Planning a 3 day backpacking trip along the BRT with a shuttle from Clearwater lodge to start over at the Crab lake portage. Plan is to follow the route posted in backpacker magazine a while back and go north to the trail, hike to a campsite on Southlake, head to Rose lake the next day for night 2, then I figured on camping next to Daniel lake before finishing up at Clearwater and maybe convincing my wife to do a little more.

I figured on being there day after Memorial day, but I was wondering what the weather is typically around that time? I checked historical averages and it's looking like mid to high 50s during the day and possibly dipping into high 30s at night so does that sound about right?

Weather.com - Ely
check it out.

Yout temps are on target, 60's are possible. Up off the lakes, in the sun, you'll get sweaty. I was very hot when I did a late fall trip. Water management is a challenge.

Looks like there is a weather station on Clearwater, although the forecast is for Grand Marais:

https://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station/dashboard?ID=KMNGRAND16

Have you been on the BRT? If not, its a pretty rugged trail. The campsites are easy on your first leg, more challenging around Rose. The northeast site on Parttridge is nice and sunny facing the south, on a rock ledge. The eastern Rose site on the lake is nice, and that northern most site on Daniels is lovely, but both are pretty popular. If they are both filled you have to back track to the middle one on Rose that's up on the trail (yuck) or go several more miles to one on Clearwater. Two great overlooks on the part near Rose. Fantastic overlook just past the spur trail that goes to Clearwater, a good day trip.




To cut down the mileage, you could start near Mayhew Lake instead. The trail is a bit overgrown there, but easy.

Daniel

Thanks for the advice. I think it will be really helpful. The campsite insights are really good so I appreciate that.

I haven't been to the BRT but I have hiked some other day trails in the area. So if by rugged you mean lots of up and down and picking between rock faces poking out here and there I understand. I had planned to do this last October, but I was woefully unprepared. The backpacking aspect became a wash (trying to pick your way through an uncleared snow machine trail at night in a light rain with headlamps is interesting but not advised), but the trip was worth it.