UNGUIDED BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS DAY TRIPS
BWCAW
HEGMAN LAKE PICTOGRAPHS
ELY, MN


photos donated by  www.travismelinimages.com

Visiting Ely and want to enter the BWCAW?  We have the perfect day trip available for you.  No experience required.  Echo Trail Outfitters is located 8 miles up the Echo Trail only 3 miles from Hegman Lake Pictographs.




Although there are at least 30 pictograph sites in the Superior-Quetico region, Hegman Lake is probably one of the finest examples of original Native American Pictographs to be found.

Native American occupation of the Hegman Lake area dates back at least 9,000 years.  These pictographs may represent a continuation of an earlier culture, however, it is probable that they were painted within the last 500 to 1,000 years.
 
Fifty percent of red ochre drawing (bond with fish eggs or bear grease) are indecipherable abstractions beyond contemporary Native American understranding.  Ten percent of the symbols represent human-made objects, 10 percent depict other human subject matter, 10 percent are hand prints.


The majority of pictographs sites have at least two thing in common.  Almost all drawings are red (a sacred color characteristic of aboriginal rock painting worldwide), and they are always near water, usually 2 - 5 feet above water level, suggesting they were painted by someone standing in a canoe. 

The pictograph site at Hegman Lake shows a clearly drawn moose flanked by a dog or wolf, a maymayguayshi figure (man-like) and several canoes.  Unlike most other drawings, these were probably done by someone sitting on a rock ledge, perhaps accounting for their sophisticated craftsmanship.

Please remember rock paintings are very fragile and can be damaged or destroyed easily.  Take only photographs of what you wish to remember...and leave no trace.

includes:

• Kevlar canoe / Paddles / Life Vests
• Map
• Day Pack
• Lunch
• Travel Permit

Allow a minimum of 3 hours for this excursion
but plan to spend the entire day.



Enjoy your day:

• Fishing
• Sun Bathing
• Berry Picking

$49.00 per 2 persons
$15.00 additional person
$38.00 canoe only per 2 persons
$15.00 each additional person



DAY TRIP OPTION #2
LITTLE INDIAN SIOUX RIVER NORTH

• Devils Cascade
  
• Luxuriate in the Water Falls 
• 6 - 8 Hour Paddle
• Good Spot for Moose Sightings

      
 
Many other Day Trips Options to talk about once you arrive

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Echo Trail Outfitters & Resort
2239 Echo Trail
Ely, MN   55731
888.811.3156