My wife and kids requested a repeat performance of our annual July 4th weekend trip. We are going into Sawbill on the 4th after camping at the USFS campground on the lake the night before.

They suggested that I lead them into Alton as opposed to Cherokee (rained last year, don't ask!). Although I would prefer a Cherokee-redux, I'm only the group leader, so I go where the paddlers paddle.

Any advice on campsites? I'm not looking at a map at the moment but recall a relatively easy 35 rod portage into Alton at about mid-lake. I think that heading north towards Kelso would be a better option for campsites and to avoid, at least a little bit of the bear-visitations that might occur further south. However, having never been on Alton, I'd love to hear others' takes on the this and any other suggestions. Kelso might also be an option for us. Any thoughts or feedback would be most welcome, thanks.

I have only traveled through Kelso on my way up to Mesaba but I would think Kelso would get you off the bigger water if its windy. Also a cool rock structure up there, can't remember the name but it listed in the cool places in canoe country forum. There is also an old trail leading up to the old fire tower on Kelso Mountain.

There is a great beach site on the north side of Alton with a creek in back. You can get to both lakes from this one sight and lots of people try to get the sight.

quote Canoearoo: "There is a great beach site on the north side of Alton with a creek in back. You can get to both lakes from this one sight and lots of people try to get the sight."

Thanks Canoearoo! We'll look for that one as we go in. I'd suggest us moving further on but the portages into/out of Alton would be a bit much for everyone and a basecamp after a shorter paddling/portaging will be most welcome I am sure.

quote DeanL: "I have only traveled through Kelso on my way up to Mesaba but I would think Kelso would get you off the bigger water if its windy. Also a cool rock structure up there, can't remember the name but it listed in the cool places in canoe country forum. There is also an old trail leading up to the old fire tower on Kelso Mountain."

Thanks DeanL. Both of those are awesome suggestions. Any thoughts on fishing either Alton or Kelso?