Hey Everyone,

Looking at planning my 2021 trip to the BWCA and wanting to get some route suggestions. I do not have a set group yet, about 10 guys invited (which means I'll end up with 6) all good back packers but novice paddlers. Myself and other buddy who is helping me plan are the two strongest paddlers in the group. Our goal for the trip is relaxing and fishing - BUT, I want a trip that really encompasses the boundary waters since only myself and partner have been. I have an issue with "lux" camp cooking, so I tend to over pack the camp kitchen which causes for a heavier pack than I'd like to carry - so the question is:

What "lazy" loop would you recommend based off the very limited information I have provided?

We will be in Ely the night before so starting from around that area is preferred.

Thank You!

How many nights in? And I assume June-July-August, busy season?

For "lazy" - heavy portages - 5/6 nighter I'd probably look at Moose to border and east to Gunflint and shuttle. Or circle back from Knife to Ensign and Moose - a few tougher portages towards end of trip.

billconner: "How many nights in? And I assume June-July-August, busy season?

For "lazy" - heavy portages - 5/6 nighter, I'd probably look at Moose to border and east to Gunflint and shuttle. Or circle back from Knife to Ensign and Moose - a few tougher portages towards end of trip."

5-6 nights. Last week of May to early June.

Maybe a Baker Lake EP #39 route?

Sawbill up to Cherokee and back around the fire lakes to sawbill.

Edit: missed the Ely part.

I'd look into these Entry points. Lots of loop options, mostly easy portages and smaller waters. Some lakes and rivers/streams and plenty of fishing. Ely would be just to the NW of this area.

Not a closed loop but an easy route in the ely area is Snowbank to lake One. You would need to make arrangements at the end to get back. Also Lake One, Hudson, Fire, Lake Two and back out. Not as easy Mudro, Horse, Fourtown. Moosecamp River(when water level allows), Gun back down the chain of lakes to Fourtown and out.