We are familiar with the central part of the Boundary waters/Quetico, but wanted to branch out to explore either the east or western parts to see some new territory. We have an entry permit for Mudro, the plan being to go up the Horse River to Basswood and hang out there, and exit the same way. The other option, also one we are not familiar with, is to go up the Granite River route to Saganaga and down to Sawbill outfitters. We paddled through the burn area on Lakes Two, Three, Four the year before last, and though we were glad we saw the power of these fires, not sure we want to do that again, our concern being what we have heard about the Granite River area. Any feedback about which of these two routes you'd recommend, the burn area around the Granite River, suggestions, etc. would be appreciated. We are in our late 60's, lots of experience, but still looking to explore new territory. Thanks so much-

The Granite River is still very nice despite the recent burn. How do you propose to get to Sawbill Outfitters from Sag? That is a LONG paddle! :)

Sorry- meant Seagull outfitters rather than Sawbill. How many days would be spent in the burn area up this route- thanks for anyone's feedback,

I talked to an old outfitter friend of mine who has lived his whole life up there once and asked him what was his best BWCA experience. Without batting an eye he told me to paddle the Granite River. I had the opportunity to explore the north end of the river this past year, you can read my trip report here.

The current is practically nonexistent and the fishing is great.

The Granite River area is coming back despite the burn, here's some pictures to give you an idea of what to expect on Maraboeuf and near Saganaga Falls, not sure about anything south of Devil's Elbow. The area I was in could be about a day's paddle if you don't stop and the wind is with you on Sag - maybe 5-6 hours with portages? not sure

Maraboeuf Lake

Saganaga Falls

This campsite on the inlet near the "elbow" of Maraboeuf was untouched by the fire, Forest Service must have worked hard to save it.

There are other pics in the trip report also.

I paddled Granite mid June last year......not many portages and certainly no difficult ones....several pretty waterfalls, great fishing....some nice camp sites.....will do it again some day......We stayed at gunflint outfitters and launched from their beach and got picked up over on Sag. Depending on when you go, it is a popular route. When we went, after day one, we didn't see another person until we hit Sag.....

Mike

Would Granite be a good route for a first solo trip or would the unpredictability on Sag make it a tough finish?

quote VaderStrom: "Would Granite be a good route for a first solo trip or would the unpredictability on Sag make it a tough finish?"

Depends. If you get up really early and get paddling the lake should remain relatively calm...Don't get me wrong, you always have to factor in the wind on Sag because it can be treacherous sometimes, but don't let that scare you away from what I think is one of the best lakes ever as far as scenery and variety as to your options.

Seagull Outfitters will pick you up at Saganaga Falls.

I did the Granite River Route last year with my then 9 year old in late July, and used Seagull Outfitters. It's still a very scenic route, lots of elevation changes. Portages weren't too bad, (even though we had to triple portage).

There was certainly evidence of the burn, but all the campsites we used, or even saw, were still wooded and shaded, so it wasn't like we were camping on the moon.

We had the outfitters pick us up just past Sag Falls, and glad we did. Sag had a good blow that day, and the paddle from the falls back to the outfitters would have been brutal, best money I ever spent.

We were fortunate and had beautiful weather/water and paddled in from the falls....we actually spent a night on the island campsite about 1/2 mile from the falls....got up the next morning had a leisurely breakfast, broke camp paddled about 3 hours and made camp on an island just West of the sag corridor, fished a bit, got up the next morning and the lake was like glass! We broke camp and had a leisurely 45 minute paddle to the take out....Get an early start to avoid the wind or a tow....I guess it depends on how much time you have....if you are on a very tight schedule, you might opt for the tow to play it safe...I've talked to people who have packed light, single portaged and run that entire granite river route in one day....you could do it pretty easy in two or three days, we took our time and enjoyed the great fishing, spent two days on one beautiful island site and never traveled more than 4 hours on any given day....and spent a week on it....

Mike

quote JATFOMike: "We were fortunate and had beautiful weather/water and paddled in from the falls....we actually spent a night on the island campsite about 1/2 mile from the falls....got up the next morning had a leisurely breakfast, broke camp paddled about 3 hours and made camp on an island just West of the sag corridor, fished a bit, got up the next morning and the lake was like glass! We broke camp and had a leisurely 45 minute paddle to the take out....Get an early start to avoid the wind or a tow....I guess it depends on how much time you have....if you are on a very tight schedule, you might opt for the tow to play it safe...I've talked to people who have packed light, single portaged and run that entire granite river route in one day....you could do it pretty easy in two or three days, we took our time and enjoyed the great fishing, spent two days on one beautiful island site and never traveled more than 4 hours on any given day....and spent a week on it....


Mike"

Yep, that's why I love Saganaga so much. I've had a few terrible paddles but the glassy ones make it all worthwhile. Was the island campsite the big one where you could see the lake home on the Canadian side? If so I spent two days there also and loved it.

I am looking forward to taking 3 newbies, two of which are kids, on the Granite this August!

Your numbered lake experience showed you what the forest is like in the near immediate aftermath of a fire. The Granite burned as a part of the Ham lake fire in 2007, so in some ways a trip up the Granite would be a glimpse of what the numbered lakes area will look like 5 or more years from now.

I don't know how long your planned trip from Mudro is, but an option would be to go up the Horse to the falls then follow the border NW to Friday Bay then come back down through Gun and Fourtown to Mudro. A week would afford plenty of time for this route.


With my group this summer we're planning on a full week for the Granite and hopefully 3 or 4 campsites.

I have paddled portions of the Granite River several times in the past 6 years. It looks like the fire was a fast moving fire as it burned the trees enough to kill them, but not enough to knock them down--most are still standing and new growth is fairly well established around them. While not a full forest view, it is not desolate either. The camp sites are mostly in low lying areas that did not get burned.

If you know how to fish moving water, you will love the Granite. We have never been disappointed with the fishing and I would return anytime just for the fishing.

Two years ago we traveled south to north in very high water and were able to shoot several of the rapids from Clove north to Maraboeuf. Lots of small water that makes for great paddling, but note that there are not a lot of campsites along some stretches of the Granite--plan carefully. I think you will find it a very enjoyable trip.

On my forty day trip I paddled from Gunflint to Clove in a short time. Had a relaxing afternoon and night. Then an easy day up to Sag. I would have liked to camp on Maraboeuf but it was to early to even think about stopping even for lunch. Great stretch of water.

quote nctry: "On my forty day trip I paddled from Gunflint to Clove in a short time. Had a relaxing afternoon and night. Then an easy day up to Sag. I would have liked to camp on Maraboeuf but it was to early to even think about stopping even for lunch. Great stretch of water."

It's a great place to camp, so quiet and peaceful and the fishing is great, even better if you know what you're doing!

I have been on the Granite River twice. Not too tough, good fishing, some nice waterfalls. A very nice trip.
Was planning on paddling the Horse last year but got to Fourtown found a nice sight there and never went any farther.