My wife and I have been tripping to the BWCA since the 80s so we're not too often stressed about planning and preparing. However, next week, we are taking an 84 year old to Gaskin so he can relive his most favorite trip (he was 64 then) and to share it with two of hid grand kids (13 and 16). Our route is Poplar, Lizz, Caribou, Horseshoe, Gaskin. It's a route we've not done. Insights? Thoughts? Also, this is a 3 night base-camp trip and that's something I never do. The topo map makes it look like Winchell would be a good day trip. Other ideas? What about fishing on or near Gaskin?

Thanks much for any insight or recommendations.

Never been to the area, but good on ya for helping grandpa spend some time with his grandkids. My memories of tripping with my grandpa in the BWCA are some of my most precious memories.

Good luck on your trip! I hope it goes well!

Those portages are fairly flat and easy, except the 97 rod from Horseshoe to Gaskin. It is an up/over a ridge. It is a better alternative to the 3 short portages through Jump though. Those have some tricky landings.
Gaskin is a great base-camp lake with decent fishing. Fishing is also quite good on Caribou and Horseshoe. The portage into Winchell is not too bad. Just a muddy start on the Gaskin end.
Check the maps section for sites on Gaskin. There are some good ones.

It's been a while since I was through there. I remember it was muddy and rocky portages and bad landings. I just want to say thanks for taking the old guy to relive his dreams and the youngsters to start making new adventures.

Second what cowdoc said about Allen and Jump. Definitely go there one day but not on this trip.

The trip from Poplar to Gaskin is known as the Moose Highway for frequent sightings. It is a wonderful area. Although Gaskin is doable in one day if you find yourself on Horseshoe with an open site and it is after noon, you might consider camping there and day tripping to Gaskin. Horseshoe is one of the coolest lakes in the BWCA and the primary part of the moose highway. I was on Gaskin once but it was so long ago that i dont remember much about it. I know that it has decent fishing and some good sites. I do remember Horseshoe as a really cool place to camp. Plenty of fish and wake up early to see a moose across the lake if you are lucky. Busy area, camp early.

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The trip from Poplar to Gaskin is known as the Moose Highway for frequent sightings. It is a wonderful area. Although Gaskin is doable in one day if you find yourself on Horseshoe with an open site and it is after noon, you might consider camping there and day tripping to Gaskin. Horseshoe is one of the coolest lakes in the BWCA and the primary part of the moose highway. I was on Gaskin once but it was so long ago that i dont remember much about it. I know that it has decent fishing and some good sites. I do remember Horseshoe as a really cool place to camp. Plenty of fish and wake up early to see a moose across the lake if you are lucky. Busy area, camp early.

I would recommend the Horshoe to Gaskin over the Allen Jump Route as ther is a very tall two step on the end of jump to Gaskin and the Allen Horseshoe has many ankle twister rocks. I have done all of these portages many times in this area and thinking of balance and strength issues that is the route I would take an 84 year old on.

I am doing this exact same route in mid September. If the weather is nice, our goal is to hit Gaskin on day 1 and base camp for 4 nights. If it is raining on entry day, we will stop on Horseshoe. No matter what, Winchell will be a day trip; Vista will be another day trip.

I think that it is so wonderful that you are taking this one lucky fellow to relive his favorite trip. You and your wife are terrific people.

Thanks everyone for the great advice and kind words. The food is packed, the gear checked, the canoes loaded and the oil changed on the truck (not sure why that's a tradition, but it is). Also, my wife pointed out that Anders is Anders is 81, not 84. She also told me she met his grandsons today and she got a firm hand shake and good eye contact - I'm betting on a great experience.

Cool! Enjoy'

quote DanCooke: "I would recommend the Horshoe to Gaskin over the Allen Jump Route as ther is a very tall two step on the end of jump to Gaskin and the Allen Horseshoe has many ankle twister rocks. I have done all of these portages many times in this area and thinking of balance and strength issues that is the route I would take an 84 year old on."

I love Jump Lake, kinda makes you feel like there should be a dinosaur in there, I could sit there all day. Absolutely right on the portages, there's just way too much that could go wrong.