Hey Everyone, I'm new to the group here. I am planning a trip to the boundary waters for the 3-4th week of September. There will be five of us (all athletic, fit, men in our 30's). We all have significant backpacking experience but varying degrees of Canoe/Kayak skills. We are wanting to plan a 6-7 day trip in the boundary waters. Priorities would be 1. scenery 2. solitude, 3. some fishing.

I really like what I see of Insula Lake, but we're open to all options. Let me know what routes you all think might work best for us, and any other advice is welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the forum, Wander! I go all year around, but late September- early October is probably my favorite time to paddle. 2/3rds of the people or so will be gone as are the bugs, its dark earlier and cooler so campfires are more fun, leaves start to change, and the moose should be in rut. This slower time of year can be a great time to paddle areas I deem too busy to go to in the middle of summer. Insula would be a great place to go to and you will see far fewer people on the numbered lakes, but I dont think you can make a bad choice for 6-7 day trip. I haven't been to Insula or that area since the big fire, but I think a lot has grown back and I seem to recall people seeing more moose in that recovering area - not sure. You could even paddle all the way to Fishdance for some adventure and pictographs.

One word of caution is that the weather starts to get less stable about that time of year and the water is starting to get colder. Unlike summer where storms can come and go in hours, in fall storm fronts can come in and last for a couple days. Check the forecast in the days before your trip, and if low pressure storms are coming in you may want to adjust plans to not have to contend with longer distances and bigger water. You don't want to find yourselves debating between exiting a day or two late or crossing big waves. Not trying to dissuade you - just part of the planning process. Like I said, its a great time to go.

With scenery as your #1 goal I'd say look into a trip east of the Gunflint trail. (The vento unit) Cliffs, nice lakes, waterfalls, overlooks,etc. Clearwater outfitter is right there, call them or check their website for route options. Also if you're a podcast guy, Tumblehome podcast has a TON of good info on BW trips in general but that specific area is their home area and they cover lakes and routes there better than anyone

Thanks! Great info here! I will definitely check out the podcast and Clearwater outfitter.

Good info, Jaywalker. Yeah, I was thinking that timeframe for both low crowds and less bugs. Some fall colors would be nice too. Thanks for the heads up on the weather. I had considered that possibility, but never having been there any first hand info is much appreciated.