BWCA Good EP Oct 8 weekend? Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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WanderingWoodsmanMN
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09/27/2022 03:33PM  
Hi all ,

I am considering heading up for a late season solo paddling trip next weekend- October 8 for just a few days. Just looking for an area that is relatively easy to get to (few portages) and where there aren't a ton of people this time of year. Decent fishing would be a bonus. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!
 
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Michwall2
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09/28/2022 02:08PM  
Wind 10/8-9 looks to be ok but kind of gusty? Maybe stay off the larger lakes to be safe.

Entry 47 - Lizz Lake to Horseshoe or Gaskin would fit the requirements. Smaller Lakes. Relatively good fishing.

Entry 38 - Sawbill to Smoke or Burnt Lakes would also work.

Entry 50 - Cross Bay Lake - Stay on Cross Bay. Day trip to Snipe or Rib.

WanderingWoodsmanMN
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09/28/2022 05:34PM  
Michwall2: "Wind 10/8-9 looks to be ok but kind of gusty? Maybe stay off the larger lakes to be safe.


Entry 47 - Lizz Lake to Horseshoe or Gaskin would fit the requirements. Smaller Lakes. Relatively good fishing.


Entry 38 - Sawbill to Smoke or Burnt Lakes would also work.


Entry 50 - Cross Bay Lake - Stay on Cross Bay. Day trip to Snipe or Rib.


"


All excellent options- thanks! Takes me back, my first trip to BWCA was doing the Frost River loop and I think we might have gone into via EP 50. Good reminder to keep the wind in mind- the solo canoe is still 17' and the wind can make it interesting. Thanks much
billconner
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09/28/2022 07:11PM  
I always go to the popular eps in October, with fewer people around. Lake One, Mudro, LIS, Burntside, etc. Just a thought.
WanderingWoodsmanMN
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09/28/2022 07:38PM  
billconner: "I always go to the popular eps in October, with Frere people around. Lake One, Mudro, LIS, Burntside, etc. Just a thought."


A good thought there. I have done Mudro, Lizz, and Cross (albeit many years ago), did a winter camping pulk sled trip into Sawbill/Smoke/Flame. All fantastic areas! Will probably stay away from Burntside because of the size. Lake One was in Pagami Fire right? I try to stay to places with decent trees so have been staying away from there but perhaps I am mistaken.

Any other popular ones to target with smaller lakes? Or an off the beaten path EP worth trying?

One other question- Michwall2 mentioned keeping an eye on the wind. Is there a go-to dependable place to see the wind forecast? Obviously knowing how accurate forecasts can be...
09/28/2022 10:44PM  
Baker Lake EP up to Kelly/Jack/etc.
jwettelrin89
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09/28/2022 11:16PM  
WanderingWoodsmanMN: "
billconner: "I always go to the popular eps in October, with Frere people around. Lake One, Mudro, LIS, Burntside, etc. Just a thought."



A good thought there. I have done Mudro, Lizz, and Cross (albeit many years ago), did a winter camping pulk sled trip into Sawbill/Smoke/Flame. All fantastic areas! Will probably stay away from Burntside because of the size. Lake One was in Pagami Fire right? I try to stay to places with decent trees so have been staying away from there but perhaps I am mistaken.


Any other popular ones to target with smaller lakes? Or an off the beaten path EP worth trying?


One other question- Michwall2 mentioned keeping an eye on the wind. Is there a go-to dependable place to see the wind forecast? Obviously knowing how accurate forecasts can be..."


I think the best thing to do is to just go to google and type in "nws forecast in ________" From there you can go click on the "hourly weather forecast" option and you can see an hour by hour analysis of wind speed, wind direction, and wind gusts.

Keep in mind these forecasts are essentially just a blend of several weather models and they are only as accurate as the models they rely on. Models are precise in the first 48 hours (wind direction, wind speed, gust speed), general in the 2-4 day, vague in the 5-6 day, and pretty much a shot in the dark beyond day 7.


09/29/2022 06:39AM  
Homer Lake entry is kind of a sleeper. Quiet area with easy portages and good fishing. Can stay on Vern(2 good sites) or over to Pipe or on to Juno. The Vern River is interesting for exploring(and fishing). One of my favorites for a short, easy in and out trip. Generally not very busy, even in peak season.

Trip report if you are interested...

Homer to Vern
WanderingWoodsmanMN
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09/29/2022 10:02AM  
lindylair: "Homer Lake entry is kind of a sleeper. Quiet area with easy portages and good fishing. Can stay on Vern(2 good sites) or over to Pipe or on to Juno. The Vern River is interesting for exploring(and fishing). One of my favorites for a short, easy in and out trip. Generally not very busy, even in peak season.


Trip report if you are interested...


That does remind me I had thought about going to Homer a few years ago but never did. Good call!

greywolf33
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09/29/2022 06:53PM  
Like LindyLair, I have fond memories of the E.P 40 area. I really like the sites on Pipe Lake. Plenty of wildlife, great smallie fishing and an off-the-track feel. Check it out.
09/29/2022 07:14PM  
Hey, I'm in a similar boat planning a solo trip the following weekend. Following to see what everyone has to say.

My tentative plan is EP4 - getting a tow across Burntside. Figure I will head up to Cummings and then decide what I want to do. Probably going to do a 3 night trip and will be my first solo.

However I really like some of these other ideas. I know I want to try an area I have not been before and something either in the Ely or Sawbill area as I will likely be driving up after work on Thursday and don't have time to get up the Gunflint.

WanderingWoodsmanMN
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09/29/2022 08:13PM  
greywolf33: "Like LindyLair, I have fond memories of the E.P 40 area. I really like the sites on Pipe Lake. Plenty of wildlife, great smallie fishing and an off-the-track feel. Check it out."


Excellent! I definitely need to sit down with some maps and check these out but this is certainly one of the leading candidates. Sure do love planning these trips! The recommendations here are key, what a great community! Thanks all
WanderingWoodsmanMN
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09/29/2022 08:18PM  
Cricket67: "Hey, I'm in a similar boat planning a solo trip the following weekend. Following to see what everyone has to say.


My tentative plan is EP4 - getting a tow across Burntside. Figure I will head up to Cummings and then decide what I want to do. Probably going to do a 3 night trip and will be my first solo.


However I really like some of these other ideas. I know I want to try an area I have not been before and something either in the Ely or Sawbill area as I will likely be driving up after work on Thursday and don't have time to get up the Gunflint.


"


Hi Cricket67- enjoy your first solo trip! It sure is a different feel than going with a group. Of course, you must be 100% self sufficient and rely on your own hands, heart, and head! It is a great feeling. I'm sure you will love it
10/01/2022 09:28AM  
Have fun.
All the places that first came to mind when I read your post have already been mentioned by others except one so I’ll add that one. .
South Kawishiwi River EP 32. I did that as my 1st solo in the fall about 10 years
10/03/2022 09:24AM  
WanderingWoodsmanMN: "One other question- Michwall2 mentioned keeping an eye on the wind. Is there a go-to dependable place to see the wind forecast? Obviously knowing how accurate forecasts can be..."


A few weeks ago someone had this link for IDSS forecast points...I really like it...

https://www.weather.gov/forecastpoints#

As of now the forecast is partly cloudy and a bit chilly with moderate West wind Saturday afternoon.
WanderingWoodsmanMN
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10/03/2022 03:40PM  
Cricket67: "
WanderingWoodsmanMN: "One other question- Michwall2 mentioned keeping an eye on the wind. Is there a go-to dependable place to see the wind forecast? Obviously knowing how accurate forecasts can be..."



A few weeks ago someone had this link for IDSS forecast points...I really like it...


https://www.weather.gov/forecastpoints#

As of now the forecast is partly cloudy and a bit chilly with moderate West wind Saturday afternoon."


I have never heard of this- looks like good information there. Thanks!
 
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