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      Trip Report - Johnson Falls Day Trip - First time BWCA
 
  Last Visit: 04/24/2024 09:02AM

Entry Point 62 - Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (10 HP max). This entry point is supported by Gunflint Ranger Station near the city of Grand Marais, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 33 miles. Motors allowed on Clearwater Lake only. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1673 feet
Latitude: 48.0702
Longitude: -90.3752
Author Message Text
Hueyav8r
membermember
 
07/31/2010 09:57PM
 
New Trip Report posted by Hueyav8r

Trip Name: Johnson Falls Day Trip - First time BWCA.

Entry Point: 64

Click Here to View Trip Report
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fishguts
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07/31/2010 11:31PM
 
Thanks for the report, I liked the pictures, especialy the falls, Thanks!

fishguts
moss13
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07/31/2010 11:34PM
 
Very nice. I have been to Bearskin many times at the lodge. Last fall I took a daytrip to Crocodile Falls and lake. Next time will be the route you took. While that does look like a long day, the thought of sleeping in a cozy cabin had to be comforting. Thanks for sharing.
SunCatcher
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08/01/2010 07:03AM
 
Way to go!!! I am glad everyone hung in there and stuck it out. The wind is not your friend when your paddling into it. Great experience, and nice pics.
SunCatcher

"WWJD"
tremolo in Indiana
Guest Paddler
 
08/01/2010 07:29AM
 
How did your son want to "reinvent" portaging? You guys really pushed it in a day. Nicely done. I also did a BW trip twenty years ago while pregnant with number one son. I recall being very buoyant in the wate and not having to portage a thing. Thanks for sharing. Hope you get to do something longer soon.
onajourney
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
08/01/2010 08:40AM
 
Thanks for the report...the timing was perfect. We are planning to take some canoe newbies up to either Johnson Falls or Rose Lake Falls for a day trip in a couple of weeks. We definately will need to keep our eyes on the wind when making our decision. Anyone want to recommend one over the other?


Moss13 - where are Crocodile Falls. We did a fall trip to Crocodile Lake one Fall but don't remember any falls?
Gunflinter
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
08/01/2010 01:59PM
 
Thanks for the report. I would not have had as good as luck with my kids of their friends. You must have very energetic and agreeable kids or you're very persusaive, probably some of both.

God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure. Eric Liddell
Vanny
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08/01/2010 05:55PM
 
Thanks for the report. I'm taking some newbies to that area in couple weeks.

"You'll learn more here by accident, than elsewhere by design" Fireworks Commissioner of Gumption County
sloughman
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
08/01/2010 11:57PM
 
I know this route well, without the wind this should be an easy trip. However, both East Bearskin and Alder are long and narrow and the wind really can catch you. Glad you made the trip. You should have swam. I was there about two weeks before you and once you get used to the water it was fine.

"You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack." - Alan Garner, The Hangover.
sloughman
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
08/01/2010 11:57PM
 
I know this route well, without the wind this should be an easy trip. However, both East Bearskin and Alder are long and narrow and the wind really can catch you. Glad you made the trip. You should have swam. I was there about two weeks before you and once you get used to the water it was fine.

"You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack." - Alan Garner, The Hangover.
alpine525
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
08/02/2010 08:14AM
 
Congratulations on making it there and back in one day - East Bearskin can be tough when it's windy! It's a great area - lots of big, old, beautiful white pines. Next time try an 'over-nighter' - you might like it enough to come back again. Enjoyed your trip report and photos!


Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace. Dalai Lama
Corndog
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08/02/2010 08:36AM
 
I loved your report! The picture of the falls is great! I love waterfalls, so relaxing.


I do think, if your Daughters knew you posted a picture of them, they would say, "Dad, don't do that geesh." I have 3 daughters that are camera shy and hate it when I show pictures of them. They must be good sports if they let you do it, your son looks tired!


Keep up the good reports, sounds like a fun trip to connect with your kids.

By the way Sloghman, do you studder? you posted the same thing twice, the same thing twice. Oops I studdered.

OMG "Corndogged again!" My all time favorite quote.
TuscaroraBorealis
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
08/06/2010 10:59AM
 
Great report & photos. Johnson falls is a great introductory trip to the BWCAW. Hope you have many more.


TB
hueyav8r-reply
Guest Paddler
 
08/14/2010 05:06PM
 
The way my son wanted to reinvent portaging. His great idea was everyone grab the front of one and the back of the other. This way we could all share the load. This would have worked if were on a flat field to cross. But the idea didn't work well going around trees, or up/down hills, etc. We tried, he was fine after that.
My oldest who was pragnant, I didn't think she would want to go. But she insisted and wanted to Kayak. We agreed that we would end the trip if she felt it was too much. She never said anything but I read in her personal blog later that she was concerned at some points during the trip. (My grand daughter has since been born and I am a first time grand father. I already picked up an infants pfd.)
This was a very good bonding trip for my children. My daughter that couldn't make it was preparing for her MedSchool Boards. She wanted to join us but was felt she needed to keep studying.
I am looking forward to our next trip.
lars54
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
08/15/2010 08:25PM
 
nice report, and I liked the pictures
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