Reader rating
Rate it and you move it. Community ratings re-rank this product inside its Top 10 list.
Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
This loop can be accessed from the same entry point as the Isabella Lake route, but branches off to explore the smaller, more intimate lakes of Gabbro and Little Gabbro. These lakes offer a quieter, more sheltered paddling experience compared to the expanse of Isabella. The portages are minimal and generally flat, making this an excellent choice for a leisurely 3-4 day trip. The area is known for good fishing and peaceful campsites nestled among the pines. It feels more secluded and less traveled than its larger neighbor. Nearest town is Isabella, though Ely and Grand Marais are options. Best during spring or fall for fewer bugs and vibrant foliage. Campsites are abundant but can fill up on prime weekends. This route is perfect for those seeking solitude and a gentle introduction to multi-day BWCA canoeing, focusing on relaxation rather than long-distance travel.
Pros
- Excellent choice for beginner paddlers or families with young children
- Minimal, flat portages make for easier travel between lakes
- Sheltered lakes offer protection from wind and large waves
- Good fishing opportunities for bass, pike, and walleye
- Quieter and more secluded feel than larger, busier routes
Cons
- Permits can be hard to secure during peak season
- Mosquitoes and black flies can be intense in summer
- Limited long-distance paddling for those seeking challenge
- Campsites can fill up on popular summer weekends
Best uses
- First-time BWCAW trips
- Relaxed family canoeing
- Fishing focused excursions
- Wildlife observation trips
Specifications
- Location
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, MN
- Access Point
- Entry Point 33 (Lake Isabella)
- Trip Length
- 3-4 days
- Permit Type
- BWCAW Overnight (Quota)
- Primary Activity
- Canoeing, fishing, camping
- Nearest Town
- Isabella, MN
Best for
First-time BWCAW trips, Relaxed family canoeing, Fishing focused excursions, Wildlife observation trips
The Little Gabbro Lake Loop, accessed via Entry Point 33 near Lake Isabella, offers a quintessential Boundary Waters experience tailored for quiet reflection rather than epic mileage. While sharing the initial access with the larger Isabella Lake route, this loop quickly diverts into a network of more intimate, sheltered lakes like Little Gabbro and Gabbro itself. These smaller bodies of water provide a serene environment, often feeling more secluded and less traveled than their expansive neighbors. The focus here is on immersion in the northern forest, with opportunities for patient wildlife viewing and tranquil paddling. It's a route that encourages slowing down, appreciating the subtle details of the wilderness, and truly unwinding. The overall terrain is gentle, making it highly accessible for a range of skill levels.
Geography & Terrain
This route winds through a classic Boreal Forest landscape of mature pines, birch, and aspen. The lakes are generally smaller than those found deeper in the BWCA, characterized by numerous islands, sheltered bays, and granite outcrops. Shorelines vary from sandy beaches to rocky ledges. Portages are minimal in number and elevation gain, mostly flat and well-maintained, making for easier transitions between water bodies. The overall elevation changes are negligible, providing a relatively untaxing physical experience. This gentle topography contributes significantly to its appeal for those new to multi-day paddling.
Best Season & Weather
Spring (late May to early June) and Fall (mid-September to early October) are the prime windows for this loop. During these periods, insect pressure is significantly lower, and temperatures are generally cooler and more comfortable for paddling and camping. Spring brings vibrant green foliage and active wildlife, while fall offers spectacular colors and crisp air. Summer months are viable, but expect more heat, more bugs, and increased visitor numbers. Late spring and early fall also tend to have more stable weather patterns, reducing the likelihood of severe storms common in mid-summer.
Wildlife Encounters
The sheltered nature of these lakes makes them excellent for wildlife viewing. Common sightings include moose feeding in shallows, black bears foraging along shorelines, and deer. Birdlife is abundant, with loons providing their iconic calls daily, along with various waterfowl, eagles, and osprey. Anglers can expect to find smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye in good numbers, particularly in the quieter bays. Patient observation from a canoe, especially at dawn or dusk, often yields the most rewarding encounters with the area's diverse fauna.
Routes & Attractions
The primary attraction is the loop itself, connecting Little Gabbro and Gabbro lakes with minimal portaging. Excellent fishing spots are numerous, especially in the rocky channels and weed beds. Campsites are thoughtfully placed on points and islands, offering privacy and scenic views. While there are no specific 'attractions' like waterfalls or major historical sites, the charm lies in the quiet coves, the sound of the wind in the pines, and the opportunity for solitude. Exploring the numerous small bays and islands is part of the experience, offering endless opportunities for short excursions.
Permits & Access
Access is via Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella. An overnight quota permit is required for any trip into the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30. These permits must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov and can be highly competitive, especially for weekend dates. Self-issue permits are available for the non-quota season. All standard BWCAW regulations apply regarding group size (max 9 people, 4 canoes), food storage, and Leave No Trace principles. Visitors must pick up their physical permit from an authorized cooperator before entering the wilderness.
How we picked
We built this ranking from trip reports, agency data, permit records, and our editors' own time on the ground. 10 places made the final cut out of a much longer working list, and each one had to clear the same set of criteria before it earned a spot.
- Quality of the terrain
- Landscape, route variety, and whether the place rewards multiple days rather than one overlook.
- Season and weather windows
- How long the reliable window is, and how badly the shoulder seasons punish a bad forecast.
- Access and permits
- Trailhead logistics, permit odds, quotas, and how much lead time a trip realistically takes.
- Solitude vs. crowding
- How far you have to walk before the place feels like wilderness instead of a queue.
- Wildlife and ecology
- What you can reasonably expect to see, and what you have to plan around.
- Risk and skill required
- Navigation, water crossings, exposure, and rescue distance — stated plainly.
Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella) — frequently asked questions
- Is Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella) worth the trip?
- We rank it #10 in BWCA Flatwater Canoe Routes. This loop can be accessed from the same entry point as the Isabella Lake route, but branches off to explore the smaller, more intimate lakes of Gabbro and Little Gabbro. These lakes offer a quieter, more sheltered paddling experience compared to the expanse of Isabella.
- Who is Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella) best for?
- Best for first-time bwcaw trips, relaxed family canoeing, fishing focused excursions and wildlife observation trips. Standouts: excellent choice for beginner paddlers or families with young children and minimal, flat portages make for easier travel between lakes.
- What are the drawbacks of Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella)?
- Permits can be hard to secure during peak season, Mosquitoes and black flies can be intense in summer and Limited long-distance paddling for those seeking challenge.
- What are the key details for Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella)?
- Location: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, MN · Access Point: Entry Point 33 (Lake Isabella) · Trip Length: 3-4 days · Permit Type: BWCAW Overnight (Quota) · Primary Activity: Canoeing, fishing, camping
- Geography & Terrain — what should I know about the Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella)?
- This route winds through a classic Boreal Forest landscape of mature pines, birch, and aspen. The lakes are generally smaller than those found deeper in the BWCA, characterized by numerous islands, sheltered bays, and granite outcrops.
- Best Season & Weather — what should I know about the Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella)?
- Spring (late May to early June) and Fall (mid-September to early October) are the prime windows for this loop. During these periods, insect pressure is significantly lower, and temperatures are generally cooler and more comfortable for paddling and camping.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella), California, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Lake Isabella, CA, USA · 35.618, -118.473
Wildlife found around Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella)
Compare side by side
Put the Little Gabbro Lake Loop (Entry Point 33, Lake Isabella) against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.