I did my first trip to the BWCA this past September, not only my first trip ever, but a solo trip as well. One of the hardest things I have ever done, but also one of the best trips I had ever taken!

As a result of my trip, several of my buddies now want to go on a trip in September 2025 so I am looking for a really good combination of solitude, fishing, and natural sights that we can pack into a 3-4 day trip. I got so much helpful information on the message board last time I thought it was only proper to reach out again.

Thank you for the help, and Merry Christmas!

What did you have in mind? A loop or there and back? East side or west side? Big water with fewer portages or smaller water with more portaging? Solitude or destination lakes?

First you need to figure out what your priorities are and what you want to be doing with your days. As a first trip for most of the group you are going to want to just enjoy being out there and maybe doing a little fishing. Destinations, like waterfalls and scenic overlooks are great, but can wait for later trips after you get used to the scenery.

My first trip was a there and back to Phoebe from Sawbill. It was a great trip but doing it again, I'd stop at grace and daytrip to Phoebe. 4 days would be ideal. One in, one to explore Grace, one to daytrip to Phoebe, and one back out. Very pretty lakes, some longer portages to get you away from the crowds, and decent fishing.

During September, you don't have to worry about crowds as much so you can go wherever you want. The details don't matter as much as you might think it does right now. Just get out there and have fun.

If from Ely area though doesn't have to be, head to Bald Eagle Lake. several entry points can get you there. Base camp on Bald Eagle. Do a day trip around the lakes north of it - Gull, Pietro, Candle, Clearwater, Turtle - and maybe a day trip up and back on Isabella River to the east - or just hang out on Bald Eagle. One thought for a group of newbies and fishing.

Get a shuttle from Sawbill Outfitters to Kawishiwi Lake (#37) and return to Sawbill Lake (Entry #38) via the Lady Lakes. Once you leave Lake Polly and turn east you will be mostly alone until you get to Beth Lake.

Entry #49 Skipper Lake - Head west to Banadad Lake. Then make the trek to Long Island Lake. From there you have 2 options:
1. Turn back east through Muskeg Lake to Kiskadinna Lake. You can keep going straight east to Horseshoe Lake or take a dip south to Winchell Lake to climb the cliffs and fish these depths. Then head to Horseshoe Lake and out through Lizz Lake.
2. Head north out of Long Island to Karl Lake through Lower George and Rib Lakes to Cross Bay Lake Entry. This option will require a shuttle .

Entry #54 SeaGull Lake. Head west to Ogishkemuncie Lake. Turn south through Mueller Lake (stop and see Mueller Falls) to Gabimichigami and Little Sag. Turn east to Gillis Lake (pick a northern or southern route). From Gillis head back to Entry #52 to Brant Lake (Round Lake). This route requires a shuttle.

Hope you find a fun route.

Did I briefly talk to you about your trip last fall at Kawishiwi Lake?

If so I don’t remember the details, but you can refresh. Are you looking for a trip similar in difficulty or will something different be more appropriate for the group?

It’s hard to pack much travel into a 4-day 3-night trip even for more experienced travelers. We can make suggestions but only you know the group, so you’ll have to review the suggestions for appropriateness.

Some reasonable options have been mentioned- the Lady Lakes route from Kawishiwi back to Sawbill, going down to Bald Eagle, etc. There are a lot of options depending on the group’s ability and desires.

Your name was familiar and I found you on solo tripping forum. I never did get around to replying to your post after the trip, but others covered a lot. Email me and I’ll get back to you after Christmas with some information.

Thank you all, as usual you have given me some great information, I am actually getting with the rest of the group today so i will go over some of the recommendations. Happy New Year!