BWCA Entrance #57 - Gunflint Lake / Magnetic Lake / Pine River day trip Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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HannahJWR
Guest Paddler
  
08/12/2020 08:15AM  
The Boundary Waters has held a place in my heart since I was a teen, but I have never been able to go. I am from Minnesota, but moved away as a young adult and haven’t moved back. Now my husband and I finally have the chance to go on a short day trip into the BWCAW. This is our “get our feet wet / something is better than nothing” trip.

We’ll be staying at the Gunflint Lodge, so I am hoping we can just paddle north from there into Magnetic Lake (entrance #57) and then over a short portage into Pine River. I’m looking for some advice — can we just make it part way into the Pine River, rest, fish, eat lunch, and turn around? I’m looking for a trip that is only 3-6 hours total. I’d really prefer to be able to go to / from the Gunflint Lodge. Any advice or other suggestions? Thank you!

I should add that we will take kayaks, if possible, for this trip, because we have more experience with them and not much with canoes.
 
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cyclones30
distinguished member(4163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/12/2020 08:27AM  
You're taking your own kayaks? You could go that way, some cool rapids/falls there on the river at the first couple portages. You will be paddling back upstream when you turn around.

Or take your kayaks down the Gunflint a bit to Clearwater and paddle out to the palisades, hike up if you want.
08/12/2020 08:33AM  
Yes to all. I'd drive back up the road 300 yards to the public landing and fill out my day use permit and drop it in the box, then go back and do your launch from Gunflint Lodge....or you could paddle down there and fill it out, then head across the lake. Your time frame may be a touch tight. You don't get anywhere real quick when its paddle and boot powered. You'll know once you get moving.
HannahJWR
Guest Paddler
  
08/12/2020 08:47AM  
Thank you - I really appreciate this info. I was wondering about how/where I would get the day permit. We will drive and do it, as you suggested, and then launch. If our timeline was more like 8 hours, do you think this plan would be doable? We’re ok with a true day trip, but since it’s our first time, I want to err on the side of caution and not go so far that it’s difficult to get back.
MikeinMpls
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08/12/2020 10:54AM  
I've done this before. This will be no problem at all. Just make sure you get a day permit.

Mike
08/12/2020 11:55AM  
You can get a day permit right at gunflint lodge...across the road at the outfitter, watch the video, too!
You could also opt to do a day trip putting in at 57 and coming out at 80 larch creek. Arrange to move your vehicle to the takeout in the morning and then you can do a leisurely trip and not have to paddle and portage back upstream.
 
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