I have a group of church youth ready to go next week, but our entry point at Little Indian Sioux is not an option. We've pivoted to a church member-owned cabin in Grand Marais and hoping to do a couple day trips instead.

Am I missing anything with this plan? Any advice will help our youth get a little experience up there.

If you had a couple days on the GM side to day trip where would you go?

Thanks.

A couple of older threads:

Thread One

Thread Two

I think Johnson Falls would be cool, but also depends on conditions and if you are looking for a full day.

Clearwater lake is cool. Some people climb the palisades for the view depending on appetite for some

I like straighthairedcurly's suggestion "Gunflint Trail - about half way up the trail turn on Hungry Jack Road. Put in at West Bearskin Lake. Just one portage into Duncan Lake. Then set your canoe well off to the side of the portage to Rose Lake and walk the portage to Rose Falls for a scenic lunch and a swim. You can also hike along the Border Route Trail from the portage and find some stunning overlooks and views of Canada.".

Seagull on a calm days would also be nice, but keep and eye on the forecast for wind if you are making a day of it.

I would defer to others for fishing recommendations if that is a target for a day or two.

I’ve wanted to go visit the fort at Grand Portage for years, but a tight travel window to and from BWCA hasn’t made this possible.

Thanks for the quick responses. In 2024 I had a group on Rose and it was really fun. A day trip to those falls I think the youth would really like.

We do have a few who want to fish but my hope is to get them a swim, fish, lunch on a rock and a bit of exploring and sight seeing. The only schedule we are on is to get home by bedtime.

Might have already been covered in the old threads (I didn’t go recheck), but here are some that come to mind: Caribou Rock trail, Magnetic Rock trail (bring their compasses), Seagull and then hike up the portage to Paulson Lake to get some beautiful views, mini paddle loop, West Bearskin to Daniels to Rove/Watap to Clearwater and back to West Bearskin via Clearwater Road, Chik Wauk museum, Johnson Falls. I also recommend Grand Portage with the fort, museum and great hiking to awesome waterfall overlooks.

BWCA: "
A couple of older threads:


Thread One


Thread Two


I think Johnson Falls would be cool, but also depends on conditions and if you are looking for a full day.


Clearwater lake is cool. Some people climb the palisades for the view depending on appetite for some


I like straighthairedcurly's suggestion "Gunflint Trail - about half way up the trail turn on Hungry Jack Road. Put in at West Bearskin Lake. Just one portage into Duncan Lake. Then set your canoe well off to the side of the portage to Rose Lake and walk the portage to Rose Falls for a scenic lunch and a swim. You can also hike along the Border Route Trail from the portage and find some stunning overlooks and views of Canada.".


Seagull on a calm days would also be nice, but keep and eye on the forecast for wind if you are making a day of it.


I would defer to others for fishing recommendations if that is a target for a day or two. "

Forgive my ignorance, but what type of permits are needed for day-tripping on the Gunflint side? We will need a back-up plan if our Aug 28 permit gets cancelled and our flights into MSP are locked in. It's only 2 of us and I've called a few Gunflint outfitters that made it seem like they could accommodate a last-minute trip if a permit opened - this is assuming overnight, so renting a single canoe for day trips should be even easier. Any thoughts/recs are appreciated!

paddlindrew: "Forgive my ignorance, but what type of permits are needed for day-tripping on the Gunflint side? We will need a back-up plan if our Aug 28 permit gets cancelled and our flights into MSP are locked in. It's only 2 of us and I've called a few Gunflint outfitters that made it seem like they could accommodate a last-minute trip if a permit opened - this is assuming overnight, so renting a single canoe for day trips should be even easier. Any thoughts/recs are appreciated!"

If you're day-tripping, you only need day-use permits, which don't need to be reserved ahead of time. Obviously the EP still needs to be open for use.

A couple of ideas not mentioned yet in this new thread….I didn’t read the past threads that are linked…. I probably responded in those myself.

Hike the Centenial Trail. This is my favorite Gunflint hiking trail because it’s a circle instead of an out and back, few people when we’ve hiked it, and it has some historical kiosks with neat mining and railroad information. It’s been a few years since the last time there, but I think it’s 3 miles and about 2 hours to do. I’ve seen that parking lot with 2 cars while the Magnetic Rock parking lot was overflowing onto the side of the Gunflint Trail.

Paddle from Poplar to Caribou and Horseshoe for fishing and it’s a good area to see moose. You could exit through Meeds to see something different instead of going back out through Lizz.

I second the ideas for Johnson Falls entering at East Bearskin (this would be a full day) . Paddle Clearwater to the portage to Mountain Lake where the Border Route Trail crosses it 1/2 way across. There are some great overlooks in both directions. Duncan to Rose Falls and the overlooks on the Border Route Trail.

Of course the Caribou Rock Trail and Honeymoon Bluff overlooks are must sees.

Thank you all! I want our youth to still have a great experience...this will help a lot.

Clearwater is beautiful and has the palisades along with some million dollar views/"insta worthy" photo ops from the top of the portage to Mountain. There's also a very easy hike to an overlook by Clearwater Lodge that has some great views.