Hey Folks!

Headed to Rose Lake through Duncan with the family for a basecamp, last week in June. We're experienced BWCA trippers, but have not been to Rose before (youngest wanted an "easy" trip this year, lol). All permits leading up to when we go in are booked, including the day of. Going in on a Sunday hoping people are coming out that same day, but know it's a crapshoot. How's the traffic up there? Any advice on campsites? Some of the reviews on here are pretty dated.

Looks like fishing is ok but not great on Rose. Son and I plan to do some training on this trip for a longer one later, so we don't mind putting miles behind us to get to good spots. Watap looks interesting...any general advice?

Happy trails!
Scott

That might be a tough one that time of year.Only 6 sites on Rose lake. Once you're there you're kind of trapped unless you want to do a long portage or head over to South lake. You may have to camp on Duncan. The place is an over crowded mecca for day trippers. The portage landing at Stairway is a parking lot for canoes. Last year I counted 15. Plenty of room but it gives you an idea

We hit that area last summer. Daddy daughter Duncan day trips

As mentioned, Duncan gets crowded with day trippers, although the Rose lake campsites down the lake away from Stairway Portage were all open on the days we passed by, but thats no guarantee.

It is a long climb back out.

If you are basecamping on Rose, take a day to hike to the overlooks along the Border Route Trail. Options both west and east of Stairway. Phenomenal.

If you make it to Watap, check out the portage into Mountain lake. There is a large concrete international boundary marker between Canada, and the USA.