I could use some help/suggestions for a 4-5 day over the first week in October.

I am introducing a good friend, who is a double amputee below the knees, to the Boundary Waters. Eastside off of 61 would be ideal as he will be flying into Duluth. The focus is just getting out and enjoying the quiet and peace.

Thanks.

Entry points 68 and 69 would give you access to both John Lake and Pine Lake with no portaging. Little Caribou Lake and Caribou Lake would be accessible from Pine with short easy portages and the portage from Caribou Lake to Clearwater Lake seems reasonable depending on how adept he or she is with their prostheses.

I look forward to hearing about what route you ultimately choose.

Good Luck

I wouldn't limit yourself to the just the East side area. Ely is as close to Duluth as Grand Marias.

Seems like it would be pertinent to know if your friend has prosthetics. I believe a wheelchair will change your answers considerably.

I don't think the forest service would allow a wheelchair in the bwca. My friends and family tried to keep 4 mile portage open to allow disabled veterans to enter the b-dub from their camp on Fall lake. No joy.

I’d consider Lake One. No portaging necessary.

You didn't mention, if he was self mobile or not. If he is, East Bearskin to Alder and then maybe to Canoe. Portages are short and easy. As other stated, if you go to Ely side. Lake One would get you in BWCA without portages and doable 2 short portages to Lake Two. Many options out there :-) Talked to him and get a sense on what he thinks he can do and GO FOR IT!!!!

+1 on the 68 suggestion.

EP 38/ Sawbill Lake -- which would allow for short options to paddle to nearby lakes yet keep an option open for staying at the campground located at the entry point. (options: Sawbill, Smoke, Alton or Kelso lakes.) Camping sites on the northern end of Sawbill Lake are far enough to get the sought-after experience without leaving the entry lake so no portages involved.
Centrally positioned in the BWCA twenty-six miles up the Sawbill Trail from Hwy 61. Peaceful and quiet there. Excellent and roomy landing allows for unloading gear/canoe at the entry point with ease. (see at sawbill.com)
I don't know if the hot showers ($5) offered by Sawbill Outfitters/store would still be available in October but you could call'em to inquire. A hot shower and a beer at the tail end of a trip is tops.

he is self-mobile and will be able to carry a small pack.
flat short portages will be within his capacity
thanks for the input

kaiyasman: "he is self-mobile and will be able to carry a small pack.
flat short portages will be within his capacity
thanks for the input"

This is going to be a treat! I'm excited for him just thinking about his vist. You are an outstanding friend, as well. Happy Trails!

Off of the east side I'd consider Brule lake. No portages and big enough to keep you occupied. From the Ely side you could consider Trout lake entry with a tow across Vermillion and a mechanized portage into the lake.

I would think Seagull would be a good option. Can even get a tow halfway out.

Or do people think staying off a bigger lake in October is more appropriate in this scenario?

kaiyasman: "he is self-mobile and will be able to carry a small pack.
flat short portages will be within his capacity
thanks for the input"

Should the difficulty of the portage landings be a consideration, i.e. easy shallow smooth vs. difficult deep rocky?

Here's what I would do: Get a tow from Anderson's from the Crane Lake entry point into La Lacroix. Zero portaging (or more if you desire) and spectacular scenery and solitude. It's a helluva fun boat ride, too, but expensive compared to other options. The marine portages are an experience. Probably our favorite trip is to base on LLC and day trip into Takumich and Trillium and Trygg.

lundojam: "Here's what I would do: Get a tow from Anderson's from the Crane Lake entry point into La Lacroix. Zero portaging (or more if you desire) and spectacular scenery and solitude. It's a helluva fun boat ride, too, but expensive compared to other options. The marine portages are an experience. Probably our favorite trip is to base on LLC and day trip into Takumich and Trillium and Trygg."

I agree; also Ensign (with a tow off Moose ep if you wish.) one short,flat,solid ,easy portage to splash/ensign. you may have to exit canoe and line him through a canoe length into ensign. Basecamp there. Easy out. A $25 tow will save you a paddle up motorized Moose. If you got the bucks, the trip lundojam suggests gets my vote as first pick!