I'm super excited about the upcoming spring and summer. I've got 2 Quetico trips and 2 BW trips planned.

I'm looking for some suggestions on a paddle trip over spring break.

I have the first week of April off and I'd love to load up the car with my canoe and take a road trip somewhere new. Looking for a place that offers seclusion for a 4 night solo. I live in the Minneapolis metro area, so I'm willing to put in some serious driving.

Also, I recently returned from a spectacular paddle trip out of Bahia de los Angeles (tiny fishing village on the Sea of Cortez in Baja). I'd be happy to give anyone some insight on that trip if interested (logistics, fishing spots, wind protected campsites, and so on). Great paddling, scenery, and fishing. It is certainly a special place.

Thanks everyone.

quote MattM: "I'm super excited about the upcoming spring and summer. I've got 2 Quetico trips and 2 BW trips planned.

I'm looking for some suggestions on a paddle trip over spring break.

I have the first week of April off and I'd love to load up the car with my canoe and take a road trip somewhere new. Looking for a place that offers seclusion for a 4 night solo. I live in the Minneapolis metro area, so I'm willing to put in some serious driving.

Also, I recently returned from a spectacular paddle trip out of Bahia de los Angeles (tiny fishing village on the Sea of Cortez in Baja). I'd be happy to give anyone some insight on that trip if interested (logistics, fishing spots, wind protected campsites, and so on). Great paddling, scenery, and fishing. It is certainly a special place.

Thanks everyone.

"

I hope some of the more experienced folks chime in after me, but I'm not sure the ice will be out by then. Last year there was ice until the first couple days of May. I see Ely is forecasted to see uppper 40s the weekend. Hopefully the ice goes out quicker this year so we can get some pre-season trippin in!

Doesn't the season open May 1st? Are you even able to go that time of the year? I guess I never really understood how permits work for the winter, but the website shows no availability for any entry point before the 1st of May.

quote A1t2o: "Doesn't the season open May 1st? Are you even able to go that time of the year? I guess I never really understood how permits work for the winter, but the website shows no availability for any entry point before the 1st of May."

http://canoecountry.com/plan/rules.htm
Self-Issued Permits (Entry dates from October 1 through April 30 ONLY)

The self-issuing permits are valid during the summer for non-motorized day use, and for any day use from Crane Lake to Lake Vermilion.
Self-issuing permits are available at any Forest Service office and at BWCA entry points.
The summer quota permit system has not changed. Reservations are still made through the BWCA Reservation System.
In accepting a permit you, as party leader, agree to be responsible for any violation of the following:
Travel Permits - The following are enforceable Forest Service regulations (maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail).

You must enter the BWCA at the entry point and on the entry date shown on your permit.
You may not re-enter on a different date using the same permit.
Permit stubs become invalid when the group leader exits the wilderness.
Group Size

Nine (9) people and four (4) watercraft are the maximum allowed together in the wilderness.
You may not exceed the limit at any time or anywhere (on water, portages, campsites) in the BWCA.
Smaller groups increase your wilderness experience and decrease the impacts.

I guess I should have been a bit more specific. I'm looking to go somewhere other than the BWCA or Quetico. These are two of my favorite places on earth, but I'm looking try someplace totally new.

I know this is a BWCA forum, but I thought I would tap into the wealth of knowledge on this site.

Also, regarding the previous posts--you just have to self-issue in the shoulder and winter seasons. Keep a few permits in your glove box for whenever you get the urge for a quick trip in October or April.

SweetDreams beat me to it.

Thank in advance for any ideas.

Missouri's Current River? Maybe too far but no ice

I have an acquaintance through some mutual friends who has been paddling the Lewis & Clark route a week at a time over the years. I always thought that was a neat idea. It might be an option that time of the year on the lower part of the route or on the western side of the rockies.

Lewis & Clark Trail Maps

St croix, cannon, or Mississippi River float maybe?

My son's love Buffalo River. Our Scout troop goes most spring breaks.

Thanks for all the input! Good suggestions. Still debating on what to do.

Good luck with finding a place to go. Sounds like fun!!!!

I sent you an email about info on the trip you suggested for my daddy/daughter trip. Permit is booked..........

Try to Cloquet River, or the Big or Little Fork Rivers. Great info online for all of these. Frozen lakes might make them tricky, especially the reservoirs on the Cloquet.

The Namakagon might be open in Wisconsin. Or the Sauk or Rum.

The lakes are likely to be frozen over, so you'll probably have to paddle moving water that time of year. Water will be high and cold...but also fun if you have any whitewater experience and are safe (throw rope/painters/life vests, etc.)