State Highway 1 from Ely to Illgen City on Lake Superior takes you to the underbelly of the BWCA and many You can find the Isabella Trail by following Forest Road 172 one mile east of Hwy 1 at Isabella to Forest Route 373.
Tofte Ranger Station
Tofte, 218-663-7280
EP #36 - Hog Creek: Provides a unique combination of a narrow winding stream with a beautiful large destination lake of islands and peaceful bays. Perent Lake is a good fishing lake that has a very high loyalty among walleye fans. Two of our group took their children for a nice first trip starting at Hog Creek but warn not to attempt in dry years.
#37 Kawishiwi Lake: Provides direct access to the heart of the east central BWCA. Good entry point for first timers as well as the adventurous visitors looking for a challenge. This is a popular entry point for the anglers looking for walleye.
Sawbill Trail
The Sawbill Trail is 25-mile mostly gravel road going north, out of Tofte which is nice lake town with an outfitter, lodging, grocery and a ranger station. You will find an outfitter and fine National Forest Service campground at the south end of Sawbill Lake. Forest Service Road 165 goes to the right [east] toward Baker, Crescent, Homer and Brule Lakes. There are also campgrounds at Baker and Crescent Lakes. Hwy 3 goes to the left or west towards Hog Creek and Kawishiwi Lake entry points.
EP #38 - Sawbiil:The third most popular entry in the BWCA. However you are able to access some pristine wilderness but a Kevlar canoe is recommended as many routes have long or frequent portages. Our group likes Cherokee Lake for swimming and great views on the Laurentian Plateau. It’s high campsite offer nice breezes. Yet, they have some bad memories of the tough portage between Cherokee and North Temperence Lakes. [I suggest the following re-write:] The third most popular entry In the BWCA with easy access to several scenic routes. Brule, Cherokee, Winchell, and Long Island are all especially pleasing lakes, many good campsites.
EP #39 - Baker Lake: Offers easy access to one of the more scenic parts of the BWCA Wilderness: the Temperance River flowage, where shallow lakes are surrounded by towering hills. There is a five-site campground here and a 33-site campground at Crescent Lake.
