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05/09/2018 01:19PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Good afternoon,

My little one is finally old enough to go canoeing and we were hoping to go to the BWCA as much as possible this year. I live just north of the twin cities near Forest Lake. We were wondering what’s the closest EP from the cities?

Thanks,
CanoeViking
 
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05/09/2018 01:37PM  
This will show you exactly how far you are from any EP.
05/09/2018 02:04PM  
Any of the entries close to Ely or close to the start of the Gunflint will be similar, but I bet the Tofte entries (37, 38) are the quickest. Most of the drive is getting north, and as long as you aren't going up the Echo or Gunflint trails too far I don't think there's much difference.
inspector13
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05/09/2018 03:00PM  

EPs 32 South Kawishiwi, 33 Little Gabbro, and 84 Snake River are closest if you take Hwy 2 out of Two Harbors to Hwy 1. But you would have to pick up your permit in Duluth or you would be backtracking from Ely.

icefishbaby
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05/09/2018 03:03PM  
I would think picking a nice lake/route is more important than saving a 1/2 hour in driving. Just my take.
Atb
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05/09/2018 03:52PM  
here's an option...you can access the west end of the echo trail from 53/Cook. You can pick up your permit from the Ranger Station right off 53.
Savage Voyageur
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05/09/2018 08:40PM  
That would probably be one off the Sawbill Trail.
flopnfolds
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05/10/2018 06:53AM  
I would say Crab Lake (south of Ely) would be significantly shorter than the rest, followed by Sawbill (Northshore). Or maybe the Little Indian Sioux. The Echo Trail is much straighter near the Cook end than the Ely side.

Crab Lake you have to paddle or tow through Burntside (its pretty short tow). with a longish but pretty easy portage. But depending upon how old your kid is, Sawbill gives you the closest option with amenity type stuff if you need to bail quickly.
 
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