Hi there!

My sister and I would like to plan a trip to the boundary waters this year and are just starting the planning phase. Unfortunately, we may be unable to get away until the end of October or even November. Would that be doable? We don't mind cold weather as long as we have appropriate clothing. Thanks for any advice.

It really depends on the year and weather. Last year was a bad year. But with the right gear and attitude there is not limit really. You may have lakes starting to ice up would be your biggest challenge, but again this depends on the fall weather this year.

Weather and gear is the only obstacles in deciding how late. I have had snow in late September, my personal favorite season in canoe country and I have had glorious 70 degree weather at other times. I’ve been up there in November and had the same two scenarios. As far as fishing the later you go, the better the fishing seems to get. Quality gear is essential , as is making good decisions. The water can get deadly cold , especially in October until ice up. I love the solitude of late season tripping.

As noted, it may or may not be doable, and dumping in 40 degree water is a real danger. Be prepared. If you need the services of an outfitter many are closing by then. The earlier you can go the better, but I've had snow early Sept. and beautiful weather the first of Oct. It's highly variable.

My son and i ended a trip on October 31 several years ago. Was very nice. But I doubt i would want to be there much later - at least not in a canoe.

It really depends on the year. I wouldn't long range plan for later than the second week in October. However, in the short term, it all depends on the weather forecast.

Just know that the late October trip is really different than the summer boundary waters trips that a lot of people experience. The leaves and most of the birds are gone. It gets dark early and, like others have said, the weather can be tough. You could get some nice sun, but you might get consecutive days of cold rain or sleet. If you are prepared and aware, though, go for it. You could easily not see a soul the whole trip. On our last late October trip up there we had lac la croix and iron lake all to ourselves and that wouldn’t happen any other time.

Me personally the latest is I'd stay out there is about November 7th. October 20th to say the 28th would be an amazing time out there. You wouldn't see anyone out there I bet.

Late October, but only go if the weather is the weather forecast is mild.

I did a solo last year the first week of October. The weather was terrible, it was either raining or snowing. I left a few days early.

Also I was surprised by the number of people I encountered as well. I saw people every day. Often times quite a few groups. I was in the Kawishiwi river system out of Lake One. That probably accounts for the number of people I saw.

I did like seeing the trees in color! And the pike were biting, so I still had a good time. I'll try again sometime for a fall trip.

I have no idea what experience you have in a canoe and with Minnesota weather. Being wet and cold can be a dangerous combination, it’s serious in the bwca this time of year, crowds are gone and a mistake could be deadly. However if you have some experience it’s the best time to go. November can be gorgeous but it’s mostly bleak. Bring a Coleman lantern, not a luxury this time of year.

I've backpacked in the BWCA in October and November and really enjoyed it. The water is getting really cold by then though. The biggest issue with that time of year (assuming you're dressed properly) is the short period of daylight - if you want to cover any ground you need to be sure that you're starting early. A major plus is that you don't have to worry about competition for sites.

Reservations are made the day you enter so you can be very flexible when you go, if your life schedule can allow for that. I prefer fall tripping, and like others have seen great and gruesome weather. If you can be flexible I would watch the weather patterns as you get close and select a more quiet phase or postpone entirely if winter hits early and lakes freeze. Other important points include the shortness of days and risk of hypothermia in the water. In more traveled areas you might have trouble finding firewood at the end of the season. Great for sky watching at night, solitude and no bugs.

stevedug: "Just know that the late October trip is really different than the summer boundary waters trips that a lot of people experience. The leaves and most of the birds are gone. It gets dark early and, like others have said, the weather can be tough. You could get some nice sun, but you might get consecutive days of cold rain or sleet. If you are prepared and aware, though, go for it. You could easily not see a soul the whole trip. On our last late October trip up there we had lac la croix and iron lake all to ourselves and that wouldn’t happen any other time."

Totally agree with this. Two years ago, we went the third week of October and had lower Basswood Falls all to ourselves for two days. That would never happen in the summer. We also had 70 degree weather, but that was far from normal. It snowed and lakes started to freeze the third week of October last year. I would loosely plan for a trip and check the weather to see if it’ll work as you get close.

Tony

You’re pretty safe to go the last week in October. I did a trip some years ago the first week in November. There was some ice to break through and one area the ice was too thick to break. It just depends on the weather. I’d be flexible on where to go. Shallow lakes and small rivers might be a problem. Maybe think of a short travel route on a larger body of water. Definitely not a time to take any chances.

Like others have said, I'd take a shorter trip and base it on the weather forecast in late October. Freezing isn't the only thing to worry about. It's not that uncommon to have early season snowfalls. A big dump of super wet sticky snow would be no fun. The portages could be practically impassable for a time if there's a lot of bushes and small trees bent over from snow.

Read the book, Lost in the Wild. A hike in October almost ended his life. My colleague, fellow veterinarian Mary McCormick, was the person whose beautiful GSD heard his whistle and found him. Amazing story.

Not to promote unnecessary fear-mongering, and to add to what has been said, the margin for error in late October / early November is dramatically different than August, largely because of open water that is life-threateningly cold.

I'm sure you realize this, but until you've actually experienced it, it doesn't really hit home. It gets dark early, stays dark later, the weather is unpredictable, and can be stormy, windy and raw. I prefer BWCA in February to early November. Plan wisely as others have said, be flexible and don't take chances you aren't prepared to take. It is no time to be glib.

I will say that paddling down Moose on an Oct 31 with snow blowing sideways across our route was and the memory is still exhilarating.

Another October - 12 the I think - dumped (only time) in middle of Q Sunday Lake. Was about a half hour, maybe 45 minutes, before we reached shore. Do not want to repeat but we recovered by next morning and continued on.

Fate is a fickle and unpredictable thing.

Unless you are capable, experienced campers with the required canoe abilities to handle the problems listed above, do not go. Do not go this time of year unless you know well what you are doing. Plan for a trip in the next year.

Yeah, late October/early November would be touch and go weather-wise regardless. If you don't have a lot of experience, I wouldn't do it.

If you did do it:

Only travel small lakes or rivers.

Make sure your life-jackets (worn at all times on the water) have survival kits that are waterproofed inside or attached in the event you tip.

Nights are reallllly long. It will be dark by 5.

I lucked out with the weather and went in early November in 2016. The next weekend I was back in Ely at a friend's cabin and we got a foot of snow and ice started forming on lakes. Weather can change rapidly at that time.

Years ago I remember me and my life my long time paddling buddy finishing a trip the first week of November. We had gorgeous weather. Loading up at the empty entry point a group of canoers had just arrived after driving all the way from New Jersey. They had a ten day trip planned. This was pre internet days. I’ve often wondered how their trip went.

we always have a late fall trip. by far the best time of the year to go. just pack the right clothes and sleeping gear (and extras in case things get wet) and you will have a blast out there most likely alone. just bring at least an orange hat since its hunting season and if you go late enough may be rifle season for deer. plan smart and be safe and have a blast!

Hank: "I did a solo last year the first week of October. The weather was terrible, it was either raining or snowing. I left a few days early.


Also I was surprised by the number of people I encountered as well. I saw people every day. Often times quite a few groups. I was in the Kawishiwi river system out of Lake One. That probably accounts for the number of people I saw.


I did like seeing the trees in color! And the pike were biting, so I still had a good time. I'll try again sometime for a fall trip."

Which entry point were you at last year in early October? I was up on EP #14 October 1-7th and you are right, the weather was cold and rainy the whole time. I still had fun though. There was a couple going in the same time I was and they were going to be out for 9 days and I think they only lasted 3 days.