Lake One to Insula

The Lake One to Insula Loop begins at Entry Point 30 (Lake One) in the Kawishiwi District. From the entry point, the route heads northeast through the Numbered Lakes before connecting to Hudson Lake and entering the open waters of Lake Insula, the centerpiece of the trip. The return follows the same corridor back to the landing, making this an out-and-back route with Lake Insula as the primary destination.

The trip begins by traveling through the Numbered Lakes. Lake One can be difficult to navigate due to its many islands, so be sure to follow a map. The Numbered Lakes are connected by several short portages that make for steady progress toward Hudson Lake, where you'll typically encounter fewer paddlers. Lake Insula is a large, island-dotted lake with forested shorelines and enough space to spend a full day exploring its bays and channels without retracing the same water twice.

Portions of this route pass through areas affected by the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire. The recovering forest is a mix of standing fire-scarred trees, young vegetation, and open vistas that showcase the Boundary Waters' natural process of renewal.

This route is well suited for paddlers who want a clear wilderness destination and are comfortable with repeated portaging over multiple days. The corridor is well traveled and straightforward to navigate, making it an excellent choice for groups planning their first extended BWCA trip. The flexible 3–5 day timeframe allows stronger groups to complete the route efficiently, while others can enjoy a more relaxed pace with a layover day on Lake Insula.

Route Highlights

• Well-defined route from Entry Point 30 through the Numbered Lakes to Lake Insula
• Short, manageable portages between the Numbered Lakes
• Expansive paddling on Lake Insula with countless islands, bays, and campsites to explore
• Scenic views of the recovering Pagami Creek Fire burn area

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Lake One → Lake Four

Launch from Lake One and work your way through Lake Two and Lake Three before reaching Lake Four. A series of short portages keeps the day moving steadily and positions you for an easy push to Lake Insula the following morning.

Day 2: Lake Four → Hudson Lake → Lake Insula

Continue through Hudson Lake and complete the longer portage into Lake Insula. Once on the lake, the landscape opens dramatically. Spend the afternoon finding a campsite and exploring the surrounding bays and islands.

Day 3: Lake Insula (Layover or Exploration Day)

Enjoy a full day exploring Lake Insula without breaking camp. Its maze of islands, quiet coves, and scenic channels offers plenty to discover while keeping travel optional.

Day 4: Lake Insula → Hudson Lake → Lake One

Retrace your route through Hudson Lake and the Numbered Lakes back to the Lake One landing. The familiar portages and waterways make for an efficient and rewarding return trip.