Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: John Lake info
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hawleycanoeguy |
After a busy summer of running my kids every which way, coaching baseball, and now getting back into the classroom for my day job, I'm in the midst of planning my annual solo paddling trip in mid-October. I have several spots in mind. All of my 14 previous BWCA trips have been either on the Ely side or along the Echo Trail. I have a few trip possibilities over in that area in mind for this fall. However, I'd like to do an eastern trip just to say I did it and to get over the proverbial hump of the extra drive time it will take me (7 hours versus 5 hours). I'll be taking the turbo tub (17ft Grumman). I'm looking for just a short, simple paddle in with a portage or two, basecamp close to my EP, and have options to throw in a line, check out a river/rapids, and do some hiking for two-three days before heading back out. After looking at various EP's, John Lake caught my eye. Based on my research, rapids and the Royal River, three nice campsites, hiking trail in the area, and it being as far east pretty much as a person can get in the BWCA check all of my boxes so far. I'd also be pretty close to Grand Portage, and that's another box checked for me if I go this way. Will I find solitude on John Lake during this time of year? Or would I expect to find these campsites taken? Weekend entry vs. weekday? Is there a way to access the Border Route Trail anywhere on John Lake? Any other information from personal experiences? Thank you in advance! |
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Laketrout69 |
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straighthairedcurly |
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grizzlyadams |
Have a great trip! |
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AlexanderSupertramp |
hawleycanoeguy: "Will I find solitude on John Lake during this time of year? Or would I expect to find these campsites taken? Weekend entry vs. weekday? Is there a way to access the Border Route Trail anywhere on John Lake? Any other information from personal experiences? Whatever you do, stay off Pine this time of year if you are going solo. That's a dangerous lake to be on alone with any amount of wind, and it is the windy season. I actually cancelled a John permit that I had for last Thursday due the projected winds being 25-30mph gusting pretty much all day/night over the weekend. I found smaller water to be on, and it was still pretty crumby. What I ended up doing, which you may consider, is Lizz Lake through Caribou or Horseshoe and back. Or Lizz through caribou and over to Meeds and back up through Poplar. I did the 300 rod portage out of Meeds into Poplar and it was well cleared and worn this time of year, making the entire trip only 5 portages. The Banadad Ski trail runs through the Meeds and Lizz portages East/West and is totally hikeable right now. You could follow that West for miles. Just make sure you have your blaze orange on. |