Hi All, I am starting to think about a bwca canoe trip for next year for a group ranging in age from 5 to 70 years old. 2 kids (5 and 7), their dad, their aunt, and their grandmother (70). All the adults have done some canoeing on lakes and rivers, but we would be new to canoe camping (Grandma has done kayak camping). The kids have been passengers in the canoe lots of times and enjoy it. The adults are very experienced back country back packers. We have spent a lot of time in true wilderness, and have a solid skill set. None of us are super fit, but we all can paddle and hike at a medium intensity comfortably.

My thought is that with the kids, a base camping trip would probably be best. I am thinking no more than 3 portages to get to a base camp. And then going on day trips and fishing excursions from base camp. I really want my nieces and my mom to have the best chance of a good time; the trip I invision would be all about the kids and grandparent. Playing in the water, swimming, wildlife watching, fishing...

We would be renting canoes from an outfitter, and probably food packs. We have the rest of the gear. Driving in from the lower midwest; east or west side of bwca would be fine.

I know there is a wealth of experience on this forum. What are your thoughts about a nice 4-5 day trip for a group like this? Thanks in advance!

I’ve only done it from Sawbill, which isn’t horrible, but may not be one day travel for your group, but if you could get to the north east site on Frost, it’d be perfect.

Someone else may have an easier way there. Ambitious, but a fantastic base camp for the group and trip you described.

Good for your group size, sand beach, large fire pit area, etc.

So many variables with a broad set of age groups. Physical ability, willingness to "rough it", attention span, adaptation to weather and surroundings etc.. I think it is a good idea to base camp. But, I might choose a shorter destination giving you the option of getting out if things don't go well. One suggestion might be to go in at Moose lake ( Ely side) and go to Ensign. One short portage I believe. Many sites on this lake so good chance finding a spot if you travel early. With a trip like this you can bring a fair amount of gear to keep kids occupied (toys, games) and adults comfortable. ( chairs) . There is a waterfall you could daytrip to. Cattyman falls. Also, other lakes you can travel to. Ensign is a fairly big lake so it holds fish. Be careful if windy. Not a lot of solitude in the summer months but still i would sacrifice that for a trip that gives you options. Pete

I suggest Sawbill Lake entry (EP 38) to Cherokee Lake and back out the same route. The portages aren't tough providing you don't choose the clockwise or counterclockwise loops that are often suggested. A nice wading area awaits at the north end of Cherokee Lake--at the 12-rod portage to Gordon Lake.
Frost is a pretty lake too and only just a little bit further.

I would look at Pete's suggestion but just paddle all the way up into Birch lake. An alternate would be Fall lake as there are a lot of nice sites along the way. Yeah there will be boats along the way but you can paddle up into NE Basswood and leave them behind. Or if you don't want to paddle that far just take a site on the east side of Pipestone as the boats stick to the west when travelling though that area.

Thanks, all. I will look at these suggestions in more detail. I have some route planning books coming. I was thinking about Sawbill anyway, so 2 suggestions for Cherokee/Frost are something to look at for sure.

In terms of willingness to "rough it, " all the adults give primitive camping 5 stars. We spent a few decades in SE Alaska, and we are an outdoorsy family. So we know all about rain and mosquitos. The kids love outdoor activities, think my fishing canoe is the best thing ever; maybe sleeping in a tent and campfires might be even better than the boat.

Isolation in the wilderness is lovely, of course, just not the focus of this adventure. With a senior citizen and 2 little ones, I am quite OK with occasionally seeing other groups. Physical condition is ok; I have no safety concerns. I just want folks to have enough energy to have fun. I know my mom doesn't have as much fuel in her tanks these days (but she does not realize that yet). So I am looking for an easy base camp trip, w/o planing on really super rocky, deep muddy, steep, or super long portages. The kids would be super excited to see a beaver dam though.

For and easy trip with just a couple portages I would consider the numbered lakes. I know, could be crowded but you should be able to get a campsite out of the traffic flow on the southern part of Lake 3 with only 2 short portages to get there. We just took a family trip there this June and while we left in a virtual flotilla of canoes once we got off the canoe highway things were pretty quiet. There is lots to explore in the numbered lakes and we were hardly able to put a dent in the possibilities in the 4 1/2 days we had.

Thanks. I will check out the numbered lakes also. My understanding is that area is recovering from a wildfire, so initially I had skipped over it for that reason.

off the Gunflint Trial: Enter East Bearskin Lake (EP 64) for a short paddle to Alder Lake for a basecamp. Only one short portage from the southern arm of Bearskin but plenty of options for routes. Perhaps a day hike to Johnson Falls. I did that from Alder Lake one year and it is easy-going. Fishing is good. The site # 706 on Alder would accommodate your group nicely. If you end up there go around the point and enter this site at its 'backdoor' approach in the bay area--out of any wind.
A visit to Grand Marais is a great pastime for strolls or eats at either end of your trip.
Alder Lake and surrounding lakes

Lots of great advice so far. I'll add one more thought. You might consider starting from the western side (Ely) because your group, especially the kids, might enjoy the sights in the town before and after the trip. Lots to see, including the International Wolf Center. The shops are a lot of fun for such hardy travelers (as your young ones will be after their trip).

I envy your plan, you will never regret doing this. Three generations!

Dave

Thanks for letting me know about the wolf center. I will certainly look into that.

I appreciate all the recomendations. I am reading a book about BWCA canoe camping right now; it provides a wealth of information.

Dave,

I would like to make it a 4 generations trip, but I don't think great grandma is a north woods sort of lady. I am going to ask, though this would mean renting a nice cabin and day tripping. But I think a 3 generations trip is probably what will come about, so am working on that plan.