1st overnight trip and 3rd year in BWCA.

Entering Seagull lake. Two nights.

Since I’m disabled, we have been hesitant about overnight but decided to give it a try! Leaving in a few weeks. We are staying at Hestons for a week then off to Seagull outfitters.

My husband is main paddler and portager. I can’t paddle much but can help with portaging. We are no experts at canoeing! Lol.
That said, any route suggestions or base camp suggestions? We love to fish, small hikes and don’t want to wear out just trying to get to base camp.
Someone suggested seagull to alpine. How is the trip across seagull?

TIA!

Deb at seagull outfitters is great and will set you up. I’d suggest having them tow you to and from the end of Seagull. Portage to Alpine not bad. I’d recommend going onto Jasper — pretty little lake. Alpine can be quite busy. Enjoy!

i believe tow boats can only go to the end of 3mile island on seagull, no longer all the way to the portage.

there are some nice sites on the north side of seagull within a few mile paddle of the outfitter, and then much exploring around daily. you can hike the portage to grampa lake, take the canoe if you really want to, otherwise just go for the hike of it.
you can also hike the portage to Paulson (aka JAP) lake. a bit rugged, but don't take the canoe, just hike in and out.

lots of wildflowers should be blooming now.

I would talk to an outfitter, and discuss any limitations you may have so they can help you make a doable and enjoyable plan, which might include a tow. We are heading into Seagull for the first time in July, and from what I've read it can get very windy on Seagull, which leads to big waves, and tough paddling. I don't know what you or your husbands paddling skills are, but getting a tow partway across Seagull just might work out best for you. Enjoy the trip!

You picked the best outfitter. Deb at Seagull is knowledgeable and will be able to answer all your questions. Have a great trip!

I will make another suggestion. Instead of Seagull Lake, pull a Saganaga Lake permit and have them deliver you to the very short portage into Red Rock Lake. Red Rock has less burn area and some nice campsites. You can day trip to Alpine or Jasper for other fishing opportunities. And have someone pick you up at the same spot and the end of your trip.

Jwfisher: "Deb at seagull outfitters is great and will set you up. I’d suggest having them tow you to and from the end of Seagull. Portage to Alpine not bad. I’d recommend going onto Jasper — pretty little lake. Alpine can be quite busy. Enjoy!"

So far, this is the plan!

Mocha: "i believe tow boats can only go to the end of 3mile island on seagull, no longer all the way to the portage.


there are some nice sites on the north side of seagull within a few mile paddle of the outfitter, and then much exploring around daily. you can hike the portage to grampa lake, take the canoe if you really want to, otherwise just go for the hike of it.
you can also hike the portage to Paulson (aka JAP) lake. a bit rugged, but don't take the canoe, just hike in and out.


lots of wildflowers should be blooming now."

I was thinking about the north side. Looks like it could be an option with nice sites. Thanks!

4keys: "I would talk to an outfitter, and discuss any limitations you may have so they can help you make a doable and enjoyable plan, which might include a tow. We are heading into Seagull for the first time in July, and from what I've read it can get very windy on Seagull, which leads to big waves, and tough paddling. I don't know what you or your husbands paddling skills are, but getting a tow partway across Seagull just might work out best for you. Enjoy the trip!
"

Fingers crossed it won’t be windy but I’m also expecting it to be ??

bobbernumber3: "You picked the best outfitter. Deb at Seagull is knowledgeable and will be able to answer all your questions. Have a great trip!"

Good to hear! Thanks!

Michwall2: "I will make another suggestion. Instead of Seagull Lake, pull a Saganaga Lake permit and have them deliver you to the very short portage into Red Rock Lake. Red Rock has less burn area and some nice campsites. You can day trip to Alpine or Jasper for other fishing opportunities. And have someone pick you up at the same spot and the end of your trip. "

I just did this trip. Actually, I get towed to Red Rock fairly often. I prefer to paddle directly from Seagull Outfitters. but the Seagull permits are often all gone. When i can't get a Seagull permit, I get a Sag permit and a tow to Red Rock.

I also did this trip several times with father. He was getting older and couldn't help a lot. This was a perfect trip for that.

And you can have them pick you right back up at Red Rock. The fishing on Red Rock is good and you can day trip Alpine if you want a change of scenery.

Carriekam: "

bobbernumber3: "You picked the best outfitter. Deb at Seagull is knowledgeable and will be able to answer all your questions. Have a great trip!"

Good to hear! Thanks!"

Be sure to let us know how it goes... and have a great trip!