Loop through Kekekabic
and Little Saganaga

This fantastic route through the heart of the BWCAW is perfect for masochists who love to portage. In addition to portaging 37 times — for a total of almost 6 miles — you will paddle along small, remote lakes that have few visitors each summer; as well as along a few larger lakes likely to attract numerous campers.

Detailed Route Info

This journey begins with a few miles of portaging and paddling to reach Seagull Lake. You’ll then lake hop from Alpine to Jasper to Kingfisher and into Ogishkemuncie. More of the same awaits you on the journey to Kekekabic then Fraser Lake, so be sure your outfit and set up for efficiency – you’ll be in and out of the canoe a lot!

You will now press on from Fraser Lake towards Makwa Lake, you’ll be some of the most remote wilderness in the BWCA. Upon reaching Elton Lake, you’ll begin to travel up into Little Saganaga. To exit, you’ll have two options: either a 140-rod single portage or two shorter portages, 19 rods each. The long portage from Elton to Little Saganaga follows a reasonably smooth trail, but has a long climb and similarly long descent that are quite steep or slippery in parts. The two shorter portages appear to be the more popular route.

Make your way to Gabimichigami (also known as “Gabi”). Take your time here, as it is truly some spectacular country you’ll be in! The next stage of the journey will bring you to Ogishkemuncie Lake where you’ll retrace your trail back up to Sea Gull Lake and to your car.

*Route information provided courtesy of Dan Pauly, and have been modified from his book, Exploring the Boundary Waters: A Trip Planner and Guide to the BWCAW. University of Minnesota Press, 2004