Kawishiwi River

The Isabella to South Kawishiwi Traverse is a point-to-point route that connects the quiet forests surrounding Isabella Lake with the winding waters of the South Kawishiwi River. Beginning at Entry Point 35 (Isabella Lake), the route travels through a series of small waterways, marshes, and portages before reaching Rice Lake and eventually Little Gabbro Lake, one of the larger lakes along the journey.

The route offers a peaceful wilderness experience with a mix of narrow channels, small lakes, and forested portages. After crossing Little Gabbro Lake, paddlers continue through Bruin Lake before following the final stretch toward Entry Point 32 (South Kawishiwi River).

While the paddling itself is generally straightforward, several longer portages make this a more physically demanding trip. In return, paddlers are rewarded with a quieter route that sees fewer visitors than some of the Boundary Waters' more popular corridors.