I've been on here a couple years now and still haven't pulled the trigger on a trip. However, I am retiring next year (school teacher) and want to coax a couple buddies into a BWCA trip. Being in our early 60s and knowing my buddies limitations and preferences, I know what requirements/restrictions we will have to place on a trip. #1) we would without a doubt want to set up a base camp that would only be a couple miles from our access point. We are not going to want to work at setting up, tearing down, and making mileage everyday. Hoping for a variety of fishing, secluded campsite on the water, probably not interested in entering Canadian waters,
Suggestions?? We typically have a yearly campout in early summer from 4-7 days, but now we are exclusively a base camp group with daily side trips. Some days we are content to just hang around camp. Also thinking a smaller lake - a large lake on windy days with big waves sounds a little scarier than we would like.
Any help appreciated. Mark

We are all in our mid-60s and have been known to enjoy a good basecamp trip. Here are some suggestions that are relatively easy. Do a search here for these lake/river names and look through the trip reports for the same. Although you don't get too far in and away from the entry point on any of these, they are favorites that have provided some good solitude, plenty of good fishing, and lots of great memories:

West side
Little Gabbro --> Gabbro
Little Indian Sioux --> Shell
Moose River North --> Agnes
Ojibway --> North Kawishiwi

East side
Bearskin --> Duncan
Clearwater --> Little Caribou

And, congrats on your retirement. I have been out 8 years and in 6 weeks my wife joins me... 60 combined years of teaching experience.

How do you guys feel about portaging? Are you looking for a no-portage trip?

Schweady's suggestions definitely contain portages, in some cases some fairly long/rugged ones.

I number of years ago, we were staying at the White Otter Inn in Atikokan before our annual trip into Quetico. There were four guys sitting outside having a beer and we struck up a conversation with them. Turns out they were three retired guys and one other from Merrill, WI and they were taking a Q trip that sounds just like you are looking to do. They were putting in at French Lake and paddling into Pickerel (no portages) where they would base camp and spend their time fishing and relaxing.

The BWCA equivalent to that? How about Seagull?

Simple answer to all your trip needs. Go to Ensign Lake. Take the tow from LaTourells to the splash and a short pull over into Ensign. Good Walleye and Bass fishing, lots of nice sites. Total amount of portage is about 8 feet or half a rod. High water I have paddled up and there was no portage. Where the tow drops you of there is an easy flat short portage 40 rods long.

EP #47 Lizz Lake. Stay at Rockwood the night before in a bunkhouse. Grab dinner at the Trail Center. Paddle across Poplar Lake and portage into Lizz and you will be in the BWCA half way across the lake. From Lizz you will portage into Caribou (several campsites), from there into Horseshoe (more campsites), from there either into Gaskin or Vista (more campsites). Lots of day trip possibilities. You could be at a campsite on Caribou in a little over an hour or you could paddle as far as you want through as many lakes as you want until you get tired. Gaskin is my choice for basecamping from that EP.

Thanks one and all - and YES, any long, difficult, or multiple portages would not be our cup of tea. IF you don't mind, please indicate the difficulty and length of the portages. I will print this thread and do my due diligence with researching. Thanks, great forum.

Like I said, I have talked about making this trip for a couple of years - ever since I discovered the BWCA which I had never heard of - and I've been trying to get my fellow fisherman interested. I think if I can come up with a definite game plan - base camp, somewhat secluded, good fishing for variety of fish, and not too much work - I can sell the boys on doing it.

Congrats on your retirement. I am 11 months into mine. Still a big smile on my face.

Couple of other trip options:

Entry 38: Sawbill Lake - Stay anywhere on Sawbill, Alton, Kelso. Good multi-species fishing. Day Trips: East to the Fire Lakes, West to Beth Lake, North to Lujenida (stop and see the Dolman), South to Sunhigh/Sunlow Lakes.

Entry 36: Hog Creek - Head to Perent Lake. There will be a couple of beaver dam pullovers or very short portages.

Entry 38: Baker Lake to Kelly or Jack Lake. Day trip: West to the Fire Lakes, North to South Temperance Lake. Easy flat portages. Beautiful Temperance River valley. Good fishing opportunities.

Have a great trip.

A few more suggestions...

Savage's Ensign suggestion is a good option.

EP 36 - Hog Creek to Perent...a river paddle with one or two short portages or beaver dams to pull over leads you to a nice lake.

EP 38 - Sawbill...gets you access to Sawbill Lake which has nice sites and dependable fishing, plus you can get to Alton or Kelso via easy short portages.

EP 54 - Seagull...stay right here on your EP lake for tons of campsite options and good fishing.

EP 64 - East Bearskin...gets you access to E. Bearskin, then a short portage to Alder, and from there more short portages to a few other lakes to explore.

On the East side you could get a tow to Red Rock Bay, and it's just a 10 rod portage into Red Rock Lake. You can base-camp on Red Rock, day trip back to Red Rock Bay to get into larger water, or day-trip down to Alpine/Jasper.

Good amount of decent campsites in this area, and decent fishing species. I hear there are also lakers in Alpine, though I haven't targeted them. These are all medium size lakes so even on windy days you should be able to get out fishing.

Michwall2: "Congrats on your retirement. I am 11 months into mine. Still a big smile on my face.

Couple of other trip options:

Entry 38: Sawbill Lake - Stay anywhere on Sawbill, Alton, Kelso. Good multi-species fishing. Day Trips: East to the Fire Lakes, West to Beth Lake, North to Lujenida (stop and see the Dolman), South to Sunhigh/Sunlow Lakes.

Entry 36: Hog Creek - Head to Perent Lake. There will be a couple of beaver dam pullovers or very short portages.

Entry 38: Baker Lake to Kelly or Jack Lake. Day trip: West to the Fire Lakes, North to South Temperance Lake. Easy flat portages. Beautiful Temperance River valley. Good fishing opportunities.

Have a great trip."

Whoops, looks like I duplicated a couple of these...didn't see the post...great minds think alike.

Michwall2: "Congrats on your retirement. I am 11 months into mine. Still a big smile on my face.

Couple of other trip options:

Entry 38: Sawbill Lake - Stay anywhere on Sawbill, Alton, Kelso. Good multi-species fishing. Day Trips: East to the Fire Lakes, West to Beth Lake, North to Lujenida (stop and see the Dolman), South to Sunhigh/Sunlow Lakes.

Entry 36: Hog Creek - Head to Perent Lake. There will be a couple of beaver dam pullovers or very short portages.

Entry 38: Baker Lake to Kelly or Jack Lake. Day trip: West to the Fire Lakes, North to South Temperance Lake. Easy flat portages. Beautiful Temperance River valley. Good fishing opportunities.

Have a great trip."

depending on the day... seems like Temperance could fill up quick
dr bob

treehorn: "How do you guys feel about portaging? Are you looking for a no-portage trip?


Schweady's suggestions definitely contain portages, in some cases some fairly long/rugged ones."

Thanks for the compliment on my rugged nature, but I am confused. These are the trips that we go back to time and again -- both our men's group or just my wife and I -- and we are definitely only in average shape and certainly not getting any younger. Perhaps I can go into some detail here, but I think that the OP might figure these out on his own with a good set of maps:

Little Gabbro --> Gabbro
One long but ridiculously simple highway of a portage with some mud at the end. Walleye await

Little Indian Sioux --> Shell
A few portages but nothing overly significant except the last one into Shell that has the beaver dam splitting it into two. Great northern and some walleye

Moose River North --> Agnes
Some river portages but I mostly recall the 4-5 bothersome beaver dams to cross. Top favorite walleye lake. Two more short portages and you are headed to the pictos on LLC

Ojibway --> North Kawishiwi
A roller portage on which you don't even unload gear and then one long up-and-over on which I'll admit you might take a few rests. Consistent walleye and my biggest northern

Bearskin --> Duncan
Two rocky but short walks. Sure, if you want to see Stairway Falls from Rose Lake or take in the view from the Rose Lake Cliffs, do some time in the gym beforehand

Clearwater --> Little Caribou
One good-sized up-and-over (the east end N-S portage... the climb beats slogging through the mud on the west end trail) and another shorty. The nice thing is, you're already halfway to Johnson Falls

I didn't even include two other favorite old-timer basecamp trips... Mudro --> Horse or Mudro --> Fourtown. The former is challenging but fine; the latter might be a 3-time favorite deemed difficult enough that we have taken it for the last time

Did you say when you were going? With your restrictions seclusion will be the difficult part. You can find smaller lakes with shorter portages and decent fishing, but these spots will be highly desirable and potentially busy. Unless you get out in May or sep/oct . just my $0.02 worth

schweady: "

treehorn: "How do you guys feel about portaging? Are you looking for a no-portage trip?

Schweady's suggestions definitely contain portages, in some cases some fairly long/rugged ones."

Thanks for the compliment on my rugged nature, but I am confused. These are the trips that we go back to time and again -- both our men's group or just my wife and I -- and we are definitely only in average shape and certainly not getting any younger. Perhaps I can go into some detail here, but I think that the OP might figure these out on his own with a good set of maps:

Little Gabbro --> Gabbro
One long but ridiculously simple highway of a portage with some mud at the end. Walleye await


Little Indian Sioux --> Shell

I brought a couple newbies across the Mudro/Fourtown portages three years ago, I think their curses of me can still be heard echoing through the area....
A few portages but nothing overly significant except the last one into Shell that has the beaver dam splitting it into two. Great northern and some walleye


Moose River North --> Agnes
Some river portages but I mostly recall the 4-5 bothersome beaver dams to cross. Top favorite walleye lake. Two more short portages and you are headed to the pictos on LLC


Ojibway --> North Kawishiwi
A roller portage on which you don't even unload gear and then one long up-and-over on which I'll admit you might take a few rests. Consistent walleye and my biggest northern


Bearskin --> Duncan
Two rocky but short walks. Sure, if you want to see Stairway Falls from Rose Lake or take in the view from the Rose Lake Cliffs, do some time in the gym beforehand


Clearwater --> Little Caribou
One good-sized up-and-over (the east end N-S portage... the climb beats slogging through the mud on the west end trail) and another shorty. The nice thing is, you're already halfway to Johnson Falls

I didn't even include two other favorite old-timer basecamp trips... Mudro --> Horse or Mudro --> Fourtown. The former is challenging but fine; the latter might be a 3-time favorite deemed difficult enough that we have taken it for the last time"

DrBobDg: "

Michwall2: "Congrats on your retirement. I am 11 months into mine. Still a big smile on my face.

Couple of other trip options:

Entry 38: Sawbill Lake - Stay anywhere on Sawbill, Alton, Kelso. Good multi-species fishing. Day Trips: East to the Fire Lakes, West to Beth Lake, North to Lujenida (stop and see the Dolman), South to Sunhigh/Sunlow Lakes.

Entry 36: Hog Creek - Head to Perent Lake. There will be a couple of beaver dam pullovers or very short portages.

Entry 38: Baker Lake to Kelly or Jack Lake. Day trip: West to the Fire Lakes, North to South Temperance Lake. Easy flat portages. Beautiful Temperance River valley. Good fishing opportunities.

Have a great trip."

depending on the day... seems like Temperance could fill up quick
dr bob

"

I wouldn't go all the way to the Temperance's for the basecamp. Stop on the north end of Kelly or on Jack for basecamp and then go to the N/S Temperance for fishing. They did not want to do longer portages. While not hard, the 285 into the Temperances with all the gear does qualify as long. I thought it might be doable for a daytrip to fish.

I'll echo Ensign with the tow - if you want to pay some extra $$ to do the tow option, you get seclusion quick, decent fishing, and side trips with great fishing.

I'd also agree that Seagull could be nice. Seagull Outfitters were awesome, used their tow system and they were worth it. They even offer a free hot shower (with towel!) when you get back!! Nice day trips, walleye, lakers on Seagull. I remember some of those island sites and ones near the portage into Alpine looked stellar.

I will also echo Ensign . Moose lake entry . We took the tow (20 minutes) to Splash/Ensign and a very short easy walk to put-in, then no more portaging. We used Canadian Border Outfitters,their motel room cabin. Parking,bait shop,breakfast,tow dock all right on the lake. La tourell's is another outfitter on Moose that I hear good reviews on. We camped SE Ensign near Ashigan, but I always wanted to check out the NW camps. It was about as easy as you get. Fishing was pretty good.

thanks to all, reading good things about Ensign Lake option, we're not likely to want to spend all day in a canoe, we would like t oset up camp as quickly as possible and not spend full day at beginning and another at end just making time in a canoe, plus too many aches and pains in old bodies! LOL I looked at outfitters website - looks like $26 per person to tow one way, assuming they would meet at end of trip as well.
Retirement will begin at end of school year -what would be prime time fishing season after end of May? AND are mosquitos as bad as some say they are?

It should be no more than a couple hours to camp from the outfitter dock if you take the tow. I would go early June if I could. Mosquitoes are what they are. Sometimes spotty and thin and sometimes thick at dusk. An open airy camp with a breeze helps a lot. Bring headnets anyway. I consider first two weeks of June easy fishing for ametures like me.

Northwoodsman: "EP #47 Lizz Lake. Stay at Rockwood the night before in a bunkhouse. Grab dinner at the Trail Center. Paddle across Poplar Lake and portage into Lizz and you will be in the BWCA half way across the lake. From Lizz you will portage into Caribou (several campsites), from there into Horseshoe (more campsites), from there either into Gaskin or Vista (more campsites). Lots of day trip possibilities. You could be at a campsite on Caribou in a little over an hour or you could paddle as far as you want through as many lakes as you want until you get tired. Gaskin is my choice for basecamping from that EP."

I did this same trip a few years ago for my first. My wife and then 11, 8, and 5 year old sons accomplished the portages from Poplar to Lizz to Caribou to Horseshoe easily in the first day. Nice area, I think it's one good suggestion. Allen to the west of Horseshoe is a nice lake and more seclusion than Caribou or Horseshoe and has decent fishing too. Gaskin is large, but a beautiful lake. Take leeches and fish them under a slip bobber, you're bound to catch something.

don't let anyone tell you that you have to portage to have a great BWCA experience. We take our groups to Seagull every year. There are enough things to see on Seagull you would not be able to explore everything for several years. If you must portage, you could portage into Alpine, but its not necessary.

I am in my 60's and just enjoy not having to push miles, portage, worry about knees and ankles, great fishing, and solitude. That's Seagull in the fall.

Mark1, Lots of good ideas mentioned so far. There are some entry point options where you can camp right on the entry lake, so no portaging at all. This would be the easiest way to go, but at the same time one or two moderate portages will give you and them the real "feel" of a BWCA trip. But that can also be done by camping on the entry lake and daytripping over portages - without the gear!

Kawishiwi Lake is a nice lake with good fishing and several campsites on it. Daytripping to the next couple lakes will give you a firsthand view of a big burn area which is kind of neat to see.

John Lake is a long drive but a really cool spot. Three campsites on the lake, all good. Very good multi species fishing and a couple different daytrip options including the beautiful Royal River. There is a riffle between Little John lake and John Lake that probably has a 30 yard portage around it but I don't ever remember having to take it. The next lake over (E. Pike) is a good smallmouth lake and the lake after that (W. Pike) has a good population of muskies!

If you would be content with fishing for walleye, jumbo perch and some pike (probably no bass) and are willing to take one moderate portage, putting in at East bearskin and going to Crocodile lake for the duration of your trip would be a good one. Excellent walleye lake, virtually guaranteed to catch plenty. Good wildlife sighting possibilities. Dead end lake so usually not very busy. It's a great basecamp trip where you can be in a pretty secluded place within a couple hours of your car.

Of the trips previously mentioned I am partial to The Poplar put in and Lizz Lake entry down to Horseshoe, Vista or Gaskin. Great area, good fishing and a better than average chance of seeing moose. Especially on Horseshoe which is areally cool and unique lake. The other one is Gabbro Lake, a very scenic place with a great reputation for fishing, including big crappies! If you like the classic rocks, trees and waters of the BWCA, Gabbro has some of the neatest and largest rock formations around. Lots of nice campsites, but a busy place too. The portage in is long but pretty easy. Two years ago we went in may and triple portaged it(not my idea), meaning five trips across. We are both 60 and it wasn't too bad. Paddled the riffle between Little Gabbro and Gabbro and in camp within a couple hours from putting in.

Ensign of course is also a great option but it is a very busy place. Just look at the map and you will see how many campsites are on the lake. Still a good choice if that doesn't bother you.

Post any other questions you might have and let us know what you decide. I'm betting you will have a great trip wherever you go.

Good info Lindy. You really hit home with your first paragraph. Honestly, I can see my friends (and myself) preferring to base camp at an entry point and camping out of our vehicles. We tend to haul a lot of gear when we camp.
I looked at all the options you gave me. East Bearskin to Crocodile Lake is intriguing, mainly because of the walleye fishing. None of us have fished northern waters or caught northern species, and we all have heard how delicious walleye is to eat. I read a couple trip reports of people slaying the walleye on Croc Lake. But one guy said the portage was the worst mosquito infested portage (and uphill on way back) he had every experienced. I get the BWCA experience involves travelling and portages, but we are too old and not in the best physical shape. And we are at the age where sitting in a canoe all day makes us stiff and sore.
The tow to Ensign also sounds good.
Our top priorities will be #1 catch fish, of course, #2 convenience and #3 affordability.
I might also add that our idea of seclusion doesn't necessarily mean we don't wee anybody all day.
#1 fishing - we want to eat fish, preferably walleye. Any species we would eat. But to go to all the trouble, time , and expense, and not catch fish would ruin the trip.
#2 convenience - base camping would allow us to take all we want - guitars, air mattresses, mega coolers, one buddy has a nice big screen room tent (mosquitos), etc. Base camping would also allow us to take day trips in vehicles to different lakes, sight see, get ice, etc. The towing idea made me think of another idea, and don't know if this is a n option. But on one of our Ozark rivers, the canoe rental place owner will has even jet boated us to a gravel bar with all our gear and pick us up at a predetermined day and time. We would consider something like that, too.
#3 money - I would be bringing my canoe (square stern with 2.5 HP motor, and I understand I could not use motor most places, but would be nice to cover some area.) We could take turns in my canoe instead of buddies renting a canoe all week. May sound like small expense, but considering gas from Missouri, hotel on way there and back, supplies, permits and licenses - add on canoe rental for a week when we may want to hang out at camp all day - we are soon looking at a %500 trip - so saving $100 canoe rental would be big.
Bottom line - we would be happier with the least amount of work AS LONG AS WE CATCH FISH!!
I would appreciate some specific options for camping at entry points. Is camping at established campsites at entry points the only options? Of course, don't expect you to give up your honey holes. LOL
Really appreciate the help planning, guiys. We probably only have a week counting travel time, so we don't have a lot of time to waste moving around. Would like to have a good plan with high probability of catching fish.
Last considerations, I plan to buy a small 13-16' camper and may have that option. And a couple other buddies may be interested bit absolutely do not tent camp. They would consider if they had an inexpensive cabin nearby.
Lots of "wishes", I know. Just being realistic about what my group would want if they are gong to make a commitment to travel that far and spend some money.
Thanks again, Mark

FYI - I am taking all advice seriously and have pulled up all options on map. I am getting confused on what is in the BWCA and what is not. It would help if you would include on suggestions where I could use motor and where I couldn't, and a general idea of where each is located in the general area - east, west, north - I am clueless on entire area.
And I am forwarding to buddies to read your comments trying to get them psyched.

Mark1, here are some random thoughts to your questions.

Motors are allowed on select entry point lakes, but they tend to be very large lakes and you will likely see plenty of others with motorboats as well. One of the big attractions of the BWCA is seclusion and quiet. While not impossible on large motor lakes, the odds are not good. It is simple enough to design a canoe only trip with minimal time spent in a canoe to get to your camping destination.

There are several options for basecamping with your vehicle on entry point lakes. Sawbill Lake, Kawishiwi Lake, Baker Lake, Fall Lake, South Kawishiwi come to mind. There is also a campground on Birch lake and 15 rustic BWCA like campsites you canoe or motor to and can reach without portaging. Birch is a motorized lake and known for pretty good fishing. All of these are "rustic" campgrounds meaning no showers or running water or bathrooms other than pit toilets. Fall lake is the only exception with modern facilities available. All would allow you to experience BWCA like conditions, especially on daytrips. Sadly, some of them do not allow reservations but sites can usually be found, especially if you are arriving during the week rather than a weekend.

If you decide to take a real wilderness canoe trip, there are options without portaging where you basically canoe across the entry lake and put up camp in an established campsite. This can be as little as 15 minutes in the canoe or perhaps up to an hour on bigger lakes. Yet you still get the real BWCA feeling.

As far as the Crocodile lake trip, I think you would really enjoy it. The fishing is as advertised and i suspect you would have as good or better luck on walleye there than anywhere else you could go. There is one portage, around 100 rods, and I would rate it as a moderate portage. Not easy, but not real difficult either. It is uphill at first going from East Bearskin and there are a few steep spots. But after the first 1/3 of the portage the going gets much easier. I am 62 years old and not in particularly good shape and that portage is well within my abilities. Slow and steady wins the race. The reward of being on a quiet, secluded and very pretty lake with great fishing is worth the hour it would take you and your group to double portage from East Bearskin. Then you put the canoes in and find a campsite that is available and suits you. I have been there at the end of May and late August and have had very few bugs - I can assure you it is no worse than other areas of the BWCA. When you go has much more impact than where you go with regard to bugs. In my opinion this is one of the best spots to go when considering the ratio of seclusion versus amount of travel time to get there. Typically you might have to canoe in several lakes and take several portages to find a quiet spot like this one. The campsites are well spaced too so you could easily believe you are the only ones on the lake - which you could be! I just remembered that there is also a National Forest campground on East Bearskin meaning you could stay the night before there, or the night after if you chose to go to Crocodile.

I will throw out one more option. i would love to see you take the "real" BWCA plunge but whats most important is that you and your group have a great time and catch fish. Crescent Lake Campground is one of my favorite spots in northern MN. Crescent is a beautiful lake, totally undeveloped and full of points, islands and bays. Fishing is pretty good with plenty of walleye, smallmouth and a reasonably good chance of catching a muskie while you are walleye fishing. I have caught several there, all by accident. I have also had them try to help themselves to the stringer of walleyes hanging off our boat:) Crescent Lake is bWCA quality wilderness as it is literally a mile or two as the crow flies from the BWCA. No modern facilities but nice rustic facilities. Some great campsites right on the lake where you can pull your boat or canoe up on gravel at the edge of your site. Many off lake sites are very nice too. Another plus - this is a reserveable campground as well.

Feel free to ask more questions, i will do my best to point you in the right direction.

Our first visit to Crocodile Lake:



Crocodile Lake



Photos of Crescent Lake:




A lakeside campsite





Accidental Muskie





off lake campsite


Crescent Lake campground

Would I be correct to assume that Sawbill, Bearskin, and Kawishiwi are higher traffic areas, with lodges is why I assume?
There are so many options and considerations. I will likely try to compromise and keep whoever is going happy. Such as a couple buddies will not camp over a night or two, and want a cheap room with bed and shower. If they went, we would try to camp within a reasonable distance to them.
With so many lakes, I would like to find somewhere off the beaten path, ideally camp on the bank out of vehicles (taking guitars is a must!), with good chance to eat fish daily. Don't know if I mentioned that I do plan to buy a very small travel trailer in the next year - getting too old to sleep on the ground myself. I am thinking there has to be some smaller lakes (10-20 acres) that don't get much attention that are good fishing. Or basecamp out of vehicles somewhere with good day trips by car if possible.
I am tempted to make a scouting trip by myself this summer.
Our group would not be oppose to a local watering hole either. LOL

Mark... here's the perfect spot for you. Big Lake off the Echo Trail.

It's not in the Boundary Waters, although you can access the BW from the lake. There is a boat landing and from your vehicle to the water can be ten feet if you want. It's a short (maybe a half hour) paddle out to an island where there are campsites. If you run out of supplies, you can paddle back to your car and drive into town for pizza (or for the guys who want a motel or bunkhouse). I don't even think there are camping fees. You'll have to double-check that.

Motors are allowed on the lake. Unsure of any horsepower limitations.

I don't remember how far it is from Ely to the Big Lake landing, but say it's a half hour, maybe even 45 minutes. The Echo Trail is quite the winding road. Either way, not a bad ride.

Another question/issue - our group doesn't tend to stick to exact time schedule - someone backs out or can't leave until a day later than planned, etc. So reserving a entry permit for a specific date would be unlikely. I understand the limited number of permits per entry point. From what I read, it's a good idea to reserve but not totally necessary, especially since we would likely we arriving on a weekday in early June.

So I'm guessing it would be a good idea to have a couple plans on arrival since we may not get a permit to our first choice. And being rookies, we would be going totally off of advice. I would hate to spend a day driving around trying to find a permit. That whole uncertainly would make me nervous -to have a plan and it falls apart because we can't get on at an entry point. And then you have to start searching for another one with a whole new plan.

Mark: Even if you don't plan to pull a permit prior to leaving, I'd be going out to check reservation.gov quite often to watch for available possibilities (as they disappear). June is the busiest month. Weekdays are not necessarily the least busy days.

And, you don't need to drive around to check for availability. Any FS office or cooperating outfitter can check that same entire list online for you after you arrive to come up with the day and EP of choice. (You can arrive the night before, secure a permit for the following morning, and settle into your lodging. This allows for an earlier start on Entry Day.)

That helps. Next, do you have to specify how many days or does that even matter?

treehorn: "A few more suggestions...
...

EP 54 - Seagull...stay right here on your EP lake for tons of campsite options and good fishing.
...
"

This is a great entry. I did it several times with my elderly father before he wasn't able to go any more.

I would suggesting going one lake further to Alpine. It has better fishing and it more interesting to me.

If you want some additional excitement, take the tow boat from Seagull outfitters to Red Rock lake. You can paddle through Red Rock, portage one fairly easy portage to Alpine, basecamp on Alpine, portage one fairly easy portage to Seagull and then paddle right to the Seagull dock. The tow boat is nice because you get to see more of the area. The boat ride is nice. You also get to make a loop rather just an out and back.

Mark1: "That helps. Next, do you have to specify how many days or does that even matter?"

You’ll be asked to name an exit date and exit location, but those are not binding and don’t affect cost. That info is requested to get an idea of how groups are dispersed during their time out there. And is... er, ought to be... used for planning changes in campsite locations and daily EP quotas.

Definitely go in the fall after Labor Day. With kids back in school, etc. it is less crowded, the bugs are not bad and the fishing picks up.

Of all the lakes mentioned given your requirements Croc and Gabro would be my two. Ensign is like Grand Central station. You might as well stay at a resort. BTW have you thought of that option?

If you do go to Ensign paddle it. It's not that far. Save the bucks for fishing lures, good food, good gear. The chain, as we used to call it, isn't terrible fishing. You could troll/paddle there and catch your supper on the way.

From one retired guy to another, have a great trip - you've earned it.

From what I've skimmed through in this thread it sounds like you carry a lot of gear, don't want much portaging, and a simple basecamp.

The wife and I do this exact type of trip multiple times each year. However, we've really cut down on the gear over the years. Cutting down on gear would require hiring an outfitter to fully outfit you or like we did, takes many years to figure out what we 'really need.'

Most have mentioned very good areas with minimal-no portaging, great fishing, and would allow you to haul in plenty of gear. I will throw out a couple suggestions for complete first timers (sounds like you are not going with anyone that has visited the BWCA before):

1. I would avoid the 'burn' areas. Some will disagree but the non-burn areas will provide much better views and pictures and give you the 'real' BWCA experience.
2. I would avoid a motorized lake. This will give you a more secluded experience. Even if you enter a busy Entry Point you rarely hear other paddlers. You will see them on the lake no matter what lake you choose (either passing through or fishing) but most the time you won't even notice. Sunrise and sunsets will be much better on a non-motorized lake as most paddlers are at camp.
3. Late May and all of June will provide the best fishing (in my opinion). Also less bugs early in the season.

Enjoy!

It's hard to know exactly where the burn areas are if you are not familiar with the area. I believe the Gunflint area is a burn area, correct?

Mark1: "Being in our early 60s............. Mark"

You'd better wait a little while before you start calling yourselves "seniors".

Mark1: "It's hard to know exactly where the burn areas are if you are not familiar with the area. I believe the Gunflint area is a burn area, correct?"

It's fairly easy to see the burn areas on google maps, they appear a much lighter color from the satellite view than the non-burn areas.

That being said, most burn areas are recovering nicely, and some of the campsite in burn areas really weren't affected at all. I've tripped through them and it just makes the experience a little different, not necessarily worse.

Northwoodsman: "EP #47 Lizz Lake. Stay at Rockwood the night before in a bunkhouse. Grab dinner at the Trail Center. Paddle across Poplar Lake and portage into Lizz and you will be in the BWCA half way across the lake. ...."

This is what our group of old guys is doing this year.!!! Hoping to nab campsite 771 on Vista for a few days.

Blue Skies!
CC

You mentioned camping at base camping entry point. You might look at the Fenske Campground then.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/superior/recreation/recarea/?recid=37047&actid=71

May be best of both worlds for you, and if you like maybe a day trip paddling the Bass, Grassy, Fenske Loop. The folks at Fenske Cabins can outfit the canoes.

My only other advice is get up to the BW THIS YEAR! Life is too short and and we know not what tomorrow brings.

ATB & Blue Skies!

CC

Bumping this up because of amount of good info......and ran my BWCA trip plans by my group of 4-5 seniors who float/camp the MO Ozark National Scenic Riverways ... they're not biting on it...not deterred with my plans and think I can talk 1 buddy and go on a recon mission... so a few more questions....

FIREWOOD...I would think that with all designated campsites, the firewood would be picked over everywhere. (On our rivers, spring floods replenish drift wood.) I see a small saw is recommended supply for downed trees. Typically, do most of you have no problem gathering firewood with a little effort??

CANOE....I plan to bring my 16' with 2.5HP motor (realizing I cannot use everywhere). My fiberglass canoe is heavy but roomy. So any trip with portage, I'm assuming the kelvar canoes are light and I should rent one vs. taking my heavy canoe, which I would like even without the motor (save $$ - esp buddy will be on tight budget.) But to portage, rent the kelvar, RIGHT?? Would 2 guys each take their own canoes?? Do most of you go solo or paired?? Remember, we tend to carry a lot of gear, even when trying to pack light.

Will my canoe/vehicle be safe at parking lot of outfitter?? Should I put a lock on canoe that I just strap on the top??

Since I will likely be towing a small camper (very small, 13-16'), and being I am on a sort of recon mission having never been to the area and no time restraints, I would likely want to check out multiple places and move every couple days. Does anybody have any particular driving loops that would be interesting?? Am also interested in history. Wondering if any neat little towns along the way?? Thought of driving east to west starting out on Gunflint Trail. Youtube videos look like roads are in good shape, but will be my first long trip pulling a trailer. Generally, are the main roads all no problem with a trailer?? Would really be interested in scenic drives and like to hear peoples thoughts on some of the nicest drives.

Don't worry, purists!! LOL I will do at least one multi day trip in canoe and tent for some good old fashion wilderness experience. Leaning toward East Bearskin to Crocodile Lake for some walleyes.

Thanks again all. I'm a regular on our Ozark Anglers Forum, a great site for info, but it is starting to lose interest. Glad BWCA forum is going strong!!

Mark
Ste. Genevieve, MO

I'll echo the Lizz entry base on Caribou. Day trips to Meeds, Horseshe, maybe Gaskin. It will give you a good taste of the BWCA. Bunk at Rockwood. Call ahead about leaving your vehicle and camper there. Should be no problem and will be safe. While on the Gunflint trail, you can take your motor canoe on a bunch of different lakes and there are a bunch of campgrounds. Bearskin, Flour, Iron, Trails end.......you could make a month out of it. Chickwauk museum near the end of the Gunflint will give you a bunch of history of the Trail. Take the 45 minute hike out to the Magnetic Rock, hike the Honey Moon Bluff trail for a great view and always make sure to eat at the Trail Center. For a quick little lunch, it's kinda neat to enjoy a lunch out on the deck at Trails End Cafe.

Any free camping on Caribou?

It cannot get much easier than Lake One. No portages and if necessary, a short flat portage to Lakes two and three which is connected by a strait. Many camps available and quite a few have good solitude if in a bay or out of the general traffic lanes overnight travelers use. Travel around this site go to Maps and entry points for good info about the number of sites and generally good info about the ratings for any individual site. You may have to join the site at no charge to access all information. Or not about info on sites. I am not truly sure.

Being from St. Gen, (I have been to St. Gen. from St. L. quite a few times in the 80's for work), you will likely not notice too many canoes since your definition of solitude likely is based on a small town psych. If solitude means for you no sightings, or hardly at all, stick to cove sites and out of way places if you use the numbered lakes.

I think you probably have the basecamp thing down pat, but read the comments in BASE CAMP BASICS which is the bottom of the MESSAGE BOARD forums available to go to on the entry page of this site. It is down below at the bottom below ITEMS FOR SALE OR WANTED and usually does not show unless you scroll down a bit.

One trip I haven't seen mentioned is off the Moose Lake EP (#25). Take a tow up to Prairie Portage Ranger Station and paddle into Birch (through the channel) and you'd only have 1-2 hours of paddling max. Birch has some great fishing and a VERY short and easy Portage takes you into Carp Lake which has a beautiful pool with rapids on the far side. Great spot for N. Pike a bruiser SMB's. Camping on Birch can be busy but its still a blast. You could arrange for a tow back so you don't have an all day paddle to the end of Moose. Just my $.02

Mark1, if you're pulling a camper and using your own canoe, I'd suggest getting a site at the USFS campground on Sawbill Lake and doing day permits to paddle. I did that last year with my wife and another couple. Everyone wanted to go camping, but no one (other than me) was keen on the idea of portaging and finding a site in the backcountry. The ladies took showers every day and we ate ice cream from the store at Sawbill every evening. It wasn't my idea of a true BWCA experience, but it gave everyone a taste of it. My wife wants to go back and do an actual trip now.

There are other entry lakes with campgrounds if Sawbill isn't your cup of tea. Baker Lake comes to mind.

Yep, Sawbill keeps getting mentioned. But at $18 per night, it would get expensive for my plans to stay for an extended period. But I will definitely put it on my list of a place to catch a hot shower maybe once a week. I won't stay anywhere for $18 per night for more than a night.

I still think there have to be a couple places where I camp for free, fit a small 13-16' trailer, and be on the water to fish right at camp, take a dip to wash the funk off, and have some sense of wilderness. As I said, I guess I am spoiled and use to camping for free or maybe $5 per night in undeveloped campgrounds in Missouri. $90 for a place to camp for a week with no amenities seems ridiculous to me. After all, we are talking about federally owned land.

Sure wish I could meet someone on here with knowledge of a few "hidden gems". HINT HINT LOL

Mark1: "Yep, Sawbill keeps getting mentioned. But at $18 per night..."

You can cut that in half with America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Lifetime Senior Pass

Lifetime is $80, annual is $20.

I read you are taking your 2.5 hp motor with you. I apologize if you already know this or if I misunderstood you. You stated you realize you can’t use your motor everywhere. So bringing a motor with you will be limited to motor access lakes only, possession of a motor on paddle only lakes is illegal. It doesn’t mater if it’s in the bottom of your canoe, it’s illegal. So a trip that involves a loop is out of the question with a motor because you need to go back for your motor. The good news is it is legal to then stash your motor in the woods, go to non motor lakes and on your return you just go get it back from your hiding spot. This rule is only for people stashing equipment on the same trip.

So getting back to my response back in April about my suggested trip to Ensign. You could save your group a lot of money by using your canoe with a motor and stashing in the woods at the portage to Splash. The tow costs $26.00 a person each way, plus a tip to the driver $5.00. ($124.00 savings)

Another thing I think you need to be aware of is the availability of motor permits. You might want to research the motor permit availability. I can’t remember how this works, maybe someone else here will help you on this.

jhb8426: "

Mark1: "Yep, Sawbill keeps getting mentioned. But at $18 per night..."

You can cut that in half with America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Lifetime Senior Pass

Lifetime is $80, annual is $20."

There is that ouch-factor in the initial output, it's true. However, if you're a frequent, active camper it pays for itself in a short amount of time. Win-Win.

Apparently, there are scant freebie spots to be had like in the old days.