the portage but the closest campground is at Fenske.

Hey, Bingo! Thanks alot, thats exactly what I was looking for.

We went into Mudro last year and found only one portage that was about 20-30 rods long. The older maps do show a longer portage into Mudro but I do not think it still exists.

The Mudro portage actually goes into a creek and then the creek goes into Mudro.

Depending on water levels in Picket Creek you may find yourself having to hike along the shore until you find a deep enough spot to put in. Last September there was a mown trail into the prairie to the place they wanted you to use. A week later when we took out folks were having to bushwack thru the tall grass & swamp because levels in the creek had fallen further. We had to do the reverse bushwack for the same reason.

In terms of the portages, I'm wondering if you aren't thinking of the series of portages between Mudro and Fourtown. There are three portages between those lakes. You don't choose among them - you take them all. They are pretty rugged for BWCA portages, especially for portages near a popular EP, but they are also very scenic. Here's a description in my solo trip report from last year.

I think you guys are both right - one is referring to portages to MUDRO and one is referring to portages from the entry to FOURTOWN.

The 180 was from when the Chainsaw Sisters was still there and you didn't want to pay to park or unload. You parked back down the road and had to portage aways to the river.

It is 30 or so rods, if not shorter now. Especially in the spring.

Might also be talking about the portages into Horse, which may be his route to Crooked. Regardless, all the info has been stated. That old portage to Mudro is from quite a while ago...maybe 1980 or thereabouts.

Ok thanks for clearing that up guys. Sounds like the info I read was old and outdated.

HoHo, your trip report was one of the reasons we choose this route. I always read your trip reports, cause they are so great. We were looking to try something new and it sounded and looked like a great loop. Thanks!