Hi all,

I'm new here, so apologize if this has been covered. A group of five is planning a mid-October 4 day trip in the BWCA. It's our first time there, but we are all experienced outdoorsmen. Any recommendations on where to launch and suggested itineraries? We will be driving up from the Twin Cities the evening before we put in. This is be a fairly casual trip. We plan to canoe until early afternoon each day and relax around camp after that.

By October there will be very few travelers so you can enter at what woudl be busy points in the summer. You could do something easy like a Lake One to Snowbank route. minimal portages, and easy access.

Grandma L: "By October there will be very few travelers so you can enter at what woudl be busy points in the summer. You could do something easy like a Lake One to Snowbank route. minimal portages, and easy access. "

Thanks! We would prefer to minimize portages to save time. I understand they are a necessary evil, though.

Although October is past the regular season, you will still need a self issued permit. To make sure you have, one pick it up at the nearest Ranger Station. There might not be any in the box at the entry “kiosk”.

I don’t know if you need any outfitting but I think most will have reduced their hours by mid October.

Since you just might have the place pretty much to yourselves you may want to pick an easy and or popular entries such as Lizz, Mudro, Lake One, and Sawbill.

You don’t say what you plan for accommodations the night before, or your outfitting needs, so I hesitate on being any more specific.

Unless there is a streak of great weather and those of us who can pack up and go show up do show up, you will have it mostly to yourselves. Weather issues can be a real trip breaking experience so be prepared and perhaps not venture too far in counting on good weather to exit. Also the days are short so travel time is greatly reduced. You might consider a base camp with day trips out and back rather than travel everyday.
Lake One, Sawbill and East Bearskin all offer a relatively easy entry with lots of side trip options.

Thanks. We do a fair amount of winter camping, so are ready for and expect bad weather. I spoke with one outfitter who said they could accommodate our needs in mid-October. I'll look into some of those routes. Can't wait.

Welcome to the site! I've not tripped in late September through October, so I will be looking forward to seeing responses from others to your question.

Do you intend to have a fishing focus, or are you more looking for great campsite and scenery recommendations? That may help people direct you more appropriately.

Enjoy the BW!

Bumstead: "Welcome to the site! I've not tripped in late September through October, so I will be looking forward to seeing responses from others to your question.


Do you intend to have a fishing focus, or are you more looking for great campsite and scenery recommendations? That may help people direct you more appropriately.


Enjoy the BW!"

Probably no fishing. Just exploring great scenery.

October is my favorite time in BWCAW. Did have a layover day because of snow - 3 to 4" - but is was gone the next day. I know CCO is outfitting. Came out on Halloween one year - their last got the year.

Gets dark early, and of course sunrise is late. Short days. No worries about fresh food. And definitely take advantage of the popular entries in August being nearly alone.