Im planning on taking 2 groups of Boy Scouts into the BWCA next spring and need some advice. I have only paddled Quetico and but chose BWCA to keep the cost down. We will be total 5 days. I'm looking for moderate paddling/portaging on not huge lakes in case of storms and great scenery with fishing. These kids (12 in all) are campers but have never been on a canoe trip and hope to make it a good one for them.

A little more information might help get some good suggestions. Will you be using an outfitter? Ely or Gunflint?
As a preliminary suggestion - check Little Indian Sioux North to Moose River North or a Gunflint loop out of Poplar.

hopefully you have enough leadership since you'll be split into two separate travel units while you travel within the BWCA.
decide what each group wants in a trip: basecamp? fishing? moving? challenge? easy portages? smaller lakes and more portages?
keep in mind that portaging is tough work, reviewing your packing lists and practicing packing, lifting and carrying packs would be a good idea at your scout meetings. lifting and carrying the canoe would be useful practice if you can get your hands on a canoe.

i second the poplar lake area, ep 47 Lizz lake.
also ep50 Cross Bay lake, however you will portage more the first day to get to campsite options.
ep64 East Bearskin, a few long skinny lakes involved which could present wind issues but smaller lakes over-all, hike to Johnson Falls, decent fishing.

plan to paddle early in the day and stop early in the day. don't know why but the wind tends to pick-up around 11am and calm down around 3-4pm.

If two groups at same time, considrer the entering where the other exits, and vice a versa.

There are so many options. Any idea of east or west?

quote billconner: "If two groups at same time, considrer the entering where the other exits, and vice a versa.


There are so many options. Any idea of east or west? "

That's a great idea.

I'd look first at Kawishiwi Lake #37 to Lake One #30 as one route along the Kawishiwi River - which is not like a river. Lots of options and variations in that. Would have to add a little to earn 50 miles afoot/afloat badge. Hog Creek #36 to South Kawishiwi River #32 is about same distance. I'm anxious to try that along Isabella River but some burn area (which I found amazing and now with great berries). If you wanted a little shorter Hog Creek to Snake River or Little Isabella is less, not 40 miles, and the advantage of any of these with Hog Creek is a lot shorter shuttle. USFS camp grounds near both ends if you want to separate and camp night before and head in early.

I'm a little biased against offering or encouraging a base camp choice to the Scouts. I think they learn a lot more and have more adventure if they move most days. Then again I'm biased because I like to cover miles at 65.

Plan a shorter first day that has a couple of portages. Allows time to repack and organize for the rest of the trip.

I'm sure they have plenty of camping experience, but some practice with portage packs and helping get canoes onto shoulders before you get to the entry point is good. Maybe even a short Saturday paddle trip to learn some basic canoe skills.