Hello~
I am attempting to plan a trip for the early part of August along the Gunflint Trail. I will be in Grand Marais in the days prior and will be driving from there. I have several years of BWCA experience, but my companion will be a first time female. We are planning to make a two-night trip.

I have much more experience with the Ely/Basswood area lakes and routes so I am seeking advice for this area. I want to show her the BWCA 'feel' including remoteness, portages, sights, etc. With that, we don't need a grueling route. Rather something that covers all the essential bases that would impress someone on their first time. Fast moving water not preferred. Fishing is a bonus ;)

Thank you guys!

If you need an outfitter, check out Seagull Outfitters... best on the Gunflint Trail.

Your trip may depend on permits available. If you are using an outfitter, you might ask around to see what is available for your dates.

My suggestion would be Round Lake to Missing Link entry to a camp on Snipe. Just two portages to get the feel of travel. Snipe is a nice lake to explore and an evening tour to Copper might be fun. Just one portage the next day to Cross Bay Lake. Good lake to explore as well with likely moose encounters. You could also do an afternoon day trip down to rib or lower George. Cross Bay Lake is enchanting in the evening. Three portages out through Ham to Cross River Access. Its a short walk back to Round Lake for your car.

It a good introduction to travel and plenty of interesting features.

We will not need an outfitter. My family has done BWCA for many years and has all the gear we need. Just looking for route suggestions!

And thank you for the suggestion! I will check those out on the maps.

I would suggest EP47, Lizz Lake. You'll find relatively short, well-trod portages through smaller, pretty lakes. Horseshoe Lake is moose country. If you stayed there, you could do nice day trips either east through Vista to Misquah Lake, or west through Gaskin, where you could duck down to Winchell and view the Misquah hills. I've only been in that area in August, when the fishing was just so-so. And when you exit on Poplar Lake, be sure to stop in at Trail Center for a tasty meal.

I second the recommendation for Seagull outfitters. They can help you with permits and hook you up with a hot shower when you come out.

I recommend a trip to Alpine lake by paddling across Seagull. Seagull and Alpine are both very pretty lakes. The one portage to Alpine will give your friend a taste for portaging without killing her.

I do this trip nearly every Memorial Day. It is easy to do and is very pretty.

And speaking of permits...

The Seagull permits might be gone. But Sag nearly always has permits. You could get a tow to the top of Red Rock lake. The tow is extremely pretty. It is also fun and shows a lot of the country.

Then, you just paddle Red Rock and portage into Alpine. You can camp 2 nights and then paddle directly to the Seagull dock.

We did this version over Memorial Day this year because all the Seagull permits were gone. It was a good trip.