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 Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Trip Planning Forum Ram lake entry plan? Reply
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| Author | Message Text |
| jillpine |
07/22/2021 09:50PMRRHD: "Since I'm a teacher and flexible with my schedule in the summers, I usually don't worry about permits, which ended up being a mistake this year. The only EP my husband and I could find for our anniversary trip was Ram. We did a Bower Trout to Ram trip a few years ago, and as we exited at Ram, my husband swore he would never ever go through that area again, and definitely not as an entry since it's all uphill going in. Portages in the eastern region are rugged - good ol' Laurentian Divide. And Ram is definitely a bugger. Are you set on BWCA or would you consider perimeter lakes in the eastern area? Some ideas would be: base camp at one of the USFS "remote" camps or "rustic" camps (bring / filter the water) and day trip all over. base camp and do a day trip into BWCA. For example, you could base camp at Sawbill (busy and fun for family), or Crescent Lake (more quiet and BWCA-like) or USFS Temperance (pretty basic, very quiet), then travel to Baker, Sawbill or Brule early in the am (super early - see wildlife), and travel all over - east Brule, north Brule, west Brule, south Brule to Homer EP and walk back to your car. Lichen has muskie if he likes to fish. It's on the Grade and also has a campsite that hasn't totally been destroyed, as of a week ago anyway. This doesn't even touch on the places along Gunflint. Just some ideas to get you started. For an anniversary trip, there are other options besides Ram. :) trust me.... BTDT... A Brule - only is a great option, but: Brule is tough in the wind. If he didn't care for Ram, he probably won't dig windy Brule. But, if you base camp outside of Brule, then you could day trip into Brule and go to some nice spots, weather pending. Also, Brule can be crowded. I question why they still allocate Brule - only permits. It's popular and crowded with folks coming and going from multiple areas, not just Brule. It is not fun to be paddling around Brule looking for a site because that's your permit. backcountry sites |
| RRHD |
07/21/2021 10:08AM August 5, and we do need to stay on the 61/Gunflint side. We were a little flexible on dates a few days either way. Now I suppose with all the closures we're either totally stuck, or, maybe people will cancel last minute? Brule only is starting to sound like a decent plan, we want to stay nimble in case we have to leave due to fire. |
| x2jmorris |
07/10/2021 01:18PM Is it really the only entry available or just for that particular area? What is the date you selected? |
| sedges |
07/06/2021 09:46PM You didn't say what your trip date was, so this is a shot in the dark. There seems to be a fair number of Brule Only permits still available. Brule is a big enough lake to spend 6 days base camping and going exploring to a different part of the lake each day. You could even move camp from one end to the other if you wish to have a little variety in campsites. You are allowed to leave the the lake on a day trip and there are several beautiful routes out. Just a thought. I you have experienced the Ram to Vista route I'm sure you might like an option. |
| TuscaroraBorealis |
07/06/2021 05:55PM There's really only one travel route/option until you get to Vista. Which, as I'm sure you know, requires some really tough portaging. However, we did a short basecamo trip into Ram a few years ago and had a good time. Trip report 
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| RRHD |
07/06/2021 02:28PM Since I'm a teacher and flexible with my schedule in the summers, I usually don't worry about permits, which ended up being a mistake this year. The only EP my husband and I could find for our anniversary trip was Ram. We did a Bower Trout to Ram trip a few years ago, and as we exited at Ram, my husband swore he would never ever go through that area again, and definitely not as an entry since it's all uphill going in. Anyone have any thoughts on how to make the trip less awful for my poor husband who only really goes because he knows how important it is to me? I'm already planning to carry the food pack and canoe - and bring secret treats. Great campsite recommendations? Awesome routes? We are in for six days, I think. |
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