We are looking at another summer BWCA family week, early August- we've never gone in from the NW before and hope to do that this year (starting in Crane Lake vicinity). We generally base camp with perhaps one night elsewhere on the way in and out. I know there are lots of options to consider and would appreciate thoughts- thanks!

If you're actually thinking of starting at Crane and basecamping, you're not probably going to make it very far into the park and you'll be in motor territory the whole time. It's a pretty good trek just to make it to Loon, and you're still in motor territory there. The NW corner of the park is great, but starting from EP 14 or 16 is what most do.

I would recommend that you contact Mark or Kathy Zup at Zup’s Fishing Resort & Canoe Outfitters 888-602-2277. They can quickly put you at Beaverhouse, Twin Falls, Black Robe or Bottle portages.

Full outfitting, partial outfitting and tow only services are available.

No one knows the western part of the Quetico better than Zup's. I've been using them for over 20 years and recommend them highly.

Thanks- and indeed, not actually paddling from Crane- I just used that as reference point, and maybe not the best one- we usually do use an outfitter on these family trips and Zup's and Anderson look like the options

My family has used Anderson's for the last 30 years plus and they are great. They can get you to points and minimize a lot of portages for you. With the entry to Canada closed for the USA I think most of these outfitters will certainly appreciate the business.

Nor-western waters