My brothers & I are planning our 5th or so trip, all of which we've done out of Ely. This time we've decided to head out east to the Sawbill/Gunflint sections, to see something different.
Which area should we target that will feel different from the Ely area? Or does it all feel fairly similar?

Specifically, I think we're in search of interesting topography; wildlife encounters, petroglyphs & epic swimming spots are a plus. We'd like to avoid major burnout sections. We enjoy fishing, but that's not the main focus of this trip. We'll be out for 5-6 nights.

For future trips, are there folks who know the park well enough to break it down into subsections & give general descriptions?

I think the northern gunflint trail section would fit the bill for you.

YaMarVa: "I think the northern gunflint trail section would fit the bill for you. "

true

Thanks for the input @YaMarVa & @Blatz
Are you talking about the area around Pine Lake & East/West Pike Lakes, for example? Or the Seagull/Alpine/Jasper area?

Hit the Vento Unit area - Start at Clearwater / East Bearskin and work your way in!

Voyageur Maps have sections on them that describe the geological and human history of the area the map depicts. There are several geological different areas of the BW and the human history is also fascinating.

The geology in the area of Ogishkemuncie Lake and Little Saganaga Lake is particularly interesting.

The border lakes from Gunflint east are spectacular as far as topography and contrast to the western region. We did a loop a few years ago: dropped off at Gunflint and headed east along border, then circled down and back west to end at Clearwater. It was beautiful -- including day trips to the Rose Lake overlook, the stairway portage, etc. The Historic Clearwater Lodge shuttled us to our entry, which meant we could leave our truck in their parking lot, and end our trip right at their dock.

Michwall2: "Voyageur Maps have sections on them that describe the geological and human history of the area the map depicts. There are several geological different areas of the BW and the human history is also fascinating.


The geology in the area of Ogishkemuncie Lake and Little Saganaga Lake is particularly interesting.


"

This is interesting to me. Is it text? Are old use areas marked? Is this on the main map or on a separate map. Could someone post a snippet of what this look like on a map? I'll happily buy the maps if I like they way they present it.

Chuckles: "

Michwall2: "Voyageur Maps have sections on them that describe the geological and human history of the area the map depicts. There are several geological different areas of the BW and the human history is also fascinating.



The geology in the area of Ogishkemuncie Lake and Little Saganaga Lake is particularly interesting.



"

This is interesting to me. Is it text? Are old use areas marked? Is this on the main map or on a separate map. Could someone post a snippet of what this look like on a map? I'll happily buy the maps if I like they way they present it. "

There is text on the map itself.

You can see this on the Voyageur Maps website:

Voyageur Map #6

Use the bar at the bottom to adjust the size of the map to readable text and then grab and pull the map to navigate to the text box.

This should have the text about the geology of the Little Sag/Ogish area I mentioned.

This is perfect; thanks. Great info and I may start buying these maps now. Thanks.

Michwall2: "

Chuckles: "

Michwall2: "Voyageur Maps have sections on them that describe the geological and human history of the area the map depicts. There are several geological different areas of the BW and the human history is also fascinating.



The geology in the area of Ogishkemuncie Lake and Little Saganaga Lake is particularly interesting.



"

This is interesting to me. Is it text? Are old use areas marked? Is this on the main map or on a separate map. Could someone post a snippet of what this look like on a map? I'll happily buy the maps if I like they way they present it. "

There is text on the map itself.


You can see this on the Voyageur Maps website:


Voyageur Map #6


Use the bar at the bottom to adjust the size of the map to readable text and then grab and pull the map to navigate to the text box.


This should have the text about the geology of the Little Sag/Ogish area I mentioned."

Chuckles: "This is perfect; thanks. Great info and I may start buying these maps now. Thanks.

These are my favorite maps, and (in my opinion) the nicest looking ones. Reading them is a favorite evening activity on our trips.

Don't forget that you can buy them here and help support the site!

Hey Joe, did I work with you at GLA many moons ago?

-Heath

I don't think so - I don't even know what GLA is!

Michwall2: "Voyageur Maps have sections on them that describe the geological and human history of the area the map depicts. There are several geological different areas of the BW and the human history is also fascinating.


The geology in the area of Ogishkemuncie Lake and Little Saganaga Lake is particularly interesting.


"

Funny - I own all the Voyageur maps, but had no idea about this...obviously never read it. Will probably read them next time i have them in my hands.