Looking for ideas for a nice easy 3-5 day trip, base camp or maybe one additional travel day to take with my two adult sons and my 83 yo dad. We did this a couple years ago, went through LIS and spent a couple days on Shell Lake. Dad just walks, and the boys carry all the stuff. Pair of pack mules. Pop got his knee replaced this year and tells me he’s in better shape now than he was then - but I don’t want to push it. Considering Snake River and just hanging around Bald Eagle/Gabro area. It’s been 30+ years since I was there and remember it as a beautiful area. Focus is just camping, hanging out, exploring, and bonding. A little fishing would be nice too.

Hoping to do a 3 gen trip this summer too. But I’ll be the old man at 59. Not sure I can make the 4 year old portage a canoe.

I should look at that area. We are also thinking of the numbers.

andym: "Hoping to do a 3 gen trip this summer too. But I’ll be the old man at 59. Not sure I can make the 4 year old portage a canoe.


I should look at that area. We are also thinking of the numbers. "

It’s such a great family time and great tradition if you can make it work. In your case, the youngsters are the ones you don’t want to push too hard, in my case the “youngsters” provide the bulk of the horsepower. Give it about 10 or 11 years and that 4 year old will be begging to carry the canoe by himself!

Here are 4 other ideas that are similar to LIS to Shell:

Option 1: Entry 39 - Baker Lake to the Temperance Lakes (South or North) Except for the last portage (285 rds), the portages are short and flat. Beautiful paddle up the Temperance River valley. Visit the abandoned mine between Kelly and Jack Lakes. Watch for moose in the Jack/Weird Lakes area.

Option 2: Entry 47 - Lizz Lake to Horseshoe or Gaskin Lake . This can be a busy area. Get your permit soon. Good moose(y) area, especially on Horseshoe Lake. Lots of day trip options.

Option 3: Entry 38 - Sawbill Lake to Burnt Lake . Shortest of the 4 options. Day trips to Smoke Lake or over to Kelly Lake (see Baker Lake entry).

Option 4: Entry 39 - Kawishiwi Lake to Lake Polly (Koma Lake, Malberg Lake). Trip down the Kawishiwi River watershed. You will see the eastern most edge of the Pagami Creek fire area. Portages are mostly flat and you can choose how far you want to go in one day. The destination with the most day trip options in Malberg but it can be a long day to go that far.

Have a great trip!

Michwall2: "Here are 4 other ideas that are similar to LIS to Shell:


Option 1: Entry 39 - Baker Lake to the Temperance Lakes (South or North) Except for the last portage (285 rds), the portages are short and flat. Beautiful paddle up the Temperance River valley. Visit the abandoned mine between Kelly and Jack Lakes. Watch for moose in the Jack/Weird Lakes area.


Option 2: Entry 47 - Lizz Lake to Horseshoe or Gaskin Lake . This can be a busy area. Get your permit soon. Good moose(y) area, especially on Horseshoe Lake. Lots of day trip options.


Option 3: Entry 38 - Sawbill Lake to Burnt Lake . Shortest of the 4 options. Day trips to Smoke Lake or over to Kelly Lake (see Baker Lake entry).


Option 4: Entry 39 - Kawishiwi Lake to Lake Polly (Koma Lake, Malberg Lake). Trip down the Kawishiwi River watershed. You will see the eastern most edge of the Pagami Creek fire area. Portages are mostly flat and you can choose how far you want to go in one day. The destination with the most day trip options in Malberg but it can be a long day to go that far.


Have a great trip!"

All great ideas and I think doable. Thanks!

Completely agree about setting up these traditions. We took the middle generation about a decade ago and they have been wanting to go again.

Take a tow and go to Knife. The portages are easy and you can explore Dorothy Molters Island. Good fishing.
Or take a tow into Basswood. Great fishing

Thanks everybody for the great ideas. We decided to go with the Lizz Lake option and booked the permit today.

Me and just the boys are doing a slightly different trip in August to Poohbah and Conmee.

Looking forward to (at least) 2 great trips this year!