We are planning a trip with our 9 yr old. This is his first time going to the BWCA. He loves the outdoors. Mom and Dad go every year. How long of a paddle is it to get to Pipestone BAy? And, would this be too much for the 9 yr old?

Did this trip last year with my wife and 11 year old son. No problem, easy little trip. The portages are wide and flat and short with not much elevation change.

I've done it solo/single portaging in about 2 hours. I think the 9 y/o would be fine, the portages would break up the monotony of being in the canoe pretty well.

Picture of the falls into Pipestone.

From Fall L. landing to Pipestone Bay should be about 3 hours, depending on how fast you move along (there are some easy side trails to see the falls, and Newton Lake is a nice meander).
Great intro. trip- flat easy portages. If keeping away from motor traffic is an issue for you, consider camping on the east side of the lake.