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01/01/2026 12:19PM
I'm planning 1 trip in 2026 with my friend Jim (3 trips together so far) and another friend with whom I have not tripped since our 2015 WCPP excursion. In late August 2025, Jim & I traveled from Ham Lake to Poplar Lake via Kiskadinna, Omega, Gaskin, etc.
Happy 2026, everyone!
Happy 2026, everyone!
01/01/2026 12:46PM
Hoping to do two trips this year. Only got in one trip to Wood Lake last year, due to some unexpected work conflicts. My 13 year old nephew might be going with me; he's been expressing an interest in going for the last couple years and his parents seem to think he might finally be mature enough. Not sure if they feel the same way about me, though...
Not sure where or when I'll be going yet. Depends on whether or not he goes along.
Not sure where or when I'll be going yet. Depends on whether or not he goes along.
01/01/2026 01:08PM
Still paddling. 2025 had some different challenges.
1) I finally finished the Suwanee 230 race on the beautiful Suwanee River thru Georgia and Florida. Fortunately, it was unseasonably cool (Southerners called it cold) and rainy so I didn't wilt in the heat.
2) Completed a number of shorter races: 15 mile Snake River race, 35 mile Driftless Paddle Battle on the Upper Iowa R., and the MR20 on the Mississippi R.
3) Had the pleasure of doing the Border Route Challenge tandem for the first time with Kenai Krewser who was one of my campers in 1987 and 1989 for a couple Camp menogyn long trips in Canada. So much fun to reconnect and challenge ourselves this way.
4) It was also so much fun to be a part of the "Year of the Woman" for the Border Route Challenge...record number of female participants. All finished and a lot of "firsts" were accomplished.
5) Managed to get the family together for an October trip to the Powwow Trail.
In 2026,
I need to get back to my roots with doing more BWCA trips so hoping for one with my husband, a solo trip, and then the Border Route Challenge again...maybe with my son this time?
1) I finally finished the Suwanee 230 race on the beautiful Suwanee River thru Georgia and Florida. Fortunately, it was unseasonably cool (Southerners called it cold) and rainy so I didn't wilt in the heat.
2) Completed a number of shorter races: 15 mile Snake River race, 35 mile Driftless Paddle Battle on the Upper Iowa R., and the MR20 on the Mississippi R.
3) Had the pleasure of doing the Border Route Challenge tandem for the first time with Kenai Krewser who was one of my campers in 1987 and 1989 for a couple Camp menogyn long trips in Canada. So much fun to reconnect and challenge ourselves this way.
4) It was also so much fun to be a part of the "Year of the Woman" for the Border Route Challenge...record number of female participants. All finished and a lot of "firsts" were accomplished.
5) Managed to get the family together for an October trip to the Powwow Trail.
In 2026,
I need to get back to my roots with doing more BWCA trips so hoping for one with my husband, a solo trip, and then the Border Route Challenge again...maybe with my son this time?
01/01/2026 03:26PM
Present! We celebrated our 53rd anniversary in Quetico, September 2025, and had the Park mostly to ourselves, as we had saved our 2024 RABC and were able to enter through Prairie Portage. I hope to finish a trip report soon, and we're already talking about using the 'saved' RABC for our 2026 Quetico visit.
TZ
TZ
01/01/2026 05:46PM
Happy New Year To All: Hoping some excellent paddling is in store for all of you who make plans for 2026.
A few of you have emailed me regarding my solo ride, a Hornbeck New Trick, mid profile 14'. I have one of the first made and have been using it for about 14 years. It is a joy. I have it weighing in at 22 1/4 lb
so it lets an old canoeist like me (78) to portage it rather easily. It is quick, lite, and bobs over wind driven water not cut through. I added a Cook Custom Cover some years back which I enjoy in rain and rough conditions, it has good secondary stability and I fish from it often. I am 6'2 and 215 lb. It is a popular canoe in the Adirondacks where it is made and where I now canoe the most. I have used it on trips to the BWCA and on Woodland Caribou- I do believe they have opened a store in Minneapolis.
Not trying to create any promotion but answer what I have been asked. Feel free to keep asking as that is what this site has done for me in answering my many questions over the years.
Boppa
A few of you have emailed me regarding my solo ride, a Hornbeck New Trick, mid profile 14'. I have one of the first made and have been using it for about 14 years. It is a joy. I have it weighing in at 22 1/4 lb
so it lets an old canoeist like me (78) to portage it rather easily. It is quick, lite, and bobs over wind driven water not cut through. I added a Cook Custom Cover some years back which I enjoy in rain and rough conditions, it has good secondary stability and I fish from it often. I am 6'2 and 215 lb. It is a popular canoe in the Adirondacks where it is made and where I now canoe the most. I have used it on trips to the BWCA and on Woodland Caribou- I do believe they have opened a store in Minneapolis.
Not trying to create any promotion but answer what I have been asked. Feel free to keep asking as that is what this site has done for me in answering my many questions over the years.
Boppa
01/01/2026 07:51PM
Still hanging in. We completed our 38th annual trip this past Sept. 34 of the years with the same crew of 4, 3 years with subs for one member, and 1 year with just 3 of us. We have trips planned for the next 2 years to hit an even 40 years. After that, not sure at this point.
01/01/2026 10:57PM
Here and still getting into the park as much as I can. 2025 included a spring trip out of Sag and an October trip out of Cross Bay. Outside the BW we did some camping and paddling in the apostle islands and pictured rocks. Mid summer we spent two weeks hiking in Washington’s national parks and wilderness areas.
2026 planning is underway. Looking to get a few BW trips on the schedule.
01/02/2026 07:29AM
Still hanging around, will definitely be posting more as our trip planning gears up. We postponed our trip last year due to my father passing in july, but the three of us plan to return in august 2026. Planned route is EP 19 basecamping. Most of our trips have been 50+ miles and we've never done a basecamping trip, so I am looking forward to bringing more luxury items. We have a daytrip planned to explore the Dahlgren portage, maybe hop into the PMA to fish nibon or bibon, and definitely going to try to get up to iron at least 1 day. Looking forward to another year reading all the great trip reports!
01/03/2026 08:34AM
Jeff here for 2026! My paddling soul mate, my wife Lynn, has developed some knee issues so opted out of a BWCA trip last summer. We did get to the Bittersweet Lakes for a weekend of canoe camping (very, very short portages for her) that was enjoyable. Took my buddy Greg on his first BWCA trip to Swan and Marshall via Bower Trout. He and I are planning another BW trip for 2026. Wife and I will head out east to NY and Maine this summer along with our annual family camping trip to Crystal Lake in northern WI. (in the camper for both of these).
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2026!
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2026!
01/03/2026 10:36AM
Hey forgot to sign and try to attach a photo. Warm wishes from Suzanne Stroh
LaVirginienne: "Here and fully accounted for! Happy New Year everyone. Really made me very sad not to have paddled the Boundary Waters in 2025, for the first time in six or seven years. It’s been a bit of a shock to my system and I really hope to get back to Ely/Grand Marais and BWCA this year.
The good news is, I published a book in December (or rather my publisher published my book) so I suppose the sacrifice was worth it.
I’m super lucky to have good flatwater for daily paddles/workouts here in my part of Virginia…
On a side note, I am in a job search. I have a strong management background with 4 years of experience (2021-2025) in logistics-medical and business. And many of you may know that I am also a FEMA inspector under the individuals and households program. (But that work is deployment based.) I would love to find work as a logistics coordinator or similar in Wisconsin or Minnesota. If anybody has any leads or knows somebody who is hiring, I would greatly appreciate the referral, and I 100% guarantee that if I’m the right fit, I won’t disappoint. Thanks! If successful, this will bring me closer the community where I want to find myself in after I retire…. "
01/03/2026 10:37AM
01/03/2026 10:49AM
Still here. A pretty active year. 1 trip to Sagus & Jordan from Moose Lake, a couple of great lakes to spend some time on. It was an alternate since we didn't get a RABC in time. It made for a tougher trip to find solitude, but really didn't regret it. I enjoyed the challenge.
Spent a little more time in Big Bend with 2 trips this year. An unscheduled one to meet up with group of friends in mid December. It's been warmer for longer down here, weather was perfect, if not a little hot!
The drives to both BWCA & Big Bend keep us from going as much as I'd like. Think of Big Bend national & state parksfor winter /spring camping, it's pretty great.
Looking forward to everyone's trip reports next year.
Spent a little more time in Big Bend with 2 trips this year. An unscheduled one to meet up with group of friends in mid December. It's been warmer for longer down here, weather was perfect, if not a little hot!
The drives to both BWCA & Big Bend keep us from going as much as I'd like. Think of Big Bend national & state parksfor winter /spring camping, it's pretty great.
Looking forward to everyone's trip reports next year.
01/03/2026 11:22AM
Here, and new to the group, but not to the BWCAW. My first trip was in 1993. Yikes! That was a long time ago. My daughter and I do one mother/daughter trip a year, and we typically alternate between backpacking and paddling. Last summer, we paddled part of the Mississippi, so this should be a backpacking year. The BW is calling, though, so we are planning another paddle trip for 2026. So excited to be going back! I have enjoyed reading the content in these forums, and have gotten some great ideas from this community. Thank you! 
01/03/2026 11:23AM
Turn 67 this past year, my 20th trip to BWCA.
Tore my meniscus in my knee two weeks before my date of entry.
Doctor said as long as I wasn’t hurting, you can go,,,, And I went.
Went to an area with shorter portages due to my age ??.
Had a great time. I’m going back to the same spot and this year.
Have a Great year everyone!
But remember, a bad day on the water is still better than a good day at work!
Learn it!
Love it!
Live it!
01/03/2026 12:12PM
01/03/2026 12:14PM
01/03/2026 12:26PM
Happy New Year!
I did two trips in 2025….
One with my son in May…his first and my second trip to the BWCA and our last adventure before he went to college. We did Ram lake to Poplar.
The other was base camping on Rush in September with a couple friends.
Planning a 7 day/6 night trip for 2026 with a friend…no details yet except we are going to check out Long Island Lake.
I did two trips in 2025….
One with my son in May…his first and my second trip to the BWCA and our last adventure before he went to college. We did Ram lake to Poplar.
The other was base camping on Rush in September with a couple friends.
Planning a 7 day/6 night trip for 2026 with a friend…no details yet except we are going to check out Long Island Lake.
01/03/2026 01:54PM
Here and ready! ?????
01/03/2026 02:01PM
Happy New Year everyone! I was fortunate to take 4 canoe trips in 2025. My first trip of the year was a super fun weeklong June "group solo" with my friend, her dog and my two dogs in Fraser/Thomas/Kekakabic/SAK area of the BWCA. That trip was followed by a 4th of July weekend solo trip with my dogs from Bower Trout to Brule and out through Ram. I was trying to get my dog who's terrified of fireworks somewhere quiet for the weekend, but of course we had a big loud thunderstorm right on the 4th of July! I then spent the last half of July on a very-smoky Quetico solo (again with my dogs), entering and exiting through Nym. Finally, in September, I participated in and finished the Voyageurs' Challenge solo (no dogs). Like straighthairedcurly posted, it was really fun to be a part of the "Year of the Woman" on the border route challenge! Throughout the spring, summer and fall I also paddled many, many miles locally, mostly on the St. Croix River and some on the Chisago Lakes Water Trail.
For 2026, I'm planning 3 trips--another 2-week+ Quetico solo with my dogs, a Quetico trip with a friend and our combined 3 dogs, and the the Kruger-Wadell challenge in September. Along with lots of local day paddles!
For 2026, I'm planning 3 trips--another 2-week+ Quetico solo with my dogs, a Quetico trip with a friend and our combined 3 dogs, and the the Kruger-Wadell challenge in September. Along with lots of local day paddles!
01/03/2026 05:41PM
Hi, first post ever here. 2025 was my first year heading up to the bwca since I was a kid. Did a 7 day loop through the region of Sag->Ester->Cherry->SAK-> Ogish->Seagull this September. Had Such I good time I planned a trip to go back out on Sag just for a weekend in early October.
Was a huge reminder of how much fun it is out there. Very excited for next summer. Got a few ideas for 2026. I want to go back to Cherry lake but take a longer more relaxed trip and check some stuff out. Maybe Moose lake EP and then head north/east up through the region of Thomas-> Wisini->Kekekabic->SAK->Cherry->Sag and then exit at the Gunflint. Also want to check out the Little Sag/Makwa/Alice Lake area. Maybe take a short trip out of Clearwater lake EP as well.
Happy New Year!
Was a huge reminder of how much fun it is out there. Very excited for next summer. Got a few ideas for 2026. I want to go back to Cherry lake but take a longer more relaxed trip and check some stuff out. Maybe Moose lake EP and then head north/east up through the region of Thomas-> Wisini->Kekekabic->SAK->Cherry->Sag and then exit at the Gunflint. Also want to check out the Little Sag/Makwa/Alice Lake area. Maybe take a short trip out of Clearwater lake EP as well.
Happy New Year!
01/03/2026 06:02PM
Hopefully making my 12th Quetico/White Otter trip this summer. My RABC isn't up to date, so going in from the north side again. Turning 65 this year, so toning down the length of some of these trips..concentrating more on fishing and just straight-up enjoying the scenery and serenity. Happy New Year to all, and God bless.
01/03/2026 06:25PM
Happy new year!
Did a 5 day on Little Trout Lake last year. Due to schedules, we had to take what we could get. This meant a 6 hour paddle in and out from Moccasin Point … would probably camp a night on Big Trout because we were wrecked the next day, didn’t have much energy to go very far.
The Pine River paddle was the stuff of dreams … beautiful vistas and a fun, twisty route. Fishing on Pine Lake was a bust, however, windy and we got there too late in the day. Caught a nice 17” walleye on day 4 that we had for lunch with a bass and some bluegill.
Big thunderstorms passed just north of us on day 3, all we got was a little rain, thankfully. Beautiful clear nights otherwise.
Planning at least two trips this year, one might be a solo … not sure where yet.
All the best to you!
Did a 5 day on Little Trout Lake last year. Due to schedules, we had to take what we could get. This meant a 6 hour paddle in and out from Moccasin Point … would probably camp a night on Big Trout because we were wrecked the next day, didn’t have much energy to go very far.
The Pine River paddle was the stuff of dreams … beautiful vistas and a fun, twisty route. Fishing on Pine Lake was a bust, however, windy and we got there too late in the day. Caught a nice 17” walleye on day 4 that we had for lunch with a bass and some bluegill.
Big thunderstorms passed just north of us on day 3, all we got was a little rain, thankfully. Beautiful clear nights otherwise.
Planning at least two trips this year, one might be a solo … not sure where yet.
All the best to you!
01/03/2026 07:37PM
01/03/2026 08:00PM
Greetings from THAILAND!
I have been here for a little over two months and will be here for another 3 weeks and then I'm moving to Vietnam and will based out of Da Nang but travelling the entire country for 3 months before moving onto Bali. I miss the Quetico Journey and all my friends here at bwca.com. You have provided me a lifetime of fond memories. It was fantastic catching up with Adam and many others at the SEP 2025 Wing Night.
Follow along on my newest perpetual Journey around the world! Note: I'm a little behind on editing but I'm fix'n to get working on it. :-)
BoomerNomad.com
I have been here for a little over two months and will be here for another 3 weeks and then I'm moving to Vietnam and will based out of Da Nang but travelling the entire country for 3 months before moving onto Bali. I miss the Quetico Journey and all my friends here at bwca.com. You have provided me a lifetime of fond memories. It was fantastic catching up with Adam and many others at the SEP 2025 Wing Night.
Follow along on my newest perpetual Journey around the world! Note: I'm a little behind on editing but I'm fix'n to get working on it. :-)
BoomerNomad.com
01/03/2026 09:08PM
Late September was my first time in the BWCA traveling all the way from WY. Originally from MI. Looking forward to a Quetico 9-day fishing trip in three years. Love that this website exists and all the knowledge it contains. Had a great trip from Moose to South arm of knife portaging to Ensign and out.
01/04/2026 09:14AM
Made 2 trips this year. June 1 went to Smoke Lake with one of my daughters the day after her HS graduation. July 28 entered at Kawishiwi Lake with my 6 year old son for his 2nd annual BWCA trip. I was hoping for a short October solo, but non of the weekends worked out. We also did our annual family vacations at Rockwood in August and Nelson’s Travelers Rest in October.
This year I’m planning my son’s 3rd annual father/son bwca trip. Leaning towards Baker in late August. My older and soon to be 21 year old daughter doesn’t like canoeing/camping anymore so we have adjusted our biannual father/daughter trips so we still get our one on one time in the woods. The first week of June we’ll do some hiking on the North Shore and spend a night at Nelson’s in Grand Marais. Then we’ll do some hiking along the Gunflint Trail and stay in a Rockwood bunkhouse. The last day we’ll help Rockwood with their section of the Gunflint Cleanup before heading for home and stopping in Canal Park. Hopefully I can squeeze in a spur of the moment October solo or possibly an April solo if we get an early ice out solo. We just got home from a family stay at Garden Lake Resort in Ely and look forward to our annual stays at Rockwood and Nelson’s.
This year I’m planning my son’s 3rd annual father/son bwca trip. Leaning towards Baker in late August. My older and soon to be 21 year old daughter doesn’t like canoeing/camping anymore so we have adjusted our biannual father/daughter trips so we still get our one on one time in the woods. The first week of June we’ll do some hiking on the North Shore and spend a night at Nelson’s in Grand Marais. Then we’ll do some hiking along the Gunflint Trail and stay in a Rockwood bunkhouse. The last day we’ll help Rockwood with their section of the Gunflint Cleanup before heading for home and stopping in Canal Park. Hopefully I can squeeze in a spur of the moment October solo or possibly an April solo if we get an early ice out solo. We just got home from a family stay at Garden Lake Resort in Ely and look forward to our annual stays at Rockwood and Nelson’s.
01/04/2026 01:04PM
01/04/2026 01:54PM
UPBoy here from Stacy MN, Made it thru the 75th trip around the sun and planning on many more.
Made three BW canoe trips in 2025 plus several fishing/camping boat trips. I'm at the age where canoe tripping with my family works best. Translated that means someone else carries the canoe and maybe my personal pack.
The first trip was in June with son #3 from St Paul and his family of 6 plus a dog. The youngest GK is 4. It was a near perfect trip as you could wish for. Canoe camping with four of my grandchildren was fantastic. Spent 4 nights on Lower Paulness.
Second trip was in July on what we call the "Guys" trip with 3 of my 4 sons. It was simple. Pound it down the Moose River north to Tiger Bay on LLC for a base camp of 5 nights on one of the best campsites I've every stayed at. Went site seeing in the area (Pictographs, Warrier Hill) and played lots of Euchre.
The third trip was what I called a "Geezer" trip. You had to be over 70 years of age to get a ticket. We put in at Sawbill and paddled over to Alton and spend a few days there. Not much but it was enought for me.
In September I spent a very enjoyable weekend around the campfire at BWCA.com's annual Wing Night. It is great to meet the real people that sometimes hide behind screen names and share some camping and fishing stories. Highly recommended for those that enjoy your time cruzin' the Message Board and this site.
This year there will be more family trips......just haven't planned them yet.
Made three BW canoe trips in 2025 plus several fishing/camping boat trips. I'm at the age where canoe tripping with my family works best. Translated that means someone else carries the canoe and maybe my personal pack.
The first trip was in June with son #3 from St Paul and his family of 6 plus a dog. The youngest GK is 4. It was a near perfect trip as you could wish for. Canoe camping with four of my grandchildren was fantastic. Spent 4 nights on Lower Paulness.
Second trip was in July on what we call the "Guys" trip with 3 of my 4 sons. It was simple. Pound it down the Moose River north to Tiger Bay on LLC for a base camp of 5 nights on one of the best campsites I've every stayed at. Went site seeing in the area (Pictographs, Warrier Hill) and played lots of Euchre.
The third trip was what I called a "Geezer" trip. You had to be over 70 years of age to get a ticket. We put in at Sawbill and paddled over to Alton and spend a few days there. Not much but it was enought for me.
In September I spent a very enjoyable weekend around the campfire at BWCA.com's annual Wing Night. It is great to meet the real people that sometimes hide behind screen names and share some camping and fishing stories. Highly recommended for those that enjoy your time cruzin' the Message Board and this site.
This year there will be more family trips......just haven't planned them yet.
01/04/2026 02:47PM
We reserved permits for a 2025 trip, but unfortunately had to cancel. Taking care of elderly parents requires personal sacrifice sometimes.
We're scanning the maps and hoping we can get a trip in this summer, but we'll have to see. We're not getting any younger and we require a lighter load and a bit slower pace.
The BWCA continues to call to us, and who can resist her compelling whisper?
We're scanning the maps and hoping we can get a trip in this summer, but we'll have to see. We're not getting any younger and we require a lighter load and a bit slower pace.
The BWCA continues to call to us, and who can resist her compelling whisper?
01/04/2026 07:05PM
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all !
Had a fantastic 2 week Quetico Trip the last of June and the 4th of July 2025. Some great walleye and lake trout fishing on Cirrus Lake with some paddling buds via Beaverhouse entry.
I am planning to paddle the 2,341 mile MISSOURI RIVER starting May 16, 2026 at Missouri Headwaters State Park THREE FORKS, MONTANA. Likely will take me 70 - 80 days.
I found a 1999 Kruger #97 SEAWIND for my Missouri River Trip. Its a a very stable, fast canoe and best of all has a large open cockpit ... which will help this 71 year old with 2 knee replacements to more easily get in and out of his seat.
So I will probably miss my annual trip to Quetico in 2026. I have gone to Quetico every year but 1 since 1979 ( 46 trips). If all goes well and I have some energy left maybe I can do a late September Quetico trip.
Had a fantastic 2 week Quetico Trip the last of June and the 4th of July 2025. Some great walleye and lake trout fishing on Cirrus Lake with some paddling buds via Beaverhouse entry.
I am planning to paddle the 2,341 mile MISSOURI RIVER starting May 16, 2026 at Missouri Headwaters State Park THREE FORKS, MONTANA. Likely will take me 70 - 80 days.
I found a 1999 Kruger #97 SEAWIND for my Missouri River Trip. Its a a very stable, fast canoe and best of all has a large open cockpit ... which will help this 71 year old with 2 knee replacements to more easily get in and out of his seat.
So I will probably miss my annual trip to Quetico in 2026. I have gone to Quetico every year but 1 since 1979 ( 46 trips). If all goes well and I have some energy left maybe I can do a late September Quetico trip.
01/04/2026 07:20PM
Had another great trip into quetico.
Trip number 17 for me.
Always a great time.
Looking forward to many more.
01/04/2026 09:33PM
Unable to paddle I do what I can… so camphosting in Utah near my kids… enjoying grandkids playing sports. May have made my last maple syrup last year. Winters in Arizona now… getting away from the cold I lived for so many years.
Good to see a lot of new blood here… I hope you all can keep the many paddling traditions alive. So grateful for the friendships made here. And this website… very few places you can go meet such wonderful people…
Have a great and prosperous year everyone!!
Ben
01/04/2026 09:35PM
01/05/2026 09:32AM
We are still here, but not planning any trips in the future. Spartan1 is tied to hemodialysis three times a week and that pretty much clips our wings. Life is still good, lots to be grateful for, and many good paddling memories.
I always look forward to this thread. It is fun to see new names this year, and also the "regulars" from years past. Treasure your paddling memories, folks. Life goes by very quickly.
I always look forward to this thread. It is fun to see new names this year, and also the "regulars" from years past. Treasure your paddling memories, folks. Life goes by very quickly.
01/05/2026 11:55AM
Tony here, still figuring out what to do this year, but last year was a great one! Personal best walleye “31 3/4” in Quetico and lots of fun times taking my kids on multiple trips this season. Hoping to get at least 3 trips in this year!
Hope everyone has a great 2026!
Tony
Hope everyone has a great 2026!
Tony
01/06/2026 10:51AM
Getting excited about taking a couple of trips in 2026! Maybe a solo trip in late May and a trip with my son and granddaughter in late July. Still doing a lot of paddling in west-central Minnesota and am considering a trip to the Bighorn Canyon on the MT/WY border.
01/06/2026 03:29PM
Present and accounted for. Sort of semi-retired and planning a lot of travel time this year. Kentucky for a family wedding, 10 day motorcycle trip to the back woods of Idaho, Cousins reunion in New Hampshire, And a luxury trip with my better half to one of the many destinations on our travel list. Plus my annual snowboard trip to Utah to join my son for a few days. AND a canoe expedition of course.
Had a great relaxing trip planned into Quetico Man lakes chain in early Sept last year. Entering through PP with my extended RABC. Unfortunately it had to be cancelled at the last minute so I missed my annual canoe trip to Canoe Country in '25. Instead I headed up to the Sierra Nevada and camped at a local lake for a week.
Reminded me of what a beautiful place it is without the crowds. (it was right after Labor Day)
Planning a trip to Quetico this year either late July or late August. Bucket list trip from PP (Thanks to the RABC extension) to Carp lake entry, Through the Man Chain, Sag, Falls Chain, into Kawnipi for some walleye. Then down through Hurlburt, Trant, and exit through the S-Chain. I'm going to re-think my packing and necessities to make it a single portaging trip. AND actually follow through on my new year's resolution to get back in shape.
Happy new year to All
Had a great relaxing trip planned into Quetico Man lakes chain in early Sept last year. Entering through PP with my extended RABC. Unfortunately it had to be cancelled at the last minute so I missed my annual canoe trip to Canoe Country in '25. Instead I headed up to the Sierra Nevada and camped at a local lake for a week.
Reminded me of what a beautiful place it is without the crowds. (it was right after Labor Day)
Planning a trip to Quetico this year either late July or late August. Bucket list trip from PP (Thanks to the RABC extension) to Carp lake entry, Through the Man Chain, Sag, Falls Chain, into Kawnipi for some walleye. Then down through Hurlburt, Trant, and exit through the S-Chain. I'm going to re-think my packing and necessities to make it a single portaging trip. AND actually follow through on my new year's resolution to get back in shape.
Happy new year to All
01/07/2026 10:39AM
Hoping for a June trip with a younger neighbor and two of their early-teen kids in June, then an August trip with a neighbor who is a former Marine - those military folk are not always so keen on “camping” - going to Brule for both. :-)
Had taken three other trips with various neighbors in the past five years as my mid-30s kids have pretty hectic schedules. :-).
01/07/2026 06:03PM
After skipping a fall trip in 2024 because of the fire ban, I made it back up there this past October for a solo trip. It's always refreshing for the soul. Trip number in the 50s, I need to study my wall map better one of these days to get a solid count.
Planning on another fall trip this year, and it will be a couple weeks after I crack becoming 60........yikes, where has the time gone?
I already had a nice crappie on the stringer, so I had no problem releasing this too big for my dinner walleye. Although it was my only 'eye of the trip.
Planning on another fall trip this year, and it will be a couple weeks after I crack becoming 60........yikes, where has the time gone?
I already had a nice crappie on the stringer, so I had no problem releasing this too big for my dinner walleye. Although it was my only 'eye of the trip.
01/08/2026 10:51AM
Been lurking on this board for a while. Got started on BW trips late in life so I found this place to be a great source of information to provide a steep learning curve. I’m very grateful to everyone that has contributed.
I had to cancel my regular late May trip this year for surgery. Still made it to Kawishiwi Lodge and day trips for a week in June. Got in a late September trip out of Saganaga (after joining some of you for the fall camping and potluck).
I am looking forward to meeting some of you on my first Canoecopia in the spring. See you there.
Planning a loop from Snowbank to Lake One in late May this year. It will be a repeat of a trip I did in 2024 that I had to speed up. My father-in-law got sick and I needed to exit fast to go see him and provide care. Planning to spend 18 days for the trip and then meet my wife for a week at Kawishiwi Lodge. If I’m lucky I may even get in another fall trip.
I had to cancel my regular late May trip this year for surgery. Still made it to Kawishiwi Lodge and day trips for a week in June. Got in a late September trip out of Saganaga (after joining some of you for the fall camping and potluck).
I am looking forward to meeting some of you on my first Canoecopia in the spring. See you there.
Planning a loop from Snowbank to Lake One in late May this year. It will be a repeat of a trip I did in 2024 that I had to speed up. My father-in-law got sick and I needed to exit fast to go see him and provide care. Planning to spend 18 days for the trip and then meet my wife for a week at Kawishiwi Lodge. If I’m lucky I may even get in another fall trip.
01/08/2026 12:31PM
Happy New Year Outdoor Enthusiasts! I camped in Arizona and Utah half the winter. Summer plans in Colorado were derailed. Spent a month camping in Grand Marais Minnesota Harbor instead.
Needed to be in Stillwater Minnesota early fall to help with my 50 year HS class reunion. Out of 600 classmates 200 showed up and 100 have passed. Left on a spur of the moment 5-week road trip in late October to hike. A week in Glacier NP, a week in Salmon Idaho, two weeks in Moab Utah and a week in Pinedale Wyoming. Great weather. No issues.
I’m heading for Arizona soon. Hope to get to canoe country in August. Planning to return to the Wind River Range in Pinedale Wyoming this September to backpack. May also go to Oregon. 2027 is 4 months in Alaska! (Hopefully)
I hope everyone enjoys good health and fun adventures in 2026!
Needed to be in Stillwater Minnesota early fall to help with my 50 year HS class reunion. Out of 600 classmates 200 showed up and 100 have passed. Left on a spur of the moment 5-week road trip in late October to hike. A week in Glacier NP, a week in Salmon Idaho, two weeks in Moab Utah and a week in Pinedale Wyoming. Great weather. No issues.
I’m heading for Arizona soon. Hope to get to canoe country in August. Planning to return to the Wind River Range in Pinedale Wyoming this September to backpack. May also go to Oregon. 2027 is 4 months in Alaska! (Hopefully)
I hope everyone enjoys good health and fun adventures in 2026!
01/08/2026 01:11PM
Here from Oklahoma. Had a trip with my son in early June through EP 70. We were fortunate and had excellent fishing. My son caught his personal best Lake Trout and Northern Pike. He cannot wait to return! We will be attending the 100 year celebration at Clearwater in July with my wife.
May all have a happy and healthy 2026!!
May all have a happy and healthy 2026!!
01/08/2026 08:42PM
MichiganMan present and accounted for. Had a great trip to northern Quetico in June of 2025. Plans for 2026 not set in stone- may try to get in an Isle Royale trip. Should have more free time next fall- will be my first year not coaching hockey in something like 17 years. Love this site and the people on it!
01/09/2026 03:43PM
Successfully made it through the first full work week of the year!!
A group of 8 of us made a trip to Fourtown at the end of June, with a day trip to lower Basswood Falls. Water levels were low so there were a few more portages than anticipated and some wading through the water, but we made it and enjoyed the view.
In October, the hubby and I spent a week on a Hawaiian cruise to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Spent time snorkeling, enjoying the views and flying over Kauai to see the Napali Coast.
This year we're planning on doing another trip at the end of June. We just haven't decided what lake yet.
Hope everyone has been having a happy and safe 2026!
A group of 8 of us made a trip to Fourtown at the end of June, with a day trip to lower Basswood Falls. Water levels were low so there were a few more portages than anticipated and some wading through the water, but we made it and enjoyed the view.
In October, the hubby and I spent a week on a Hawaiian cruise to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Spent time snorkeling, enjoying the views and flying over Kauai to see the Napali Coast.
This year we're planning on doing another trip at the end of June. We just haven't decided what lake yet.
Hope everyone has been having a happy and safe 2026!
01/10/2026 10:49PM
I thoroughly enjoyed six days of solitude in Quetico this September.
Closer to home, there were numerous days of hiking and skiing in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado.
For 2026, I am planning for a ten day Quetico trip with my college aged kiddo. Can't wait! Also, lots of mountain time around home.
01/13/2026 09:14AM
I had one of my most memorable BWCA trips in over twenty years of tripping in 2025. Had my 10-year old BWCA boots completely fall apart to where I had to duct tape my feet in them to portage out. Broke the back off my camp chair, and my depth finder screen quit working while I was out fishing. Bought a poor quality cheap iso fuel so my MSR stove didn't work right.
For the cherry on top, I cracked my solo cedar strip canoe and had water leaking in, luckily would only get about an inch deep being the cedar is naturally buoyant. I still made it four days and would do it again with the same issues. That is the magic of the BWCA - you never know what trials and tribulations you will face, and overcoming those are part of the fun.
Hope everyone has memorable canoe tripping in 2026.
For the cherry on top, I cracked my solo cedar strip canoe and had water leaking in, luckily would only get about an inch deep being the cedar is naturally buoyant. I still made it four days and would do it again with the same issues. That is the magic of the BWCA - you never know what trials and tribulations you will face, and overcoming those are part of the fun.
Hope everyone has memorable canoe tripping in 2026.
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