The Winding River Route
| 7 Days, 88 Miles, 17 Lakes, 4 River, 2 Creek, 33 Portages |
This Route is not for the faint of heart. Almost half the route is on small winding rivers, with the other half
being portages with 5 consecutive portages totalling 1,830 rods.
Nine of the portages will be in excess of 200 rods, with the longest being nearly 2 miles.
The route will take you North from Lake Vermilion through Trout and Little Trout Lakes,
and then North down the Little Indian Sioux River, across the Echo Trail to Pauness Lake.
Then from lower Pauness Lake you will paddle and portage east through the Shell Chain of Lakes on to Oyster Lake.
Then heading South and re-entering the unique world of small rivers, as you paddle down the Oyster River
and up the Nina Moose and Moose Rivers, going across the Echo Trail onto Big Moose Lake.
With the River Travel behind you you will then work your way through the peaceful Lakes and
the Long portages taking you back to Trout and Vermilion Lakes.
If your not afraid of portaging, and small winding Rivers really get you excited, then this loop
is going to be an enjoyable outting.
Some parts of the Little Indian Sioux River and Moose Rivers that lie North of the Echo Trail
are heavily traveled at times as they are among the top 15 entry points into the BWCA.
The region between Trout Lake and the Echo Trail are much more remote, where you will find only
the dedicated wilderness enthusiasts.
Day One
Lake Vermilion portage 60 rods to Trout Lake, Little Trout Creek, Little Trout Lake
At times Trout Lake has Strong westerly winds the prohibit navigation across Trout Lake,
there is an alternate route that bypasses the main portion of this huge lake
Portage 260 rods into Pine Lake, and then follow Pine Creek around to the 40 rod portage
into the Northeast corner of Trout Lake.
This alternate route will take longer, however once you reach Little Trout Lake go no farther,
as there are no designated campsites on the Little Indian Sioux River.
Day Two
Little Trout Lake portage 376 rods to Little Indian Sioux River 5 portages through the river (in order)
20 rods, 120 rods, 8 rods, 120 rods then 60 rods to Upper Pauness Lake.
Be rested as this is going to be a long day of paddleing down the gradually widening channel of the Little Indian Sioux River,
Between the portages through the River, use the landmarks to guide your way as knowing where you are may become difficult at times,
so keep yourself alert to the direction of your traveling.
When you reach Echo Trail keep your eyes out for other traffic as you cross the 120 rod portage.
From this point you will see an increase of other Canoes, it would be wise to grab the first campsite you see once you reach Upper Pauness Lake.
The 120 rod portage at the Echo Trail is seldom used and may be overgrown. There are no Canoe rests,
but about midway there is a scenic area next to some cascading rapids.
Day Three
Upper Pauness Lake portage 8 rods to Lower Pauness Lake portage 216 rods to Shell Lake portage 15 rods to Little Shell Lake portage 4 rods to Lynx Lake portage 280 rods to Ruby Lake portage 10 rods to Hustler Lake portage 240 rods to Oyster Lake
This day may be the roughest, with three portages over 200 rods, only one is going to be demanding.
The 216 rod portage from Lower Pauness Lake to Shell Lake is simply long on bacically level ground,
intersecting the Sioux Hustler Foot Trail.
The 280 rod portage between Lynx Lake and Ruby Lake will be the back breaker, you will climb up to an elevation of 128 feet, it is a rather steep climb, but the good side is you will descend 72 feet to Ruby Lake at the End.
The last long portage of the day from Hustler Lake to Oyster Lake is mostly downhill, descending about 141 feet the last half mile to Oyster Lake.
While your at Lower Pauness Lake paddle over to the Northwest end of the Lake and hike down into
the scenic granite gorge where Devil's Cascade plunges towards Loon Lake.
Unless the water level is really low the 4 rod portage to Lynx Lake should not be necessary,
You will find Canoe rest about every 40 rods on all portages this day.
Final Note: Hang your Food packs high this night and the next night on Nina Moose Lake, as the Bears in this area can be a nuisance.
They have ended several canoe trips prematurely
After Hanging Up your Food pack if you have the energy throw your fishing pole into Oyster Lake, (remember to leave your tent flaps open) where you just might
catch a Lake Trout, Northern Pike or Smallmouth Bass breakfast.
Day Four
Oyster Lake portage 60 rods to Oyster River portage 20 rods to Oyster River, Nina Moose River 2 portages on the River 96 rods & 70 rods Nina Moose Lake
Today is intended to be short and easy. Nina Moose Lake is not really a scenic Lake, but there are no designated campsites beyound it till Big Moose Lake,
9 portages and a lot of River before reaching it. Pick a campsite early as this is a heavy traveled area, Relax and spend the latter part of the day Fishing for Northern Pike, Walleye or Bass.
Along the western shoreline you will see edvidence of the Fire that scourged 25 square miles of land in 1971.
Day Five
Nina Moose Lake, Moose River there are 9 portages through Moose river, 25 rods, 20 rods, 160 rods, 77 rods, 40 rods, 40 rods, 17 rods, 160 rods and then finally 60 rods to Big Moose Lake
Moose river is a narrow winding stream that goes through some marshy terrain, almost covered with vegetation during prime summer months, making
visibilty along the river difficult at times, maybe only a few yards ahead at times.
Travel is slow due to paddleing against the current. Big Moose Lake will seem impressive after a full day on the tiny stream.
There are 4 campsites at Big Moose Lake , but you should have little to no competition for them unless it is a busy holiday weekend.
Day Six
Big Moose Lake portage 580 rods to Cummings Lake portage 480 rods to Buck Lake portage 250 rods toChad Lake
The first portage of the day will be the longest of the trip, it crosses several small hills at both ends, with the major of the portage being on level ground.
Hiking this will be easy and there are 19 rest stops along the way.
The next portage is even more level with 16 rest stops along the way.
the third one will be a piece of cake after the first two, with only a 50 foot hill to go up.
Between Chad lake and Buck Lake you will notice the current will change directions about midway through the portage.
Day Seven
Chad Lake portage 260 rods to Pine Creek, Pine Lake portage 260 rods to Trout Lake portage 60 rods to portage Lake Vermilion
The first 260 portage gradually ascends 83 feet from the shore of Chad Lake, before dropping steeply to Pine Creek. From the top of the steep rock slope adjacent to the portage you can get a panoramic view across Pine Creek Valley.
In low water periods Pine Creek may be quite shallow to it's source at Pine Lake.
You may also find Beaver Dams obstructing the course of the Creek creating necessary liftovers.
The second portage climbs 92 feet above Pine Lake before dropping to the shores of Trout Lake, finding yourself back in heavy
traveled Motor routes.
If you have made this trip and would like to share some of your pictures
with others then please visit the photo gallery with a description if you wish.
also besure to included which area the picture is from.
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