- Wood0.96 mi²
- Good0.27 mi²
- Indiana0.22 mi²
- Hula0.20 mi²
- nan0.01 mi²
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Trip Overview
This 4-day loop originating and ending at EP #26 (Wood Lake) covers 5.3 total miles — 3.7 miles of paddling — and 4 portages, with the longest stretch weighing in at 195.3 rods on Day 1. The route is well-suited for paddlers seeking a manageable, remote BWCA experience without relentless mileage: two nights on the expansive Wood Lake allow for rest, fishing, and acclimatization, before the loop threads through intimate Hula and closes on the species-rich waters of Good and Indiana Lakes. The relatively modest distances make this an excellent choice for those newer to canoe camping or anyone looking for a relaxed, fish-focused outing.
Fishing Highlights
Good Lake offers the single best fishing opportunity on this route, with 11 species including walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, and cisco — an exceptional diversity for a 175-acre backcountry lake. Spend your evening on Day 3 working multiple techniques across its 2 campsites' shorelines for a true multi-species session.
Packing Tips
- •Pack lightweight portage packs and a canoe yoke pad — the 195-rod carry on Day 1 is the longest on the route and sets the tone for the trip, so comfort matters.
- •Bring a full fishing kit targeting multiple species: walleye jigs, pike spinnerbaits, panfish slip bobbers, and a medium-action rod will cover everything Wood, Good, and Indiana Lakes have to offer.
- •Layer for cool mornings and evenings even in summer — Wood Lake's open water creates wind exposure, and temperatures can drop significantly after sunset in the BWCA.
- •Carry a detailed waterproof map or downloaded offline GPS route; the transition through Hula Lake on Day 3 involves two portages in quick succession and benefits from careful navigation.
- •Pack out all waste and use a bear hang or bear canister nightly — EP #26 is a popular entry corridor, and practicing Leave No Trace keeps the loop pristine for everyone.
Permit Info
This loop requires a BWCA Wilderness Entry Permit for EP #26, Wood Lake. The daily quota is just 2 groups per day, making this one of the more restricted entry points in the system — reserve your permit well in advance through Recreation.gov, especially for summer weekends. The permit covers your entire loop; no additional entry permits are needed for interior lakes. Self-issued overnight permits are not available for quota entry points like EP #26.
Day 1
HardLaunch from EP #26 on Wood Lake and ease into your loop adventure with a relatively short 0.9-mile paddle across the lake's open water. The day's highlight is the 195-rod portage — the longest on the route — so take your time, scout the trail, and settle into a campsite on Wood Lake with plenty of afternoon light to spare.
Day 2
EasyWith no portages on the agenda, Day 2 is your rest-and-explore day, covering 2.3 miles of paddling entirely on Wood Lake. Use the time to fish, scout shorelines, or simply soak in the wilderness quiet of this large, relatively secluded lake.
Day 3
HardDay 3 brings the most varied travel of the trip: a 1.4-mile paddle threading through Hula Lake before two portages totaling 188 rods deliver you to Good Lake. Hula is a small, intimate waterway with no campsites, so keep moving and save your energy for the carry into Good Lake.
Day 4
HardThe final day is a satisfying 0.8-mile paddle with one 105-rod portage through Indiana Lake before completing the loop back to EP #26 on Wood Lake. It's a short, unhurried exit that lets you reflect on the trip and arrive at the takeout with time to spare.