Hello everyone, my group and i will be going out of East Bearskin in July. I'm wondering if anyone had any recommendations for canoe rental in that area. We have always gone out of Ely but wanted to try something new this year. I am wondering if any outfitters bring canoes right to the access point? Or what the closest place to rent canoes is from that access point. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. My second question is regarding Johnson falls. What is the easiest route to get there (ill be with my dad who is in his upper 50's so easier the better). I will appreciate any information. Thank you.

you can rent canoes right from Bearskin Outfitters/Bearskin Lodge and most likely paddle right from their beach!

IMO the easier way to the falls is to take the portage to alder, then canoe lake, leave your canoe at that landing, way out of the way of the portage (this is a very much used portage for both trippers with gear as well as people just going to the falls); hike across the portage and then on the other side you'll find the connecting trail to the falls (2 sets of falls). bring bug repellant, too, and water for drinking

quote Mocha: "you can rent canoes right from Bearskin Outfitters/Bearskin Lodge and most likely paddle right from their beach!
"

that's as convenient as you'll get.

If you make it to Johnson Falls, be sure to check out the colossal cedar tree just downstream from the lower falls.

Thank you for the reply. Very helpful!

Thank you for the reply. Very helpful!

What Mocha said, and be sure to hike to the top of the falls to see the whole shebang!

quote Mocha: "you can rent canoes right from Bearskin Outfitters/Bearskin Lodge and most likely paddle right from their beach!


IMO the easier way to the falls is to take the portage to alder, then canoe lake, leave your canoe at that landing, way out of the way of the portage (this is a very much used portage for both trippers with gear as well as people just going to the falls); hike across the portage and then on the other side you'll find the connecting trail to the falls (2 sets of falls). bring bug repellant, too, and water for drinking"

+1 Did that exact trip,3 years ago. 2 of the 3 campsites on Canoe are really nice. The trip to the Falls is tough so the suggestion of a day trip sans canoe is a good one. Good bass fishing on Crystal lake (another day trip). Troll a Rapala on the deep side of the drop off that runs all along the north side of the lake.