BWCA Need September trip ideas via Gunflint Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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08/10/2020 06:34AM  
I had been thinking that after Labor Day permits would be fairly open. But, the COVID has upset that little apple cart. Looks like going in around the 16th offers more options, but I’d like to go a bit earlier. I have always gone in out of Ely, but I am considering Grand Marais for this trip, plus the birding opportunities along Lake Superior look interesting. Most likely, I will be soloing. I am looking for a moderate first day to base camp a couple of days, then move on to base camp another couple of days and then back to my car. For my last solo in entered at Lake 1, camped a couple of nights on Fire and then on to Insula for three nights and then back to EP30. I will be using a hammock.
 
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08/10/2020 07:51AM  
Just a couple of suggestions -
1. EP47 on Poplar, down through Lizz and camp on Gaskin or Winchell, then move over to Omega for the second camp, and come back through Meeds back to Poplar.
2. EP50 Ham Lake and down to Long Island Lake for first camp. From there either Rush Lake or Gaskins or Winchell for second camp and then exit EP47. You would need a ride either at the beginning or end of your trip which either Rockwood or Tuscarora Lodge could provide.
3. EP51 through Missing Link to Tuscarora for camp 1, then over to Gillis or if you want to push a bit more Little Saganaga for camp 2. Then back through EP51 or EP52 to get your starting point.
4. Get a tow from Voyageurs or Seagull outfitters through EP55 to American Point on Saganaga. From there, work southwest to Ottertrack and then down to Ester or Hanson for camp 1. Camp 2 would likely be on Ogishkemuncie. Last day paddle back to whichever outfitter you used.
5. EP64 to Pine lake for camp 1, up to Mountain for camp 2 and then back to either the starting point or EP62. I'm not as familiar with this area but it seems there would be several options.
Michwall2
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08/10/2020 08:02AM  
Look at Entry 47 - Lizz Lake - Option 1 - Basecamp 1 Vista Lake (Visit Jake, Lux, Carl, Morgan Loop), Basecamp 2 Gaskin Lake - (visit Winchill, Ogema, Henson Loop.)

Option 2 - Basecamp 1 - Horseshoe Lake. Basecamp 2 Loop through Winchell, Ogema, Henson to Pillsbury. Out through Allen and Horseshoe to Lizz.

The Seagull entry would also have some great options, but I am avoiding that area due to the high level of bear activity right now.

Instead of the Gunflint Trail, the Sawbill Trail?

Entry 37 - Kawishiwi Lake - Basecamp 1 Lake Polly. Basecamp 2 - Grace Lake. End at Sawbill Lake. Get a shuttle from outfitter to Kawishiwi Lake to start.
Option 2 - Basecamp - Mahlberg Lake - Lots of day trip options to fill your trip! Southwest to Fishdance for Pictos. Northwest loop through Boulder/Adams. Northeast to Makwa for the cliffs. East along the Louse River to Boze/Frond Lakes.

Entry 38 - Sawbill Lake - Option 1 - Basecamp 1 - North end of Sawbill. Basecamp 2 - Cherokee Lake.
Option 2 - Basecamp 1 - Beth Lake (west). Basecamp 2 - Burnt Lake(East)
Option 3 - Basecamp 1 - North end of Kelso Lake. Basecamp 2 Wine Lake or Mesaba Lake.(This leaves a pretty strenuous day out)

Entry 39 - Baker Lake - Basecamp 1 - South Temperance Lake. Basecamp 2 - Cherokee Lake - End at Sawbill Lake (Outfitter can shuttle you to Baker Lake Entry.)

Hope you have a great trip!
08/10/2020 09:20AM  
Michwall2: The Seagull entry would also have some great options, but I am avoiding that area due to the high level of bear activity right now.


My understanding is the Bear activity is somewhat limited to Alpine, Red Rock, and Seagull. Is that correct? If that is the case I would think it can be avoided by going further in and avoiding any camping in that area. But I agree, I have had enough experience with nuisance bears and would avoid them if at all possible.
straighthairedcurly
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08/10/2020 09:27PM  
We just finished a 3 night trip with a beginner that took us through Saganaga, Red Rock, Alpine, and Seagull. Camped on Sag (Loon Island), Red Rock Lake (north end), and Seagull. Kept a clean camp, hung our food, and weren't fishing at all. We did not see any bears or bear sign at all. I did avoid the specific campsites that had reported issues on this forum or had been closed at some point. I always avoid camping on Alpine anyway, because something about that lake just bothers me.

You have gotten some good ideas from folks. I just did a solo that included some of the lakes like Omega, Henson, Horseshoe, etc. Beautiful area and lots of options for day trips or changing your exact route. On a calm day, Winchell is beautiful to paddle. I paddled from the west end to the east end one morning on mirror calm water and didn't see a single soul (July 4th weekend).
 
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