Planning a trip for early October, hoping to catch the fall colors at peak. I've never done any hiking around the BW, and would like do a trip that combines paddling and opportunities for some day hikes. I've seen Duncan or Daniels mentioned a few times, as they give access to the BRT. Any other EPs I should consider for this type of trip?

combo trips are becoming a more common part of my planning and lots of entry points can put you at places to do this. I camped on Disappointment and hiked the adjoining trail one day. The Superior Hiking Trail is awesome, especially when the maples are turning. On that trip I camped at Sawbill and did some day trips on the lake and the SHT. Grouse were very active.

I did Slim in Oct 2022 and South Hegman in Oct 2023 for this exact reason.

On Slim I camped at the site closest to the EP because you can access the ski trails and hike right from camp. You can also access the trails from the southern campsite.

For South Hegman I paddled from camp to the pictographs on North Hegman and then to Trease. I then hiiked the Trease portage to Angleworm and hiked part of the Angleworm trail.

Rose Lake has some nice hiking opportunities. The Border Route Trail intersects the portage and waterfalls between Rose and Duncan. From the portage you can hop on to the BRT. The overlook on Rose west of the portage is well worth the hike. You can see Rose, Rat, South, and North Lakes from the overlook.

We were thinking about doing some hiking around Disappointment Mtn later this month. Are the trails in decent condition? Anyone have recs on where to park if day tripping from Jordan or Ima?

Tough to beat Sea Gull Lake (EP #54) area & Kekekabic Hiking Trail combo. The Paulson portage is an awesome hike too.

First fish and a walking stick

15-20 years ago I would have suggested Angleworm as a less popular option. Given the changing beaver ponds and recent fires I am not sure what this option brings anymore. I’ve enjoyed both great hiking and fishing along this route.

The Pow Wow trail begins at the entry point to Isabella Lake and makes its way northwest. It nearly touches Lake Three so Lake One entry would get you access to it.

I would think to look at the Vento Unit. Hard to get more than a mile or two away from the BRT up there. I'd enter John or North Fowl just because I haven't been to the east side of the Vento Unit before but anywhere other than E Bearskin will get you close. I avoid Clearwater whenever possible because there's always too many people on Clearwater.

Clearwater
West Bearskin
McFarland