Nearest Ranger Station: Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely
Trail Length from Parking Lot: 152 rods
Restroom at Entry Point: Yes
Entry Point 16 - Moose/Portage River North
LaCroix Ranger District
To get to the Moose River entry point (see below for the Portage River), from Ely drive to the Echo Trail and follow it west about 33 miles (the last 23 miles on the Echo Trail itself). Turn onto the access road (make a right). This road is also called Forest Road 206. About a mile down the access road is the large parking lot. This is a busy entry point, with a daily quota of 7 groups.
It is also legal to enter the BWCA via the Portage River, but almost every group uses the Moose River. You cross the Portage River about 2 miles east of the access road for the Moose River put in. There is an area to pull off the road at the Portage River bridge crossing, but it is not a long term parking area. You will need to arrange for a drop off if you are bound and determined to paddle the Portage River. There are at least 10 sets of rapids and/or other blocked areas of the Portage River that you will need to portage around between the Echo Trail downstream to Nina Moose Lake. They don't call it the "portage" river for nothing. The total miles you need to paddle are also greater along the Portage River. None of this route is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. The portage river reaches Nina Moose Lake about 1/2 mile east of where the Moose River flows into the lake.
Whether you take the Moose River or the Portage River, you will eventually end up in the same lake: Nina Moose Lake. Nina Moose Lake along with Agnes Lake get the majority of the campers along this route. Heading up to Agnes Lake from Nina Moose Lake by taking the alternate route through Lamb Lake and Ramshead Lake is much more difficult (some hefty portages), but this is also a less traveled route if you want to avoid the crowds plying the Nina Moose River. Note: North of Nina Moose Lake, it is the Nina Moose River, not the Moose River.
The 152 rod (just under 1/2 mile) portage down to the Moose River is a bit long, but otherwise very easy. The canoe landing once you reach the river is a small sandy beach.
There is a restroom at the Moose River entry point.
Exploring the Entry Point
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Heading west along the Echo Trail (also called County Road 116). The sign indicates it is 1 mile to the Moose River North entry point.
Sign indicating the turn off to the access road along the Echo Trail (this view is toward the east).
This access road is wide enough to allow oncoming traffic to pass without needing to pull over to the shoulder.
This is a fairly busy access point. On summer weekends you will likely encounter plenty of people here. The access has a restroom.
Close up of the bulletin board.
The bulletin board. You are standing at the start of the portage that leads down to the Moose River. The portage goes to your right. To your left is the car loading area.
