Crooked Lake via Mudro Lake (Entry Point 23)
This route takes you into the heart of some magnificent BWCA scenery with relatively short portages, ultimately leading to the expansive Crooked Lake.
Indiana · United States · Season: Late spring through early fall
Overview
This route takes you into the heart of some magnificent BWCA scenery with relatively short portages, ultimately leading to the expansive Crooked Lake. The entry via Mudro Lake involves a few carries, but they're manageable. Once on Crooked Lake, you have access to some incredible pictographs and diverse shoreline. This is a longer route, often taking 5-7 days to fully appreciate, but the paddling on the smaller lakes leading to Crooked is peaceful. The reward is a vast, beautiful lake with numerous islands and bays, offering plenty of exploration and a good chance for solitude, especially away from the main thoroughfare. Nearest town is Ely. Prime season is late spring through early fall. Be mindful of fishing regulations, as Crooked Lake spans the US-Canada border. Strong winds can make Crooked Lake challenging, and the border area can see more use. This route feels truly remote once you're deep within Crooked Lake.
Planning notes
Where: Indiana, United States Best season: Late spring through early fall Good for: Canoeing, Camping, Fishing Featured on: Top 10 Flatwater Canoe Routes: Boundary Waters Multi-day (#3) Access point: Crooked Lake, IN 46703, USA Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Crooked Lake via Mudro Lake (Entry Point 23), United States.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 41.6798, -85.0366
- Latitude (DMS)
- 41° 40′ 47.2″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 85° 2′ 11.9″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Crooked Lake via Mudro Lake (Entry Point 23), not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.