Lake One
From BWCAWiki
A popular -- and busy -- paddle-only entry point. Lake One is popular for good reason: it provides relatively easy access to beautiful areas of the wilderness, including Lake Two, Lake Three, Lake Four, Hudson Lake, Lake Insula, Horseshoe Lake and more.
The daily entry permit quota is 18, which also contributes to a very busy scene around the landing. There is a very large, paved parking area at the entry point. Outhouses are available, but there is no running water or other amenities. Visitors must carry their canoe and gear approximately 25 yards from the pull-through area to the water's edge. There is room to launch at least a dozen canoes at once from the landing.
Contents |
Campsites
Eleven
- The first site encountered after entering (on the southeast shore of the narrows leading to the main body of the lake) is about a two-star site. Not bad, not great. Probably two or three tent pads. Fairly scrubby forest surrounding. Nice landing.
Fishing
Notes on Navigation
It is highly recommended to NOT attempt to access Lake Two via the "northern route." This route is accessed from the deep bay on the upper part of Lake One. The route is dangerous and the portage unmaintained. The two portages to Lake Two (with the pond inbetween) are not difficult.
Lake One is somewhat infamous as difficult to navigate. A few simple things to keep in mind:
- When leaving the entry point landing, go "left" (northeast).
- Unless you want to try the alternate route, including a couple short portages, by going down the Kawishiwi River first.
- After going through the first narrows (approx. 100 yards from the landing), continue northeast. There will be a shallow bay to your starboard (right) side.
- Go northeast toward what looks like a small island blocking your way.
- After going past that, you will enter a narrows of several hundred yards. It is a unique, stream-like area. As you emerge from the narrows, you will see Kawishiwi Lodge, a private canoe resort and outfitter, on your port (left) side.
- Bear right (southwest) and follow that shoreline.
- The lake will gradually widen, continue southwest. Wide bays will open to your port and starboard sides. The bay to your port side is quite deep and long.
- When you have crossed the widest part of the lake, continue along the port (left) shore. You will pass a campsite.
- Continue to follow the eastern shore around a bend (a large island will be to your starboard side).
- Go due south until you are around the island that will appear on your port (left) side.
- You can alternatively paddle between that island and shore, though the passage is quite shallow, though passable, in normal water levels.
- Bear southeast toward the portage. It will be concealed by a point.
