I'm taking my two daughters into Clearwater - entry point 62 - on the 12th. We can go down to Caribou, up to Mountain, or further East to Pine. Any thoughts? We have a full week. Also, where is the best place to get extended weather predictions for the boundary waters? I know its so much different than Grand Marais when you're up the trail.

I'd get a weather radio to bring with. As you probably know, any forecast more than a day ahead is pretty unreliable up there, but a weather radio helps a lot. I would head over towards Pine and check out Johnson Falls. It's right off the portage trail from Little Caribou and should be roaring pretty good May 12th. I'll bet the girls would love it. Have fun!

Sounds fun!
I will be going up with a few friends, a total of 4 guys, in that same area.
We are doing a rose to mountain and north south fowl route.
I've heard lots of great things about this area.
We are excited to see Moose lake, as well as dedicated an entire day to hike the border route trail!

To get the weather in that area I usually look at both Grand Marais Airport and Winton. The airport is high enough off the lake that the temps are a little more accurate.

The whole area you'll be in is pretty nice. With a week you may want to spend a few nights on Caribou, a few on Clearwater, and a few on West Pike or Mountain. It's pretty tough to go wrong in that area if you ask me.

Pro tip for that entry: Call ahead to Clearwater lodge and make a reservation for breakfast! Super nice people, great food, and a great view of the lake you're about to hop on while you eat!

As for weather, you can get point forecasts for any location by going to the National Weather Service web page, searching for the forecast for a nearby town (in this case, Grand Marais), and then clicking on the map that shows up on the lower right. Wherever you click on the map, it will then load the precise forecast for that spot.

For instance, if I search for Grand Marais right now I get a forecast high and low of 39/29, 42/31, and 42/34 for the next three days. But if I then click in the area of Pine Lake it gives me 34/20, 45/24, and 41/29 instead - reflecting the fact that the lake will keep nighttime lows warmer in town.

Obviously it's not a perfect forecast, but it's nice to be able to get at least some idea of what it will be like inland rather than right on the lake.

be sure to bring more than one saw. you're heading in at the start of the season and there might be branches/treess on portages.

I would suggest that you would go to Pine lake, but take your time. Camp on Clearwater then over to Pine, see Johnson Falls.

Bring a small weather radio, good reception in that area, but you might pick up the forecast on Superior.

As previously mentioned - Clearwater Lodge is valuable. They will have a forecast for the area, for sure and would have showers on your return and if you order ahead, wild berry pies. Clearwater lodge could also ferry you across Clearwater, we did this for a tow back last year. It was nice to not have to worry about the wind/waves going that direction (Winds whip west to east on most of the lakes in this area).

The Border Route trail runs the north side of Clearwater and Pine. The spur to the east off the Clearwater/Mountain portage gets you to a very impressive overlook in quick order.

Maybe we'll see you there!

I thought about Pine. Looks like a good lake.

If this year keeps going the way it has, bring plenty of warm clothes. I believe it was the twelfth last year we had snow and cold. Good options from there. Give yourself some time on the portages. Look at your maps to see what kind of elevations your dealing with on the portages.

quote dew042: "As previously mentioned - Clearwater Lodge is valuable. They will have a forecast for the area, for sure and would have showers on your return and if you order ahead, wild berry pies. Clearwater lodge could also ferry you across Clearwater, we did this for a tow back last year. It was nice to not have to worry about the wind/waves going that direction (Winds whip west to east on most of the lakes in this area).


The Border Route trail runs the north side of Clearwater and Pine. The spur to the east off the Clearwater/Mountain portage gets you to a very impressive overlook in quick order.



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absolutely beautiful pic ! definitely the clearwater area high bluffs :)