Does anyone know if there is an outfitter near Perent Lake? We only need canoes and the lake is in a kind of middle point between Ely and the Gunflint. Any tips on getting to the lake in the quickest way possible, while still being able to rent canoes on the way? I wouldn't be opposed to renting further south, like Duluth or further up 61.

Thanks!

I believe Sawtooth outfitters in Tofte would be your best bet.

Sawtooth Outfitters is in Tofte, which would be on the way.

Sawbill Canoe Outfitters is at the end of the Sawbill Trail, which starts in Tofte. It will require some minor backtracking to the Hog Creek entry point, which is the usual way of getting to Perent. This location offers the convenience of a large USFS campground that is adjacent.

I have rented from Sawtooth Outfitters several times when going in up the Sawbil Trail. They are very nice people and it has always been a quick in and out with our canoe...except for when I spend some time browsing their cool little store.

lindylair: "I have rented from Sawtooth Outfitters several times when going in up the Sawbil Trail. They are very nice people and it has always been a quick in and out with our canoe...except for when I spend some time browsing their cool little store. "

Ditto. We went thru Sawtooth for our Kawishiwi Lake entry last year and it worked great.

Unless you are going right through Ely, or close by on your way, Sawtooth at the intersection of Rt. 61 and Sawbill Trail in Tofte, is likely the most convenient. I have used them multiple times.

Thanks everybody!

If you stay at the Sawbill Campground the night before, it's roughly a 35-45 mins drive on graveled roads to Hog Creek EP 36. Permits, canoes, small store, campground and hot showers ($6) available there. Sawbill Outfitters manages the USFS (no-elec hookups) campground.

You can also camp at Kawishiwi Lake campground just a couple miles past the Tofte Creek parking lot. That campground is more primitive (than Sawbill) and has only a handful of sites first come-first serve, but it is close.

rtallent: "You can also camp at Kawishiwi Lake campground just a couple miles past the Tofte Creek parking lot. That campground is more primitive (than Sawbill) and has only a handful of sites first come-first serve, but it is close."

We had thought this was an option for us last year in June. There's only like 5 sites, and they were all full with what looked to be very long-term "campers" with their trailers on blocks, tarps setup, and stuff everywhere.

Oh, sorry to hear that. It has been some years since I camped there. Hope those folks are at least following the -- what is it? -- two week rule....