I went to the BWCA as a child but never planned a trip before. I'll have a group of 8 or 9 going into the BWCA for an overnight canoeing trip around Labor Day 2017.

The group will all be people between 25 and 35 who are in good shape. We'll be driving up from the Twin Cities area and using our own gear.

Knowing the people in the group, most everyone will be primarily interested in canoeing, hiking, and enjoying the scenery, but there may be a few people who want to fish while we're there. People would be okay with longer portages.

Are there any entry points that anyone would recommend? I feel a bit out of my depth looking at all of the options that are available.

First of all, welcome to the board.
Then, it would help if you could tell us if you are interested in the Ely side, Echo trail or Grand Marais area? There are many routes - you might read some of the trip reports and get a little insight.

Thank you for the welcome. I think I'd prefer Gramd Marais so we can get the north shore driving experience all as a group, but beyond that I'm a little lost. I've found the wealth of information on this site a little intimidating, but I will try looking at trip reports. Thank you! :)

How many night trip are you planning? Are you looking for a loop or an in and out?

How about an East Bearskin loop?

You mention an "overnight" trip into the BWCA. Does this mean paddle in, stay one night and paddle out? I think knowing how many nights will greatly affect the advice you get here. If it is one night, there is a good chance you will be lamenting that decision, it takes a day or two to "get into the rhythm" of the wilderness experience. But, you gotta go with what you got. Hope, for all of your sakes that you have 3 or 4 nights at least to truly experience it.

Then be ready for lots of suggestions:)

Lindyfair is correct about going for more then one night. If you are outfitting yourself you will find out it takes just as much work and planning to get everything organized for a one day trip as it does for a week long trip. 8 or 9 people means you will be hauling lots of "stuff" from the Twin Cities.

With a group that size it will be hard to please everyone at the same time. I suggest you pick a place to paddle in a few lakes and base camp for a few nights and some folks can take day trips and some folks can fish.

MNLindsay80 had a pretty good suggestion with East Bearskin entry then head east into Alder, Canoe or Pierz lakes. You can also do this by taking the Crocodile River entry permit. East Bearskin National Forest Campground is a very nice place to stay the night before to get an early start plus you can get a reservation for the busy Labor Day weekend.

quote Wables: "How many night trip are you planning? Are you looking for a loop or an in and out?"

I am hoping to do a 3 night trip and a loop would be easier.

quote UPBoy: "Lindyfair is correct about going for more then one night. If you are outfitting yourself you will find out it takes just as much work and planning to get everything organized for a one day trip as it does for a week long trip. 8 or 9 people means you will be hauling lots of "stuff" from the Twin Cities.


With a group that size it will be hard to please everyone at the same time. I suggest you pick a place to paddle in a few lakes and base camp for a few nights and some folks can take day trips and some folks can fish.


MNLindsay80 had a pretty good suggestion with East Bearskin entry then head east into Alder, Canoe or Pierz lakes. You can also do this by taking the Crocodile River entry permit. East Bearskin National Forest Campground is a very nice place to stay the night before to get an early start plus you can get a reservation for the busy Labor Day weekend."

Thanks for your comments and thanks also to LindyFar and MNLindsay80 for the helpful suggestions! I'll be doing a 3 night trip. Hoping to get in on Thursday and leave Sunday. I will definitely check out an East Bearskin loop and appreciate the suggestion of doing a base camp with optional day trips. Great idea :)

A couple of things you may have already discovered:

Clicking the Planning Tab at the top gives you a drop-down menu with trip reports sorted by entry point. The same with Maps & Entry Points.

Some other considerations: As you probably know, your entry permit will limit your group to 9 people and 4 watercraft, but beyond that, your group size will impact the availability of suitable designated campsites. That will also be affected by the number and size of tents, as well as whether any are hammockers. You can find some information about campsites, as well as portages, by clicking on them on the maps.

If you and your group are inexperienced at portaging, you'll find there's more to it than just being young and fit. You'll only move as quickly and efficiently as the least proficient paddlers and least organized portagers in your group, so you'll want to assess everyone's experience level and plan accordingly.

You said you'd be using your own gear, but didn't mention whether you'd be renting canoes, nor what kind of gear it is.

You will all enjoy the North Shore drive - it's beautiful. There is a lot to see there if you have time.

The East Bearskin entry might work well for you.