My girlfriend is flying in from Arizona in a few weeks. I suggested we take a quick BWCA trip since she's never done anything like this. I won't let the fact that I haven't been to the BWCA in over 20 years stop us either. Ha!

EDITED TO ADD: Our permit allows entry on September 5th. I planned on three days and two nights.

Since I want to keep this as simple and easy for her, after talking to a couple of outfitters I decided to put in at Entry Point #60 heading into Duncan Lake. We plan to set up basecamp either on Duncan or Rose. Having her portage gear up the staircase heading out might cause issues, so I'm leaning toward camping on Duncan.

I'd love to hear some thoughts and ideas that will help me give my girlfriend a memorable trip.

I've not been thru that EP before, so can't help with specifics, but a few weeks put you early to mid-September.....bugs should not bean issue by then so that is a plus. Find camp site with a nice beachy landing so she can go for a swim...water is still relatively warm them. You might also look for a spot with a clear view of the Northern sky....We are in a down cycle for solar flare ups, but have actually been experiencing more than expected recently which has made for some good "Northern Lights" viewing. Add to that that the Spring and Fall Equinox are generally some of the better viewing times and you might get lucky!

Mike

Last year was my wife's first trip. We did another trip again this year. Here are 2 pieces of gear that I believe have made the bwca more enjoyable for her. First is the nemo bugout - this is a rain fly with mosquito netting which makes hanging out in camp very enjoyable . Our trips were the beginning of August and yours in September so bugs might not be the issue for you. The second item is helinox type chairs. They pack up small and make sitting around camp way more comfortable than a log. Actual helinox chairs are not cheap so i purchased a no name brand from amazon and they have been excellent.

The first time I took my wife up there (she had never even been camping before this) I planned a pretty elaborate trip. The first night we had shrimp (her favorite) with Alfredo on noodles (packaged). Our other meals were also carefully thought out so we had a pretty good menu the entire trip. I secretly brought a Platypus bag of her favorite wine for after supper each night. I used my largest and smallest Duluth packs. I carried the large one and the canoe, she had the small one and the paddles. I planned on doing all the cooking and cleaning and she only got involved when she wanted to. We went in late September so I helped her with her pack list to make sure she had enough clothes to stay warm. She's a reader so I encouraged her to take a book to read and that entertained her while I paddled around and explored. During our travel days, if she got tired I told her to put her paddle away until she felt like paddling again. Prior to this trip I had a lot of resistance from her, she wasn't sure it this was going to be her cup of tea. By the end of the trip we were talking about where we would be going on our next trip!
I think you can see where this is going. It's her first trip, make it a fun one. Make it special in ways that she will remember forever and you will be coming back again and again.

Previous advice on gear, (chair, Nemo, etc.) is all good.

I might add to bring an inexpensive (maybe $30) hammock and straps, just to lounge in during the day. They're light, comfortable and don't take up much space.Nothing like taking a mid afternoon reading break (a.k.a . nap) while swinging in the breeze.

Since she's never done a trip and it's been a long time for you, I'll start with some basic advice. Nobody enjoys a trip if they are cold, wet, and uncomfortable, so make sure you are adequately equipped and, most importantly, that you have good equipment and clothing for any weather you may experience. It's not the average weather that's a problem . . . A good tent, a sleeping bag/pad and clothing that will keep you warm and dry if you get that unseasonable weather. If it's sunny, you need to have sun-protective clothing/sunscreen since you may be out in it for hours. A head net and insect repellent is a no-brainer, even if you don't need it. Insect Shield or permethrin treated clothing is good if it's buggy. Not used to paddling a lot - paddling gloves will protect against blisters. Good hat, good footwear, etc. Beyond that give her an idea what to expect. Good food and enough of it. Make sure you have those basics covered.

JATFOMike: "bugs should not bean issue by then so that is a plus.

Find camp site with a nice beachy landing so she can go for a swim.

You might also look for a spot with a clear view of the Northern sky....which has made for some good "Northern Lights" viewing.



Mike"

Thanks Mike!

The one time I was there was also after Labor Day and remember very few bugs. I've already scouted out the campsites and think I found one where we can watch sunsets and Northern Lights, so I should be good there too.

She's never seen the Northern Lights, so it's pretty high on her list of things to see.

2NDpaddlers: "
nemo bugout
helinox type chairs ... I purchased a no name brand from amazon and they have been excellent. "

I hadn't thought of the bug net, but did see others use a tarp for those rainy days. Good idea.

Can you tell me which chairs you purchased, and your opinion of them?

OldTripper: "The first time I took my wife up there (she had never even been camping before this) I planned a pretty elaborate trip. The first night we had shrimp (her favorite) with Alfredo on noodles (packaged). Our other meals were also carefully thought out so we had a pretty good menu the entire trip. I secretly brought a Platypus bag of her favorite wine for after supper each night. I used my largest and smallest Duluth packs. I carried the large one and the canoe, she had the small one and the paddles. I planned on doing all the cooking and cleaning and she only got involved when she wanted to. We went in late September so I helped her with her pack list to make sure she had enough clothes to stay warm. She's a reader so I encouraged her to take a book to read and that entertained her while I paddled around and explored. During our travel days, if she got tired I told her to put her paddle away until she felt like paddling again. Prior to this trip I had a lot of resistance from her, she wasn't sure it this was going to be her cup of tea. By the end of the trip we were talking about where we would be going on our next trip!
I think you can see where this is going. It's her first trip, make it a fun one. Make it special in ways that she will remember forever and you will be coming back again and again."

This is fantastic advice.

My girlfriend loves to travel and is willing to try new things, but as you can imagine, she's a bit apprehensive about this trip. (She's more of a Disney kind of girl. Hahaha!)

I have a few weeks before she arrives so I'll have time to do some extra planning to make it memorable.

Thanks for sharing your story.

johndku: "I might add to bring an inexpensive (maybe $30) hammock and straps, just to lounge in during the day. They're light, comfortable and don't take up much space.Nothing like taking a mid afternoon reading break (a.k.a . nap) while swinging in the breeze."

Perfect!
Thanks John!

FB sport camping chairs or backpacking chairs - i bought them on amazon - I think 2 for about $30 - they have worked great and fold up small - check them out - I am 5’9 and weigh about 175 and my wife is small - not sure how they would be for a big man - the Nemo tent is a 9x9 bugout- it cost $199 and has been worth every penny on the trips - I use 2 figure 9 carabiners for quick setup

boonie: "...

If it's sunny, you need to have sun-protective clothing/sunscreen since you may be out in it for hours. A head net and insect repellent is a no-brainer, even if you don't need it. Insect Shield or permethrin treated clothing is good if it's buggy. Not used to paddling a lot - paddling gloves will protect against blisters. Good hat, good footwear, etc. Beyond that give her an idea what to expect. Good food and enough of it. Make sure you have those basics covered. "

I thought about the head net, but hadn't considered treating our clothes nor paddling gloves.

All solid advice. Thanks Boonie!

My 10 year old daughter and I did the stairs with no problem

Make sure it is an easy trip, Not very many portages and easy ones. Gunsmoke, (my wife), didn't really want to go up the first time and I figured it was a one and done trip. So we just paddled around Big Saganaga and camped. When we were heading home she says the next time we go up lets portage to get away from all the traffic! I was like Huh!
Also if you are going to fish make sure you bring a pole for her even if she doesn't fish. You can always rig up a slip bobber with a leach for camp & a trolling rig for paddling on the lake. If nothing else you now can legally have two rigs out. Again, Gunsmoke never fished until the first time we went up. I rigged the poles, baited the hook, took off the fish, etc. But she did enjoy the fishing experience and still fishes every once in a while while paddling on a lake or river.
Good luck & have fun!

That's a great area for her first trip. Two years ago, we put in at Hungry Jack Outfitters' dock and headed to Duncan.

The Hungry Jack-Bearskin portage is just up and over the road. The Bearskin-Duncan portage is where you'll enter the BWCA - be sure to get a picture with the sign! This portage is well used and thus is nice and wide. Some slight elevation change at the beginning and end, as might be expected. The Stairway Portage (Duncan-Rose) is flat from Duncan until you get to the stairs. I appreciate that the stairs are evenly spaced unlike some "steps" on other portages, and there are places to stop and catch your breath as needed.

We've now stayed at three sites on Duncan. The westernmost site near the Partidge portage (#658) will do in a pinch. The most northern site (#663, closest to the Stairway portage) is low-lying and open, and the second-most northern site (#664) is elevated and open. None of these are my favorite sites in the BWCA, but the last two are decent. We have not looked at the other sites on Duncan.

As you are likely aware, you should visit the Rose Falls. The path to the falls is at the top of the stairs; go east at that flat point. Then for a less busy sidetrip, hike the Border Route Trail to the west. It's got some ups and downs, but after about an hour, you'll get to an outstanding overlook that lets you view several border lakes at once. We sat there for a while, enjoying the view and a snack before heading back.

Rather than stay on Rose, we actually paddled west through the long arm of Rose into Rat and then into South. The Rose-Rat portage is just an up and over. The Rat-South portage is fairly flat but has some interesting footing points along the way. Just before the end of the portage, there is a path leading off to the right (north) that will take you to a South Lake campsite (#2064). This is a fine campsite that gives an excellent view of the sunset. And if you choose to go to South Lake, you could take time to paddle over to the Height of Land portage and hike that.

Enjoy!

- Abbey

For me, the best site is the one just to the left of the portage into Duncan. Second is the peninsula site across the bay from that one. Check the rain around mid to late August, as mosquitoes could be heavier if it has been wet. A bug whacker will be useful in the tent if so.

When you take a day trip to Rose lake, take the trail across the bridge before the steps to the right and explore ALL the other side of the bridge. You will find an outstanding overlook where if you take your chairs and a lunch, you can read and spend wonderful time there. Kids should be tethered since the drop off is close by and deep down. No danger for adults if somewhat careful. A large downed tree is close by as well.

For me, the best site is the one just to the left of the portage into Duncan. Second is the peninsula site across the bay from that one. Check the rain around mid to late August, as mosquitoes could be heavier if it has been wet. A bug whacker will be useful in the tent if so.

When you take a day trip to Rose lake, take the trail across the bridge before the steps to the right and explore ALL the other side of the bridge. You will find an outstanding overlook where if you take your chairs and a lunch, you can read and spend wonderful time there. Kids should be tethered since the drop off is close by and deep down. No danger for adults if somewhat careful. A large downed tree is close by as well.

On the message board as you enter this board, scroll down to find many comments about base camping in that forum.

Nalts- you only have one chance to make a good first impression. The advice above is great. She sounds like an adventurer, so she understands that you cannot control the wind, sun or rain. But you can control your preparation. You know how to have a pleasant time if the sun is shining.... but what if it's raining? I'd suggest putting some thought into that. You need not even tell her about your preparations, but have a plan if you are tent or tarp-bound. If you're card players, have the instructions for games pre-printed and put in a plastic bag. Consider some new games so there is something new for both of you. If you have one heavier meal, or one that requires more preparation or cooking (like a soup or stew), hold that in reserve in case it's cold or rainy. Bring an extra wool shirt in case she needs another. Warm her heart.

Definitely explore, but you don't have to make the trip a dusk-to-dawn expedition. There is always time for a more demanding trip after she falls in love with the place!

The little extras that you plan will win her over for the BWCA. Good luck!

Mike

I can't add any specifics because I'm not familiar with that area. My wife's first trip, I engineered certain packs for her to carry. I put a bug nett over the latrine. I strung up a little 8X8 tarp over the tent. It didn't hurt that we filmed a moose nursing a tiny calf on her first wakeup day. The point is make it enjoyable for her. It might make a difference down the road.

The views from the Border Route Trail are outstanding. You won't have to walk far, but I can't remember which way. "Day trip only down the stairs," said the voice of experience. If it's warm enough, swim/frolic in the falls adjacent the base of the stairs. That little hole at the bottom holds bass as well.
Eat at Poplar Haus the evening before. They have a very nice menu, perfect for a dinner with somebody special. Their burger is transcendant. Get a shake or a malt at Trail Center when you come out. They are huge and delicious.

The other thing I'll add is to include her in the planning. In my opinion, planning it all yourself and having it be a series of wonderful surprises could backfire quick. Sometimes things go sideways when you are out camping; you don't want it to be "your fault." A little buy-in goes a long way to head off feelings of blame-e-ness or whatever you want to call it.

My wife and I stayed at the peninsula site with our then four-year-old. It has a very nice swimming area and has nice tent areas. You can skip the Hungry Jack postage by parking at Bearskin. Post trip showers are always welcome and can be had at Hungry Jack Outfitters for a nominal fee. I would recommend Trail Center for a pre or post trip meal. Have fun!

The words “never done anything like this” leap out at me. Has your GF done any camping? Sleeping on the ground, using biffies, dealing with bugs, etc. imagine you are out five days and every day is raining and cold. Do not, repeat, do not skimp on equipment. Great rain gear, tent and sleeping pads will go a long way. You might want to try an overnight to some campground first. Duncan is a safe choice.

Blatz: "My 10 year old daughter and I did the stairs with no problem"

Good to know.
Thanks Blatz!

Captn Tony: "Make sure it is an easy trip, Not very many portages and easy ones. ....

Also if you are going to fish make sure you bring a pole for her even if she doesn't fish. ...

Good luck & have fun!"

Great tips! From what I can tell Duncan Lake fits the description of easy, especially if we can find a campsite right on Duncan.

Thanks, Captn Tony!

aerosen: "That's a great area for her first trip. Two years ago, we put in at Hungry Jack Outfitters' dock and headed to Duncan.


The Hungry Jack-Bearskin portage is just up and over the road. The Bearskin-Duncan portage is where you'll enter the BWCA - be sure to get a picture with the sign! This portage is well used and thus is nice and wide. Some slight elevation change at the beginning and end, as might be expected. The Stairway Portage (Duncan-Rose) is flat from Duncan until you get to the stairs. I appreciate that the stairs are evenly spaced unlike some "steps" on other portages, and there are places to stop and catch your breath as needed."

Thanks for this intro. This made things really clear on where I'm dropping in.

aerosen: "We've now stayed at three sites on Duncan. The westernmost site near the Partidge portage (#658) will do in a pinch. The most northern site (#663, closest to the Stairway portage) is low-lying and open, and the second-most northern site (#664) is elevated and open. None of these are my favorite sites in the BWCA, but the last two are decent. We have not looked at the other sites on Duncan."

Good to know. I have my eyes on two spots with northern and western views, but no idea what my chances of getting my first choices on a Thursday morning.

aerosen: "As you are likely aware, you should visit the Rose Falls. The path to the falls is at the top of the stairs; go east at that flat point. Then for a less busy sidetrip, hike the Border Route Trail to the west. It's got some ups and downs, but after about an hour, you'll get to an outstanding overlook that lets you view several border lakes at once. We sat there for a while, enjoying the view and a snack before heading back."

Sounds like going east and west will give us fantastic views.

aerosen: "Rather than stay on Rose, we actually paddled west through the long arm of Rose into Rat and then into South. The Rose-Rat portage is just an up and over. The Rat-South portage is fairly flat but has some interesting footing points along the way. Just before the end of the portage, there is a path leading off to the right (north) that will take you to a South Lake campsite (#2064). This is a fine campsite that gives an excellent view of the sunset. And if you choose to go to South Lake, you could take time to paddle over to the Height of Land portage and hike that."

I'm not sure we'll go that far, but the idea of seeing the Canadian/US border marker is pretty cool, especially for a girl who's from Arizona. hahaha!

Thanks Abbey, I appreciate it!

bwcadan: "For me, the best site is the one just to the left of the portage into Duncan. Second is the peninsula site across the bay from that one. Check the rain around mid to late August, as mosquitoes could be heavier if it has been wet. A bug whacker will be useful in the tent if so. "

Because of their northern and westerly views, these are my first two choices. Hopefully one will be open on a Thursday morning! hahaha!

bwcadan: "When you take a day trip to Rose lake, take the trail across the bridge before the steps to the right and explore ALL the other side of the bridge. You will find an outstanding overlook where if you take your chairs and a lunch, you can read and spend wonderful time there. Kids should be tethered since the drop off is close by and deep down. No danger for adults if somewhat careful. A large downed tree is close by as well."

Perfect! This sounds like one of the highlights of this area.
Thanks bwcadan!

MikeinMpls: "Nalts- you only have one chance to make a good first impression. .... but what if it's raining? I'd suggest putting some thought into that. You need not even tell her about your preparations, but have a plan if you are tent or tarp-bound. If you're card players, have the instructions for games pre-printed and put in a plastic bag. Consider some new games so there is something new for both of you. "

Good idea!

MikeinMpls: "If you have one heavier meal, or one that requires more preparation or cooking (like a soup or stew), hold that in reserve in case it's cold or rainy. Bring an extra wool shirt in case she needs another. Warm her heart. "

Perfect!

MikeinMpls: "Definitely explore, but you don't have to make the trip a dusk-to-dawn expedition. "

Exactly! I want this to be relaxing, with no expectations of her beyond having fun.

MikeinMpls: "There is always time for a more demanding trip after she falls in love with the place!

The little extras that you plan will win her over for the BWCA. Good luck! Mike"

That's my goal! hahaha!
I appreciate the advice! Thanks!

maxxbhp: "I can't add any specifics because I'm not familiar with that area. My wife's first trip, I engineered certain packs for her to carry. I put a bug nett over the latrine. I strung up a little 8X8 tarp over the tent. It didn't hurt that we filmed a moose nursing a tiny calf on her first wakeup day. The point is make it enjoyable for her. It might make a difference down the road. "

I plan to string a tarp in case of rain, and love the idea of a bug net over the latrine. Thanks Maxx!

lundojam: "The views from the Border Route Trail are outstanding. You won't have to walk far, but I can't remember which way. "Day trip only down the stairs," said the voice of experience. If it's warm enough, swim/frolic in the falls adjacent the base of the stairs. That little hole at the bottom holds bass as well."

My plan is to find a campsite on Duncan so we won't have to portage our gear down and up the stairs, so good advice. The idea of swimming in the falls sounds like a fantastic memory to make.

lundojam: "Eat at Poplar Haus the evening before. They have a very nice menu, perfect for a dinner with somebody special. Their burger is transcendant. Get a shake or a malt at Trail Center when you come out. They are huge and delicious."

Both places sound delish!

lundojam: "The other thing I'll add is to include her in the planning. In my opinion, planning it all yourself and having it be a series of wonderful surprises could backfire quick. Sometimes things go sideways when you are out camping; you don't want it to be "your fault." A little buy-in goes a long way to head off feelings of blame-e-ness or whatever you want to call it."

I'm already on it! Right now she doesn't have any thing specific she wants or needs. She's pretty low maintenance and minimalistic when it comes to camping, so that's good. I'm sure once we get a little closer she'll have more requests.

Thanks for the advice!

fsupp: "My wife and I stayed at the peninsula site with our then four-year-old. It has a very nice swimming area and has nice tent areas. "

This one is high on my list.

fsupp: "You can skip the Hungry Jack postage by parking at Bearskin. "

This is exactly my plan. :)

fsupp: "Post trip showers are always welcome and can be had at Hungry Jack Outfitters for a nominal fee. "

A hot shower after a few days in will feel fantastic!

fsupp: "I would recommend Trail Center for a pre or post trip meal. Have fun!"

Sounds like Trail Center is the place we need to go.
Thanks for all the tips!

oldguide2: "The words “never done anything like this” leap out at me. Has your GF done any camping? Sleeping on the ground, using biffies, dealing with bugs, etc. imagine you are out five days and every day is raining and cold. "

She has before we met, and we have together as well. Last November we camped down in the Grand Canyon in 14F weather. Definitely cold, but the views were worth it!

oldguide2: "Do not, repeat, do not skimp on equipment. Great rain gear, tent and sleeping pads will go a long way. You might want to try an overnight to some campground first. Duncan is a safe choice. "

Glad to know Duncan is a good spot to go. Good advice on the gear as well.
Thanks for taking the time to reply!

maxxbhp: "I put a bug nett over the latrine. "

That's a cool idea. I found a net built like a box that I can string to the trees. I assume this is what you did too?

I just wanted to say "Thank You!" to all of the advice.

My girlfriend and I rented a canoe at Clearwater Outfitters off the Gun Flint Trail. We put in at Bearskin Lake, paddled the two miles to entry point 60, for her first portage. We put in at Duncan Lake, hung a left, and found a campsite at my first choice.

We weren't even halfway across Bearskin when she told me she wanted to return.

All the planning paid off. Besides setting up camp in the rain, everything went off without a hitch. We did one day trip to Rose Falls, with a hike east overlooking Rose Lake into Canada, and she even got her very first, and very dim glimpse of the Northern Lights.

I don't know when we'll return, but because of what I learned here, I can say she *wants* to do more adventures like this. Considering she's more of a Disneyland kind of girl, I call that a win!

Can't forget to include a few of our highlights to share.

Nice! Well done, a well planned trip goes a very long way in making it a good one. But you always have to be ready to adapt (setup in the rain, take a campsite that's not your first pick) and it always works out anyway

This is a sweet thread and I am so happy to learn that she had a good time and wants to go back.

In reading all of the "advice", I realized yet again that (according to most advice given on this site) Spartan1 did almost everything wrong on our first trip back in 1971. And I still wanted to return ASAP! LOL! :-)

A bug net over the latrine in September?? Really??

Clearwater is one of my favorite places in the canoe country. Loved the photos.

How It All Began

Glad to hear your trip was a success!
Even though you mentioned rain, looks like you had some nice weather too.
Nicely done.

Spartan2: "This is a sweet thread and I am so happy to learn that she had a good time and wants to go back.


In reading all of the "advice", I realized yet again that (according to most advice given on this site) Spartan1 did almost everything wrong on our first trip back in 1971. And I still wanted to return ASAP! LOL! :-)

A bug net over the latrine in September?? Really??

Clearwater is one of my favorite places in the canoe country. Loved the photos.

How It All Began "

I have a confession to make.

In spite of my assurances that the latrine would be off in the woods, my girlfriend was completely freaked out at the thought of someone sneaking up on her from behind while sitting. Because of your advice about a bug net, I brought one 'just in case.' I knew she wouldn't need it, and prayed that the bugs weren't bad either.

Thankfully for once in my life I was right, and it wasn't a big deal once she got use to the idea of going to the bathroom in the woods like the bears.

Crisis averted.

BTW: I read the story of your first trip. I'm sure this was the best part ....

"Our son was born on April 10, 1972. He had lots of black hair and deep brown eyes at birth and still has ‘til this day."

Fantastic!

OldTripper: "Glad to hear your trip was a success!
Even though you mentioned rain, looks like you had some nice weather too.
Nicely done."

Thank you OldTripper!

We did. Thankfully we dodged the raindrops on the way in and only got rained on while setting up camp.

It rained quite a bit each of the two nights, but our main exploring day was gorgeous. The biggest downside was the lack of dry wood for a campfire. If the goal was to send smoke signals to Grand Portage, I'm sure we succeeded.

The day we broke camp we again lucked out and missed the rain. Fortunately, the heavy wind was at our backs and didn't give us any trouble heading out.

cyclones30: "Nice! Well done, a well planned trip goes a very long way in making it a good one. But you always have to be ready to adapt (setup in the rain, take a campsite that's not your first pick) and it always works out anyway "

This thread was beyond helpful, so thankfully I felt like I was prepared.

One of my best decisions was to bring a large tarp to place over the entrance of our tent. This gave us a nice dry spot to hang out when the rain was falling.

I brought two small backpacking chairs too. Again a good choice since sitting on a hard log in the rain with no campfire wasn't her first option, or idea of fun. ;)

nalts: "

Spartan2: "This is a sweet thread and I am so happy to learn that she had a good time and wants to go back.



In reading all of the "advice", I realized yet again that (according to most advice given on this site) Spartan1 did almost everything wrong on our first trip back in 1971. And I still wanted to return ASAP! LOL! :-)


A bug net over the latrine in September?? Really??


Clearwater is one of my favorite places in the canoe country. Loved the photos.


How It All Began "

I have a confession to make.


In spite of my assurances that the latrine would be off in the woods, my girlfriend was completely freaked out at the thought of someone sneaking up on her from behind while sitting. Because of your advice about a bug net, I brought one 'just in case.' I knew she wouldn't need it, and prayed that the bugs weren't bad either.


Thankfully for once in my life I was right, and it wasn't a big deal once she got use to the idea of going to the bathroom in the woods like the bears.


Crisis averted.


BTW: I read the story of your first trip. I'm sure this was the best part ....


"Our son was born on April 10, 1972. He had lots of black hair and deep brown eyes at birth and still has ‘til this day."


Fantastic!"

:-) You are probably correct. :-)

But I was very surprised at how quickly I fell in love with the canoe country.