Looking at doing a solo trip entering at Clearwater Lake #62 , going through West and East Pike lakes onto John Lake, through to Royal with a final camp on North Fowl, before head back out the same way. Anyone done this route or similar recently? My main questions, are should I see many other people being Mid September, and does anyone have info on the campsite at North Fowl, (is it decent, etc.)? This is only my second trip into the BWCA, of which my last was also solo, so I'm trying to find somewhere were I can get away and hopefully not see many people, and kind of basecamp for day trips. TIA

Rather than an out and back how about a loop? Due to wind considerations I would do it in reverse though,,,Enter at Little John lake and canoe into John. Into the Pike lakes and take the portage into Clearwater. At this point you could take the first, second or third portage down into Caribou lake...I would tend to recommend traveling most of the way west on clearwater and taking the final portage into Caribou Lake. It is much easier than the first portage plus you get to see the beauty of Clearwater lake. The middle portage may not even exist but if it does, you would not want to take it. Then make your way back through Caribou, Little Caribou and into Pine Lake. Pine is a big and long lake with a west to east orientation and it is best to be going with what is usually the prevailing winds. Pine leads to McFarland Lake which leads to Little John lake and your vehicle.

Great loop, I have done it a couple times. At the west end of Pine lake is a short trail to johnson Falls which is one of the more scenic spots in the BWCA...two sets of falls with a great swimming hole at the first one. Good fishing in the Pike Lakes and great fishing in Caribou lake. There is a 5 star site on Little Caribou, only site on the lake if you can get it you will enjoy beauty and solitude. Pine is also known for excellent fishing...and wind. Monitor conditions closely but I would much rather be going west to east on this lake.

I have been on and through North Fowl on several occasions, it's nothing special. The other lakes in this area are much prettier. The Pike lakes are awesome. As are Caribou and Little Caribou.

Just a thought...Questions?

That part of the BWCA can be very crowded. I believe every lake is no more than 2 port ages from an entry point. There is no "getting deeper". I think you will see people even in September.