I am the group leader for four of us and trying to determine which outfitter to use. The choice has been narrowed to Rockwood Lodge, Clearwater Outfitters and, Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters. These three are the closest to our proposed entry point. So who has had, any good or bad experiences with any of these? In other words, help us to make a decision as to which outfitter to use.

Been nothing but happy with Clearwater Lodge, maybe 6 interactions in the last 4 years. Bunkhoused, showers, left car in parking lot, rented canoe and got a tow in those interactions. Erik is quite knowledgeable, and they've always been flexible for me.

Done Daniels, Clearwater a few times, East Bearskin and the Border Route Trail out of there. Ask for a wild berry pie to be ready on your way out. Not cheap, but delicious. And the Trail Center is nearby if you'd like a hot meal too.

Rockwood Outfitters A1 service clean bunkhouse, room to park your car, nice equipment, and clean showers for after you come out.

Well, I've never used either for outfitting but the new folks at Rockwood seem pretty nice? As for Clearwater, I had an unbelievable experience with their shuttle boat.

We were on our way back on a May trip about 10 years ago and the cold water (+) big waves had us waiting on a point on Clearwater about half way to the Entry point. The shuttle boat dropped someone off at one of the portages and then stopped to check on us on their way back. We said we were awaiting the wind and waves to settle. They offered us a ride and we accepted.

When we got back, they refused any sort of payment. I even tried to slip a twenty in his pocket and he took it out and refused. Always thought I'd stay there or use them sometime, but never have. I could highly recommend them.

We will be using Hungry Jack as I have most of the time since the '80's. Dave and Nancy Seaton are wonderful folks and their bunkhouse is nice with really nice mattresses.

ozarkpaddler: "We were on our way back on a May trip about 10 years ago and the cold water (+) big waves had us waiting on a point on Clearwater about half way to the Entry point. The shuttle boat dropped someone off at one of the portages and then stopped to check on us on their way back. We said we were awaiting the wind and waves to settle. They offered us a ride and we accepted.

When we got back, they refused any sort of payment. I even tried to slip a twenty in his pocket and he took it out and refused. Always thought I'd stay there or use them sometime, but never have. I could highly recommend them."

Nice. I was thinking about this same type of thing while walking my pup this evening. I'll add that in my Clearwater Lodge experiences is I find myself searching for ways to spend money for the overall service they give. They seem to get the big picture, and my humble adventures have been so much better because of what they offer. Very generous. Buy a pie on the way out, seriously.

I've only worked with Rockwoods and Clearwater -- both of which were outstanding. Can't go wrong with either.

dew042: "

ozarkpaddler: "We were on our way back on a May trip about 10 years ago and the cold water (+) big waves had us waiting on a point on Clearwater about half way to the Entry point. The shuttle boat dropped someone off at one of the portages and then stopped to check on us on their way back. We said we were awaiting the wind and waves to settle. They offered us a ride and we accepted.


When we got back, they refused any sort of payment. I even tried to slip a twenty in his pocket and he took it out and refused. Always thought I'd stay there or use them sometime, but never have. I could highly recommend them."

Nice. I was thinking about this same type of thing while walking my pup this evening. I'll add that in my Clearwater Lodge experiences is I find myself searching for ways to spend money for the overall service they give. They seem to get the big picture, and my humble adventures have been so much better because of what they offer. Very generous. Buy a pie on the way out, seriously."

I have not used either of these outfitters but I would definitely recommend the pies from Clearwater. I was introduced to them awhile back and are delicious and a great treat at the end of a trip.

All 3 have good reputations so I would say go with the one the makes the most sense w your entry point. The new Rockwood owners are great and I've used them multiple times. I've only used the bunkhouse at Clearwater and it was a very good experience working with them also.

I'm pleased that all three are sponsors of BWCA.com so I won't play favorites. You're very likely going to get great service from any of them.

Only one I have used is Rockwood and they were great. If you are using a poplar lake entry point it’s a no brainer if you ask me.

We are using Rockwood this year so I guess we will find out. So far they are very responsive. Used Clearwater two years ago and they were great. The lodge was a nice place to hang out the night before entry. My vote is either one will be great for you.

My only experience on that side is with Rockwood. Based on my experience with them, I'm sure I can make that same statement many years from now. Top notch. Nothing fancy, but extremely attentive and personable.

Clearwater.

I always enjoyed working with Voyagers North.
Have had good luck working with Seagull outfitters also.
Wasn't real happy with Tuscarora but that was years ago and they have new people running it now. My friends use them exclusively.

I found it interesting that the Gunflint Trail outfitters jointly echibited at Canoecopia. Kind of made me wonder why Ely outfitters didn't band together, perhaps with other Ely merchants. Seems like a missed opportunity for economic development. I think three were there individually.

You aren't gonna find many BAD outfitters, it's not a profession where you can screw people and stay in business very long. I've used Rockwood and VCO on the GFT side. My experience with Rockwood was great with the previous owner and I have reason to believe it's as good or better now. If you're going to or through Sag, VCO is a good place.

billconner: "I found it interesting that the Gunflint Trail outfitters jointly echibited at Canoecopia. Kind of made me wonder why Ely outfitters didn't band together, perhaps with other Ely merchants. Seems like a missed opportunity for economic development. I think three were there individually.
"

I bet Mocha would know the answer to this? But the Gunflint Trail Association began many decades ago. In the Book "Woman of the Boundary Waters" Justine Kerfoot talks about how guests would sometimes mislead outfitters about rates and such and pit the resorts against each other. Outfitters would sometimes hide other outfitters signs and generally work against each other. Then they realized they could do a lot better working together than against one another (too bad our political parties can't figure that one out). They formed an alliance to help each other with advertising, running telephone lines, road maintenance, etc. If I recall, the first thing they worked together on was the signs for the resorts every so many miles?

If you get a chance, Justine Kerfoot's books are a fun read and full of history about the Gunflint Trail.

Woman of the Boundary Waters
Gunflint

I'm a little bit shocked I didn't see Bearskin Lodge and Outfitters. So close to trail center and a great way to start off a trip to all of those beautiful NE BWCA lakes. Not as big of an operation which I also love. Nice little campsite to start the trip off at as well.

I have only ever used Tuscarora Outfitters on the Gunflint side, for MANY trips over the last 12 years and even with an ownership change, they are still outstanding. Andy and Ada are super and they are getting NEW equipment which is lighter and newer. I use them every chance I get. I am 100% happy with their cabins/gear/prices.
Im sure some of the others are quite good also, I only have experience with Tuscarora and they are AWESOME!

VaderStrom: "I'm a little bit shocked I didn't see Bearskin Lodge and Outfitters. So close to trail center and a great way to start off a trip to all of those beautiful NE BWCA lakes. Not as big of an operation which I also love. Nice little campsite to start the trip off at as well. "

Never used them myself, but they seem like nice folks? I'm grateful to them for hosting the BW Expo this year! Looks like they have some decent cabin options as well as the campground?

billconner: "I found it interesting that the Gunflint Trail outfitters jointly echibited at Canoecopia. Kind of made me wonder why Ely outfitters didn't band together, perhaps with other Ely merchants. Seems like a missed opportunity for economic development. I think three were there individually. "

during the 30 years i lived and worked on the Trail, the Lodges and Outfitters tried to work closely to promote the Gunflint Trail as a Destination. "Get them up here and they'll have so much to do they'll keep coming back year after year". This method of marketing probably worked well because the Gunflint Trail is a small community. Ely has so many outfitters and resorts so i'm not sure how it would work to market as a group.

remember the Christmas movie Miracle on 34th Street? the two competing department stores ended up working together to keep customers coming back to either store. if one store didn't have it then they'd refer you to the competitor. some business owners might not think much of that business philosophy. personally, i used it when it seemed the logical thing to do. Rockwood Outfitters and Bearskin Outfitters got many referrals from me. if folks just needed a canoe and they were entering at those EP closed to those outfitters then i'd suggest that. not trying to lose business, but might have anyway since transport fees would have added considerably to their bill.

supporting your local community is important regardless if it's a competitor or other business. we have to live side by side every day year after year. it's good to have friends!

ozarkpaddler: "

VaderStrom: "I'm a little bit shocked I didn't see Bearskin Lodge and Outfitters. So close to trail center and a great way to start off a trip to all of those beautiful NE BWCA lakes. Not as big of an operation which I also love. Nice little campsite to start the trip off at as well. "

Never used them myself, but they seem like nice folks? I'm grateful to them for hosting the BW Expo this year! Looks like they have some decent cabin options as well as the campground?"

They have some excellent cabins and very tidy campground. Their location is really pristine. For anyone wanting to day trip over to Croc for the legendary fishing or a full day trip to Johnson Falls...really tough to imagine a better place.

I hope the Expo goes over well for them this year, but hopefully not so well that they get booked up a year in advance. Hopefully see you all up there!

Ozarkpaddler is quite correct about their mattresses at Hungary jack Outfitters. They are at least 8 inches thick and they know to flip them each month. As good as I use at home, and I use quality there.