I'm looking to do my first visit to WCPP for my 40th birthday. I'm an experienced solo tripper from WI/MN and will be looking to do the following route starting May 20th this year and shooting for around 10 days. In the BWCA I generally average between 10-14 miles a day on my solo trips, so am looking to gauge what to expect in WCPP. I like a mix of travel and lazier days, hence the lower average miles. PP indicates about 60 miles on this route with about half the portaging I'm accustomed to on a typical BWCA trip.

So I think I'm leaving s handful of days for fishing and daytrips but who knows. Here's what I'm thinking:

PUT IN AT LEANO-KILBURN LAKES-STURGEON RIVER-PAUL-AEGEAN -WRIST-HANSON-MEXICAN HAT-JAKE-BUNNY-OUT AT LEANO

Looking forward to lakers, checking out these burns, trying to rig hammock in tougher spots (extra rigging to several trees) , and seeing some boreal ungulates. Any feedback is appreciated.

I have been in the area since the 2020 fires you are considering, with the exception of Wrist, Hanson, Mexican Hat, and Jake. I would suggest you take a good saw as there will almost certainly be new blow down on the portages in the fire areas. Also, because of the fires and the generally smaller trees in WCPP, you may have some challenges hanging a hammock. Jack pine, black spruce, and birch are the common trees. I wouldn’t count on being able to hang a food pack, either. I use Ursacks with Opsaks for my food, but have never had a problem with bears as they are not habituated to humans.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy your trip!

Don

Thank you for the response and offer for help Don. I've got a Silky saw which I've been very happy with. I've got an ursack and a couple Opsacks as well. Still considering a tent!

I've hung my hammock on parts of your route, but with the recent fires I think you need to be prepared to go to ground.