BWCA Flatwater Canoe Routes · #3
Crooked Lake via Mudro Lake (Entry Point 23)
Minnesota, USA
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.
Full profile in progress
We're building out complete profiles for every pick on every list — weather windows, wildlife, key attractions, and permit logistics. This entry is next in the queue. In the meantime, the ranked note above is our short answer for why it made the list.
Crooked Lake via Mudro Lake (Entry Point 23) — frequently asked questions
- Is Crooked Lake via Mudro Lake (Entry Point 23) worth the trip?
- We rank it #3 in BWCA Flatwater Canoe Routes. 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.