So, I'm hankering to extend the season into early/mid October and am looking for some recommendations.

Not gear and such -- I'm a four-seasons camper and know how to prepare for weather -- but destinations. I figure October is the best time to visit one of the Boundary Waters' most popular areas since there won't be crowds and competition for campsites, and that's where I'm seeking your advice for a five night trip.

Given the shorter days, I'm imagining either a loop with relatively light travel days or a big day in, big day out base camping trip.

I'm going in at Meeds Lake in two weeks, so for variety's sake, the Ely area is my first choice.

I'm leaning toward a Lake One entry, since that's somewhere I'm pretty certain that I'll never go during peak season.

Thoughts?

Good choice. I did that in october two or three years ago. Headed west and down Gabbro, to end of Bald Eagle, most if the way to Quadaga, loop through Clearwater, and out. Snowed in for a day on the Isabella.

Just fantastic. October is grest time. I did a Q loop in October 10 years ago. I joined my son on a solo for a few days ending on Halloween.

You're like me....this is a GREAT time to spend time in the BWCA. I've been up there twice in mid/late October.

In October of 1998, I went in to the numbered lakes chain -- can't remember much because I was still in high school and it was 19 years ago! I do recall seeing people each of the three days we were there. It also rained all three days we were there -- we went in half a day's paddle....camped two nights in the same spot....and then went out.

My other fall trip was October 20-24 of 2010. It was a fantastic trip! We went in at Mudro the morning after it snowed a couple of inches....downright beautiful scenery! We base camped at Horse Lake on a peninsula on the east-central side of the lake....awesome site....sandy beach and good fishing offshore. I've read Mudro/Horse are heavily traveled in the summer which is also why I wanted to go there in October----we saw two different groups---a total of four people the entire trip. We day tripped up to Lower Basswood Falls, and that was well worth the effort to get up there...WOW! We left our campsite at 9 AM and went down the Horse River (which was very shallow in spots). We didn't get to LBF until about noon. We knew sunset was a shade after 6 PM....we were having such a blast that we lost track of time...until it was 3:30 -- we paddled like crazy to be back to camp by sundown! On our day out, we went over to Fourtown (very nice lake) and down to Mudro.

I'd like to return to this area and do the loop from Mudro to Fourtown, Boot, Fairy, Gun, Bullet, Moosecamp, and go back out. My dad and I are going up the first week in October...we may return here....good luck!

The other entry besides those two that might be worth a look at that time of year would be Moose River North.

Last fall a buddy and I went to Frost Lake from Sawbill in mid October. We missed the colors but had an enjoyable week. A little snow/sleet one night and several pale sunny days during which we took brief dips in the lake. A nice time of year to trip but I was a little surprised at the other parties we saw going in and coming out.

Have you considered a Fall lake entry? There shouldn't be a lot of motor boat traffic and you get to do a lot of paddling with minimal portages. Nice sights and campsites along the way.

quote boonie: "The other entry besides those two that might be worth a look at that time of year would be Moose River North."

I'd considered and dismissed Moose River North. On further review ... any issues with water levels on the Dahlgren River in fall?

Sorry, I really have no idea about Dahlgren River. Maybe somebody else has a better idea of what it might be.

October can get amazing--or miserable. I like your idea of hitting a busy area when there are likely to be fewer people about. Of course, a few years ago, thinking the same thing, my wife and I headed to Disappointment lake in early October, only to find every single campsite occupied.

Maybe try the Kawishiwi Triangle out of Entry Pt 32 or 33?

quote poxy: "

quote boonie: "The other entry besides those two that might be worth a look at that time of year would be Moose River North."

I'd considered and dismissed Moose River North. On further review ... any issues with water levels on the Dahlgren River in fall?"

Barring a serious drought in the next 6 weeks, the Dahlgren River should be easily navigable. Water levels have been high all year and I was there in June and it had good flow. The portage out of Stuart to Dahlgren is very pretty too. One of the best in the BW for old growth pines.

Sorry for hopping in on this discussion but I was curious does anyone have any information about Beatty Lake-up by Loon Lake? I will be fishing on Loon Lake with a motor I was curious can you hike to Beatty Lake is it even worth fishing

I'd consider Mudro Entry. Loop through Jackfish Bay and come down the Horse River. Loop around Moose Camp and out Fourtown. This is great in October. Did this some years ago and only saw one group. It was mid October.

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm set with fall routes for the next several years!

So, the leading candidate is this: a triangle loop starting at EP 30, by destination: Kawishiwi River junction/Concha area, Clear Lake, Gabbro, layover and explore (maybe), south Kawishiwi River, Lake Two or more (because there's nothing like dawn in a burn area).

Ideally, although it's probably a bit much, the last day would be an all-day loop through Lake Four to Bridge, Rifle and out. (That also creates the option of extending for one more day and calling in sick with Northwoods fever).

Of course weather will dictate.

Q: Neither Beymer nor Pauly mention Rifle Lake. Is there a reason?

Q2: Anyone know which sites, if any, on Three survived the fire?

I would recommend a route that didn't involve crossing a really big lake (i.e. Saganaga, Seagull). Sometimes the wind will blow up and really get things moving. I experienced far worse wind when I tripped in mid-September than earlier on in the summer. I would imagine smaller lakes would be better from that standpoint.

It might also be a good time to do the Granite River - you don't really have to cross Big Sag to get home, just follow the shoreline down the channel and only 1 stretch of open water to negotiate.

The northern lights could be out - check the forecast. I believe chances are better for seeing them in the fall for some reason.

Went in around the 20th of October last year at the Mudro entry point. Stayed at Gun Lake that night. Next day went up to Crooked Lake and stayed at Table Rock. Final day came down through Horse and out at Mudro.

Great little loop and I sped through there very quickly. Got to stay at Table Rock which was memorable. Sure I was past the colors, and I had to paddle through in sleet that last day, but didn't see a single person that whole time, which is amazing considering how popular that whole area is.

So, that is my recommendation.

quote Minnesotian: "
Went in around the 20th of October last year at the Mudro entry point. Stayed at Gun Lake that night. Next day went up to Crooked Lake and stayed at Table Rock. Final day came down through Horse and out at Mudro.


Great little loop and I sped through there very quickly. Got to stay at Table Rock which was memorable. Sure I was past the colors, and I had to paddle through in sleet that last day, but didn't see a single person that whole time, which is amazing considering how popular that whole area is.


So, that is my recommendation. "

Thanks for sharing. I would love to do that route. Have to put it on the list for future October trips.

I'd love to take a trip during October, when it's cool all day and bracing cold at night, and snow is a probability. Those have always been my favorite hiking trips as well.