Hello!

I'm planning a 3-5 day route for 4 people in mid October. I've read some trip reports and have a few ideas that I've mapped, but I'm hoping someone with experience and wisdom will help me choose between two routes. We'll be travelling off-season in October so permits aren't a problem.

I've charted two loops that look appealing:
- Loop 1: Moose Lake -> Sucker Lake -> along the Canadian Border to Knife Lake -> Ensign -> Snowbank. This loop appeals to me because travelling along the border seems fun, and the Thunder Point viewpoint looks awesome.
- Loop 2: Lake One -> Two -> Three -> Alice Lake -> Thomas Lake -> Irma -> Snowbank. I like this one because the portion along Lake Insula looks interesting with many little islands, and Alice Lake is a big lake, far away, and seems remote.

Both of these loops seem like 3-ish day loops, but since they both finish at Snowbank I figured we could choose to combine them if we're making good time. My group consists of all first-timers besides myself, and I've only been to BWCA once before, so I'm really looking for either a shorter loop (3 days) or a longer loop (5 day) with good bailout options in case someone gets uncomfortable.

Does anyone have opinions or suggestions about these two loops, or the prospect of combining them? Are there any must-see spots along these routes that would push me towards one over the other? I would particularly love to know about any elevated viewpoints (like Thunder Point) along the way.

Cheers, and thanks in advance.

I've done something similar to your loop 1, but not back through snowbank. That border route is beautiful! If you go that way be sure to check out the ribbon rock at Dorothy's island. Eddy Falls is a bit further up SAK but worth a visit too. If the wind gets too strong there is a series of smaller lakes just south of there that you can work your way back through as well if needed.

Loop 2 seems a bit much for 3-5 days, at least for me. I've been looking at something similar and figure I want at least 7-8 days to do it.

Hopefully the weather holds out for you. October trips are always dicey depending on when winter decides to arrive.

Both are very different routes, as you have mentioned...and both are extraordinary places in their own rights. I think three days is fairly ambitious for either route, especially in October, but you know your skills and abilities best. If you have the 5 days, take 'em! Days are much shorter in October, so you'll also have that to account for.

Yep, Knife has Thunder Point, Isle of the Pines (Ribbon Rock), and Eddy Falls. I suggest going to the Dorothy Molter Museum before your trip, if possible, for additional perspective and insights.

Your other route has a few cool options too:
1) Pictographs on Fishdance Lake, not far from Alice
2) Sand beaches at some of the Alice Lake campgrounds are really nice
3) The narrows between Thomas and Fraser is worth the paddle
4) Ima to Jordan narrows are great
5) The southernmost campsite on Jordan is one we really like
6) Don't miss Cattyman Falls

You probably know this but Snowbank can be a monster in the afternoon wind...best to hit it early, if possible, perhaps even reverse your trip.

Some years ago a friend and I did a 9 day trip on your Loop 2 (Going the other direction). We were fishing and would move camp every other day. So I think 5 days would be a reasonable pace if you move every day.
I agree with YJ that reversing might be a good idea. You could easily end up wind bound at the end of your trip. Much less likely on the numbered lakes. You also get to go with the current on the Kawishiwi river.

I just did a 7 day trip on what is your loop 2. Started at Snowbank through Ima, Thomas Insula, up to Fire and down through the numbered lakes out on Lake One. I would say look at doing 5 days for that one, take some time to enjoy the route and sites. Also gives you some time if it is windy. Some of those lakes are large and a challenge when windy. We had Ima, Thomas and Fire basically to ourselves. Very few people. Disappointment was pretty busy, Lake 2 was kinda busy, not too bad.

I may see you up there. I'm going in October 3rd in Snowbank than headed north and east through Knife and make a loop south and back to Snowbank.