Thanks in advance for any advice,

We would like to do a trip in 2025 with six adults and four kids (one 12 year old, three 10 year olds). It will be their first overnight paddling trip. All the kids have experience paddling and experience camping, just separately. I am thinking 4 days/3 nights would be the right length. Ideally mostly wetland/backwaters, not too many lake crossings.

Suggestions on where we should start/end? Campsites that are better for kiddos? Outfitters? Other ideas?

Six adults and four kids is one too many for the Boundary Waters, but if you're set on that number, I think the Timber Frear area is outside the Boundary Waters and part of this Superior National Forest where they won't have that nine person limit.

Tony

Timber/Frear

I've never been there so I don't know what to expect. I know it's very similar to the Boundary Waters.

Tony

Negin: "Thanks in advance for any advice,

We would like to do a trip in 2025 with six adults and four kids (one 12 year old, three 10 year olds). It will be their first overnight paddling trip. All the kids have experience paddling and experience camping, just separately. I am thinking 4 days/3 nights would be the right length. Ideally mostly wetland/backwaters, not too many lake crossings.

Suggestions on where we should start/end? Campsites that are better for kiddos? Outfitters? Other ideas?"

So, the 9 person, 4 watercraft rule being applied means that your ten person group would have to break up somehow.

A couple of ideas on how that can be done.

1. You break into 2 groups and travel completely different routes. Never coming together on your trips. You could maybe end together at the same entry point?

2. You find one end to end route and each group starts at a different end. As you pass by each other you can trade keys for the vehicles in the middle. You get together afterward and trade stories. Getting two permits for the same day on different entries could be problematic. Maybe get help from an outfitter?

3. You can get two permits for the same route, but make sure your groups never create a situation where you have more than 9 people or 4 watercraft together. This will be harder than it seems. I have seen groups like this and they always seem to end up traveling together. This really does create a nuisance at portages. Much too much time needed to get everyone out and down the portage trail. I would not recommend this option.

Routes for option #1 might include:

A. Group 1 starts at Entry 37 Kawishiwi Lake and travels the Lady Lakes route ending at Sawbill Lake Group 2 starts at Sawbill Lake (or Baker Lake) and travels the Cherokee Loop and ends at Sawbill lake.

B. Group 1 starts at Entry 47 Lizz Lake and ends at Entry 50 Cross Bay Lake (Cross River). Group 2 starts at Entry 54 SeaGull Lake and ends at Entry 52 Brandt Lake (Round lake). These entry points are about a quarter mile apart.

Option 2.

All of the routes above could be used for a "meet in the middle" to trade keys kind of scenario. I am sure that there are many others that members can point out.

Hope these options help with your planning. Have a great trip.

You're looking at either cutting out a couple people.

Planning 2 separate trips.

Looking outside the BWCA. Timber Frear is an option, Cloquet River would be an option. St. Louis River as well - both are pretty remote and give that similar feel.