Hello,

I have been reading some trip reports and posts about the Homer entry point. I am considering an early September trip.

Where would be a good place to stay the night before?

Any outfitters with a bunk house nearby?

Homer is about midway between Sawbill Outfitters and Grand Marais. It will take about an hour from each place to get there.

You want amenities and breakfast? Then go for Grand Marais. I haven’t heard about any bunks in Grand Marais, but I heard of a hostel around there.

You want a bunkhouse and the minimum? Then pick Sawbill Outfitters.

For a half hour further drive, you could go mid Gunflint Trail around Poplar Lake for a bunk house and a chance for a decent breakfast.

inspector13: "
You want a bunkhouse and the minimum? Then pick Sawbill Outfitters
"

I'm pretty sure Sawbill doesn't have a bunkhouse, but they have a great campground. The closest thing to a bunkhouse would be the Hungry Hippy Hostel just outside of GM. Otherwise it's a drive up the Gunflint as Inspector13 says, or one of the less expensive hotels in GM, Lutsen, or Tofte.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Is the "Caribou Trail" a paved road?

The first 7 miles or so are paved.

When I do Sawbill area entries, I usually grab my permit in Tofte and spend the night there. You could check out Lutsen area also. Sawbill Outfitters has no bunks, only the campground. Another campground at Crescent Lake. If you really want cheap and bare bones, try Cascade River Rustic campground.....just south of Eagle Mtn. .....no fees and no reservations.

I would just stay in Grand Marais, have a nice dinner, get up early and drive out.