Hi Forum,

Its been awhile since I've been here as after moving away from the Midwest for work. I'm organizing a trip for some first time visitors and my aging (but highly capable) father. Between my dad and I we've got probably 20 trips with our last being a Lac La Croix, Argo, Brent, Wickstead loop (legendary trip). I'd do that again but with the Covid situation its hard to tell what could be open.

To give some parameters to the trip I'm targeting border lake (US side), variety of water with emphasis on longer paddles vs portaging (protect the Pops).

I've done a Mudro loop that's a blast but with the permits gone for my time, its unfortunately not an option.

Anyways, realizing that there is a ton of personal preference in this question, just looking to get some ideas. Thanks!

What time of the year are you thinking?

Yeah. Should have included that. Last week in June, first week in July.

Mudro is still available for that time slot. If you don't camp on Horse you could go in June 29th. I would think this would be pretty hard terrain for your dad though.

I don't care for the larger lakes myself, but Clearwater and John Lake are available for you timeline. Found a trip report for Clearwater that appears to fit your description.

Clearwater Trip Report

If haven't done Seagull, Knife Lake, Big Sag loop, take a look at that route. You can take your time. Get in on some good fishing. Do a couple of 2 day layovers. The portages aren't too bad either.

I somewhat second the Saganaga to Knife loop. Get a tow from outfitters at the end of the trail to as far west on Sag as they can take you. Paddle west to Ottertrack. Night 1 here? Good fishing and Benny plaque on the cliffs. Head west again to North Arm of Knife for easy nights 2 and 3? Check out thunder point for those who want to walk up the hill for the view. Head into south arm of Knife for a night? Loop north back through Hanson and Ester. Back out to your tow the way you came on Sag. Not many portages, great fishing potential.

Thanks for the input guys. If I wasn’t going to do a primarily border route, would you have any other recommendations?

For variety of experience consider going out Moose and looping through the south arm of Knife through Kekekabic Ima and out through Ensign. An easy trip in five days. A couple steep portages, but if dad gets a break on what he carries at those spots nothing too tough. A tow would be an option from a base on Moose. Visit Dorothy's island site and camp the first night on SAK. I usually make stops on Kek and a longer stay on Frasier with good day trip options and spend the last night on Ima.