Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Frost River Route
by Navigator

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 06/01/2009
Entry Point: Cross Bay Lake (EP 50)
Exit Point: Seagull Lake Only (EP 54A)  
Number of Days: 9
Group Size: 3
Trip Introduction:
Frost River - Solitude, Solidarity & Stamina - A Father's Joy
Day 1 of 9
Monday, June 01, 2009

Anticipation... The only word I can used to describe the feeling as me and my two boys, Matt (17) and Andrew (14) stepped into our Jeep Liberty at 5AM and started our 12 hour commute to my most favorite place on Earth - The BWCAW! As we traveled, I couldn't help wondering what awaited us - Will the weather hold, will their be adequate water levels in the Frost River, will my boys not kill each other (a Dad's ongoing struggle), will the fishing be good. For me, the trip really begins in Duluth as the prairie lands and straight highways disappear and the rugged terrain of the Northwoods begins to unfold.

We arrive at Seagull Canoe Outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail on schedule and are welcomed by Deb Mark as we arrive. A native Northern Minnesota resident, Deb is always full of valuable information that helps us as we plan our trip ahead. We check in, buy licenses and permits, check into the Paddlers Lodge - our home for the evening - before heading back down the Trail to the Red Paddle Bistro.

For those who haven't experienced the Red Paddle Bistro at Gunflint Lodge on Gunflint Lake... you are missing something special! Great food with a rustic lodge atmosphere. Try the Walleye Chowder - it keeps me coming back!

We finish our last "real food" for the week, as my sons would say, and head back to Seagull Outfitters. Dusk on the Trail is always full of wildlife! We come across a fox frolicking along the trail.


We also visit out launch point and snap off a pre-trip photo at Cross Bay River near our point of debarkation. We are excited to get the paddles wet!

After playing cards for a few hands, we decide to turn in as 7AM comes pretty early for young men :)