Hey guys,

I'm taking a group of highschool kids into the BWCA Sunday morning! Should be a great time. I have my route assigned (I'm one of several going for the school). So I planned my camping locations on the route. We are planning on staying on Gaskin, Brule, Cherokee, and Snipe. What I'm looking for are any don't miss locations on my route.

I know of the "alley" on snipe and plan on visiting that. Any waterfalls or super scenic areas I'm going through or near that I should detour to see?

Any "insider" information on this route would be great!

Try for site #891 on Cherokee, or #893. Beware of the wind and waves on Brule. Try to paddle it early in the morning. Don't take any chances. Make sure everyone wears their PFD when on the water!

Winchell has a small waterfall on the south shore that you can hike up. Tough to see from lake but you'll hear it when paddling by. A little further west is the big cliff.....there is a trail up around the west end, gets a little confusing up on top but you eventually find the overlook.

If you're going into Snipe, are you actually going to portage back out to Cross Bay to exit at Ham (Cross Bay ep) or are you going to go thru Missing Link and exit at Round? Also, site 634 on Gaskin would be great for a group. A tad out of the way on the west end, but worth it.

Funny I picked the suggested sites. :D

My plan as of now is enter Poplar. Camp 634 then head to Brule Camp 954. Figure we would hug the shore line to the north and use the islands as breaks for waves. But also planned that site so in the morning we had an eye on how the lake was doing before we packed up and then we wouldn't be wasting time if its too bad to cross and also we would be on it right away if it was good enough to cross. Then camp at 891 on Cherokee. Thinking site 554 on Snipe. We could exit at either lake I was going to do Cross Bay but could do round. I was told to exit at Ham so I figured I'd ask the outfitter in the morning if there was an advantage or if we could get picked up on round.

Thanks for the ideas. I'm a little worried with how cold and wet its suppose to be that we will have low spirits but I've got fingers crossed things will go well.

Probably you are already on the road, but I try anyway.

Take your time on the some of the tough portages between Brule and Cherokee. The one into Cherokee is especially rugged. Don't overload. Safer to walk the trail twice with a light load than stumbling over the slippery rocks a heavy one.

Don't get to attached to campsites you pick out before the trip. These are popular lakes and you may find your intended site occupied. To better your chances, get early starts so you can get on your intended camping lake late in the morning or early in the afternoon.

I've stayed at all of those sites except the Brule one, and I felt lucky to get them. I agree about not setting a goal to get them and staying flexible. Getting bummed out when you don't get "your" site sets a bad tone. Pick another site and keep smiling to set the right tone.....and have fun.