A friend and I are planning to do the Lake One to Snowbank loop entering EP30 on May 20. Driving up early that day from Minneapolis to enter same day. No outfitting/lodging needs.

Ideally, I'd like to drop gear and friend at EP30, drive to Snowbank to park my car, and then catch a ride from someone the 4.4 miles back to EP30.

Completely willing to pay for the service, of course, and understand that without any other needs, it's a big ask for an outfitter to commit to. One area outfitter has already declined to help in this way. I have a call into another.

Any recommendations on who to contact for a one way ride from Snowbank EP to Lake One EP?

Or, since it'll just be little ol' me and no gear, are Uber or Lyft options in this area?

Do you have the option of brining a bike? I've done this on other trips - biked 7 miles between points. Bike from the vehicle to the entry point and cable the bike to a tree. Not relying on anyone else that way. Only have a short drive back to pick up the bike when done. Just a thought.

Jefflynn06: "Do you have the option of brining a bike? I've done this on other trips - biked 7 miles between points. Bike from the vehicle to the entry point and cable the bike to a tree. Not relying on anyone else that way. Only have a short drive back to pick up the bike when done. Just a thought."

Y'know, this is a solid option. I would think biking between these points in decent conditions should take less than a half hour and would have the added benefit of getting the blood flowing after the 4+hr drive. Will definitely consider it. Appreciate the suggestion.

Still interested in knowing whether catching a ride is a reasonable option.

I'm pretty sure Piragis does shuttles.

Four and a half miles is not a bad walk, maybe an hour and a half. Then there is always a good chance that someone will pick you up.

I once started an open-ended trip at Round Lake off the Gunflint Trail. We ended the trip at Trails End. I hitch-hiked with a paddle so folks would get the idea that I was getting back to my vehicle before/after a trip. I got picked up right away by an outfitter. I explained that I didn't have money for a shuttle. He said "Man, you are hitch-hiking I don't ask hitch-hikers to pay!" Took me right to my car.

Hitch hike.
I did it from EP 14 to Ely one time, carry a paddle so people know what you are up too.

Jefflynn06: "Do you have the option of brining a bike? I've done this on other trips - biked 7 miles between points. Bike from the vehicle to the entry point and cable the bike to a tree. Not relying on anyone else that way. Only have a short drive back to pick up the bike when done. Just a thought."

This is what I would do. Stash the bike in the woods chained to a tree.

I left Snowbank Lodge last year in late May to do a big loop. The trip was shortened because I learned about a family crisis using my Inreach device. My wife called Kawishiwi Lodge and arranged for an unscheduled shuttle back to my car. I landed at the Lodge and they took me back to the car almost immediately. It cost me a bit (I don’t remember the price) but I was grateful to get on the road home quickly. Frank apologized for the cost but explained it was an interruption to their schedule. I felt well taken care of.

I’ve done the bike thing from Snowbank to Lake One before. Stashed the bike in the woods at the Snowbank lot, drive to Lake One for the trip, at the tail end of the trip, I hopped on the bike and rode over to pick up the vehicle. Easy peasy. Mountain bikes work the best when you need to ride on gravel roads like Snowbank Road. I’ve also biked from Moose River North to Stuart River and from Moose Lake to Snowbank before. Great way to shuttle without having to pay.

Tony

Very helpful everyone. Really appreciate you sharing your experiences and suggestions. I think biking is going to work best for us this trip. We’ll be eager to get paddling so leaving the bike at the exit is a good option. And if I’m ever planning to hike/hitch, I’m taking your advice LT and carrying a paddle. Good stuff.

If something happens and you need a shuttle reach out a day or two ahead. I could probably help you out. I’m more than likely in the area.

Have you contacted Snowbank Outfitters? I did this same thing few years back. I had the permit going through Snowbank Outfitters and when picking up my permit and telling them my plan of walking back to my car afterwards they insisted on a free of charge shuttle. I accepted and tipped them accordingly.

Great folks, highly recommend Snowbank Outfitters.

(the bike option is very solid also)

We ended that trip crossing Snowbank from Disappointment, and throughout the 40ish trips ive taken those were the gnarliest wind conditions I've ever paddled in. Snowbank is no joke.

Finnboy: "If something happens and you need a shuttle reach out a day or two ahead. I could probably help you out. I’m more than likely in the area."

Will definitely keep this in mind, Finnboy. Thanks for the potential alternative.

schwartyman: "Have you contacted Snowbank Outfitters? I did this same thing few years back. I had the permit going through Snowbank Outfitters and when picking up my permit and telling them my plan of walking back to my car afterwards they insisted on a free of charge shuttle. I accepted and tipped them accordingly.


Great folks, highly recommend Snowbank Outfitters.


(the bike option is very solid also)


We ended that trip crossing Snowbank from Disappointment, and throughout the 40ish trips ive taken those were the gnarliest wind conditions I've ever paddled in. Snowbank is no joke. "

Yikes! We’re also planning our last night on Disappointment with an early morning start to cross Snowbank. Sure hope we can avoid those gnarly conditions.

I did leave SBO a message and was considering calling again but got caught up with the biking option. Thanks for the recommendation. Sounds like you had a great experience. Will keep them in mind.

Did this in the opposite direction in the late 90's. My friend started walking to the Snowbank entry and hitched a ride within 20 minutes as he walked.
Hadn't thought about the bike option. That would work well.

SunrisePaddler: "

Finnboy: "If something happens and you need a shuttle reach out a day or two ahead. I could probably help you out. I’m more than likely in the area."

Will definitely keep this in mind, Finnboy. Thanks for the potential alternative."

Well, we rerouted this trip due to high wind forecasts. So I'll pocket this good info for another day. Thanks to all who replied!