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salukiguy
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01/29/2023 08:15AM  
A few years ago I went on a trip through the numbered lakes with my wife and daughter. I couldn't help noticing how my wife struggled with the physical demands of the trip. She said she would never go on another trip. Unfortunately she was correct as she passed away from cancer about a year later.

Fast forward to today. I found a lady friend who is ready for any adventure and would love to take a trip with me to the BWCA. She has a lot of energy so I'm thinking she would be bored if we base camped. I am thinking of the following possible 4 night trip entry points. We are not young (60s) but both of us in great shape.

1. Granite River route starting at Gunflint Outfitters
2. Sawbill Lake - Lady chain with a stop at the Kelso Dolman
3. An entry point that gets up to Johnson Falls
4. Lake One to do either the triangle or numbered lakes

Would prefer east side so as to enjoy the north shore scenery. Also her main requirement is that I take her out for a good steak after the trip. I have never been to but have always wanted to try the Granite River route so that is my first preference. Hit me with your suggestions or opinions especially regarding the Granite River.
 
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cyclones30
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01/29/2023 09:12AM  
Go for the river
TuscaroraBorealis
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01/29/2023 09:36AM  
I think a Sag to Mag route would be a good trip provided Sag isn't rocking. But, if you start there (Sag) you can insure an early start and likely avoid any mid-day winds. None of the portages are crazy but, some may require a little technical footwork. You'll be paddling upstream if going tin this direction but that shouldn't be a major deterrent. If you go at the right time (late July/early August) you may hit the bonanza on blueberries. You can then finish up by paddling right up to Gunflint Lodge and enjoy the steak dinner she requested overlooking the grandeur of the lake & Canada while doing so.

Did a trip the covered part of that route a number of years ago.

Blue Heaven along the Granite River

Jackfish
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01/29/2023 11:25AM  
The only option I can help you with is the Granite River. My son and I put in at Gunflint Lodge and went through Magnetic Lake to the river. We spent one night on Clove Lake, then two nights on Maraboeuf Lake . I've seen references calling that area the Devil's Elbow.

On the last day, we paddled north up to Sag, then circled westward and came down the Sag Corridor to the landing where we called the Lodge to come and pick us up. We could have spent one night in the corridor but the water was near-glass and we just kind of cruised along.

Had an enjoyable four days and three nights. Fun to paddle right up the border like that. Nearly the entire waterway is half in the US and half in Canada. You'll see the international markers in several places.

Congratulations to you both for finding each other and for planning a BW canoe trip. She's a special lady.
01/29/2023 12:43PM  
Granite River can be tough in low water conditions.

You can also get a tow to and/or from Sag Falls and avoid the risk of windy conditions on big sag.
OMGitsKa
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01/29/2023 01:01PM  
The Kawishiwi Triangle is pretty fun, not really challenging even if the winds are rough. There is also some great fishing to be had in that area!
BigFlounder
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01/29/2023 02:38PM  
I have no input, but my sympathies concerning the loss of your wife.
01/29/2023 02:47PM  
I sure enjoyed my trip down the Granite River to Sag from Gunflint Lake. It was in August 1976 and the water was a bit low otherwise it was a great trip. We completed the trip to Sag faster than we thought we would so turned around and paddled back to the car on Gunflint.
01/29/2023 02:49PM  
Hey Saluki Guy: When were you in Carbondale? I attended SIU between 1979 one 1982
salukiguy
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01/29/2023 04:40PM  
Blatz: "Hey Saluki Guy: When were you in Carbondale? I attended SIU between 1979 one 1982"
I was there between 77 and 80. Looks like we over lapped a couple years. Those were the days!
MikeinMpls
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01/29/2023 07:39PM  
I've done the Granite River at least a dozen times. With four days, you'll end up having to stay at least two night on a campsite. The entire Granite River from Gunflint to the Sag landing can be done in a day by strong paddlers single portaging, so four days is almost too much. However, an extra day is good if Sag is big water on a windy day.

Mike
Michwall2
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01/30/2023 07:43AM  
Love the Lady Chain. Get a shuttle from Sawbill Outfitters. That way your car and showers are waiting on your return to Sawbill Lake. The trip to Polly crosses the very eastern end of the Pagami Creek Fire zone. It will make for an interesting paddle on the Kawishiwi River. Portages are few (2-3) the first day to Polly Lake. Hazel Lake has 2 nice campsites. The Phoebe River is nice to paddle. Most portages are flat and under 90 rds. We have never stayed on Knight or Phoebe Lakes. Grace Lake has a couple nice campsites in the northern bay. While it has the longer portage, we have always taken the 280 from Grace to Beth. The northern route through Ella reportedly has very rocky, muddy portages. This 280 rd portage has some puds (pointless ups and downs) but, this too shall pass. Beth Lake is beautiful and has some very nice campsites. It can also be busy. Cross Alton Lake as early in the day as you can to avoid wind complications. The paddle up the Kelso River to the Viking Dolman is beautiful. The floating bog hosts the endangered pitcher plants. If you are staying on Alton/Kelso/Sawbill grab a campsite early in the day as these tend to fill quickly.

This route is short enough to be done in 2 or 3 nights, but deserves more time to allow for some exploration and meandering.

Have fun.
ockycamper
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01/30/2023 12:17PM  
Blatz: "Hey Saluki Guy: When were you in Carbondale? I attended SIU between 1979 one 1982"


Another Saluki. . . attended 1977 to 1979, graduated 1979
01/30/2023 01:01PM  
Hope it's the first of many great trips with the new friend!

TZ
salukiguy
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01/30/2023 04:44PM  
ockycamper: "
Blatz: "Hey Saluki Guy: When were you in Carbondale? I attended SIU between 1979 one 1982"

Sounds like we might have to do a class reunion tour of the BWCA

Another Saluki. . . attended 1977 to 1979, graduated 1979"
01/30/2023 06:59PM  
saluki, I have never been to the granite river area but if it is a bucket list trip for you perhaps you should do it. But just in case you are not quite sold on it as the right route for the situation here are a couple other options and why I like them.

Homer Lake entry, paddle over to Pipe Lake and set up in one of three decent remote campsites. Good chance of being alone here. Head back the way you came and over to Vern Lake, two good campsites and good fishing, although you don't mention it.

Up to Juno Lake, a long, narrow pretty lake with a few campsites and good fishing. From here you decide to go on to Brule with a relatively short paddle to the landing or head back the way you came to homer. If you go on to Brule you should go early in the day as it is a big lake prone to wind but your paddle is short and you are likely padding with the prevailing winds. And it would require you to stash your canoe and gear in the woods and hike a couple miles back to the Homer entry to retrieve your vehicle, part of the fun:) If you are up for laying over one night I would suggest Vern as there is a really cool daytrip up the vern river to be had if the weather is nice. Very remote and pretty river trip that could entertain you for several hours, and good fishing too. The attraction of this trip is that you could travel every day if you want or lay over one night without a ton of physical effort and time, it is a pretty easy entry with short portages. Because it has limited trip options and few permits per day it means a very good chance at...solitude. Very quiet area. Nice lakes, beautiful short stretches of wilderness river paddling and, did I mention quiet?


Between Pipe and Vern Lake





Day trip up the Vern River



Option 2, a little more adventurous and more portaging. Put in at Kawishiwi Lake and head up to Polly for night one, about 4 hours. Gorgeous lake, can be busy but many campsites are placed to be out of the way. Day 2 up to Malberg Lake, great unique lake with lots of cool campsites. Day 3 over to River Lake and stay on the southern island site if you can, really neat with great views, or move on to the sand beach site at Amber which is great. Day 4 head back the way you came as far as you want to. Malberg would leave a 7 hour paddle/portage on your way out, Koma Lake about 6 hours and Polly about 4 hours. Nice area, not near as busy as many other areas. From the north end of Kawiushiwi Lake you would be traversing through a burn area which is interesting to see, up to the south end of Polly, then it;s back to the normal woods and water views. Some extensive small wilderness river paddling and even a possible beaver dam pullover or two between Kawishiwi and Kawaschong. But it's a great route with options to lengthen or shorten it by not going over to River Lake for example, although it is nice. But exploring Malberg for a day wouldn't be all bad either.


Sand beach site on Malberg






The burn between Kawishiwi and Polly. It's been 8 years since I have been there, probably grown up considerably.

Two of my favorite areas and I have been going for 50 years. Whatever you do I hope it is a great trip and your new friend loves it and becomes your future paddling buddy:)
YetiJedi
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01/30/2023 09:02PM  
Wow, Lindylair...nice post with great information and cool pics! I've added Homer EP to my list for next season and appreciate the tips on the Kawishiwi EP since I'm headed there first in May. Appreciate the assist!

To Saluki, I'll add a vote for the Kawishiwi Triangle route as we just completed the loop last summer. We enjoyed Clear Lake a great deal and there are several really nice campsites. Fishing was good and we found lots of blueberries too. We went in July and the river was very busy until we got to the 200 rod portage and then we only saw a couple of canoes each day for the three days we were there. We enjoyed being alone on Conchu Lake with some good bass fishing and also found lots of berries in the area. The 200 rod portage has some beautiful falls if you get off the path a little.

I've been through the numbered lakes but just to pass through and haven't camped on any of them. The other trips are on my list for another season.

My best to you and your lady friend for an awesome first of many adventures!
01/31/2023 06:23PM  
Hey Yeti...thanks! Not to hijack this thread as I think this could still be relevant to the OP if he hasn't made a route decision yet.

Here are trip reports that share a little more information and photos of the two trips listed in my earlier post. Might be of some value/interest since you are going to Kawishiwi this year and maybe Homer in the future.

If you are interested...


Homer Lake entry July 18


Kawishiwi Lake entry July 15


Since we went to Kawishiwi in July water levels could be different for your May trip. That might help you on the small river paddling with the beaver dams...or maybe not. Also I would be curious what the burn area looks like after 8 years, take some photos if you can and share them here. Portages through the burn were very different with no dense woods or tree canopy over your head, just big blue sky and the ability to see the terrain and wildflowers much better. Hope it's a great trip.
02/04/2023 06:49AM  
Granite River is a great trip, I've done it twice.
I would however go down stream, why fight the current? So I started at Magnetic Lake and ended up at Big Sag.
02/07/2023 05:34PM  
This is the burn area on Square Lake last August.
02/08/2023 12:38PM  
We did the Granite River for the first time last year. I really enjoyed it but was a bit surprised with the challenging portages. Certainly nothing we couldn't handle but they are definitely not 'beginner' type portages. They can be hard to locate and include some pretty large (3ft or more) drops. I had in my head that this was a great route for newbies but I would disagree. FWIW I'm in my mid-50s and in OK but not great shape. (See the trip report for more details)

I will also echo what others have said - 4 days is quite a bit for the River. We started on Magnetic and made it to Sag by lunchtime the second days without pushing it. In all around 7-8 hours of travel time. If you do the granite river, I'd suggest you spend a day or two on Saganaga. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed staying on one of the island campsites, just keep an eye on the wind before wandering out into the more open parts.

I have not been to Johnson Falls or the number lakes, but have been on a short trip on Sawbill when the kiddo was younger and had a good time.

salukiguy
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02/08/2023 05:45PM  
My plan would be to spend 3 nights on the Granite River( probably 2 at the same campsite). Then spend one night on Sag. Four nights was the max with option to bail after 3 nights.
219Paddler
  
02/09/2023 10:21AM  
I took my gf/partner out on Sawbill for her first trip last summer. It's a great lake for new paddlers.

Is your lady friend experienced in a canoe? My partner is also someone who I would describe as fit and up for adventure. She was also 29 at the time of the trip. That said, paddling a canoe is simply different from cycling, running, yoga, weight lifting, or any other activity people do to stay in shape. The mental aspect of SITTING for an extended period of time and repeating a paddle stroke can be just as difficult as the physical labor...especially when the wind picks up. I'm sure you know all this, but it was definitely her biggest learning experience as a newbie.

If I were to do it again, I would've set better expectations for her and probably gone out for a day paddle just to get a feel for the canoe. Again, this stuff is obvious to anyone with some experience, but not so much for a first timer.

salukiguy
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02/09/2023 11:11AM  
219Paddler: "I took my gf/partner out on Sawbill for her first trip last summer. It's a great lake for new paddlers.


Is your lady friend experienced in a canoe? My partner is also someone who I would describe as fit and up for adventure. She was also 29 at the time of the trip. That said, paddling a canoe is simply different from cycling, running, yoga, weight lifting, or any other activity people do to stay in shape. The mental aspect of SITTING for an extended period of time and repeating a paddle stroke can be just as difficult as the physical labor...especially when the wind picks up. I'm sure you know all this, but it was definitely her biggest learning experience as a newbie.


If I were to do it again, I would've set better expectations for her and probably gone out for a day paddle just to get a feel for the canoe. Again, this stuff is obvious to anyone with some experience, but not so much for a first timer.


"
We have been talking about some practice runs in a canoe. I am very experienced but her not. She is doing some weights and working out for her fitness.
OldGuide2
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02/20/2023 04:09PM  
I would strongly second the recommendation of TuscaroraBorealis. The second thing I would absolutely recommend is that you go out together in a canoe as many times as you can. This is especially true if you are going to be on Sag. The wind can sing there on some days so that even experienced paddlers stay put. You and your partner will have a lot more fun if you put in some time together on the water so you can function as a team. Best of luck to you both and hope she is as hooked on the BWCA as you are.
 
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