We are tripping starting Monday next week in the Seagull/Saganaga area. Temps are looking warmer than we have seen in some time for that period.

Any idea about crowds at the end of September, due to the July closures?

We just got back from that area and found more travelers than anticipated. Our friends at Voyageurs Canoe Outfitters told us that they are unusually busy for this time of year for the reason you mention. That said, we had no trouble finding a campsite and sure enjoyed the complete lack of bugs.

Not Gunflint but went in through Moose Lake north of Ely last week. My outfitter (Williams and Hall) said the same thing- this is the busiest they've seen it in late September. They attributed it to lost trips from the summer closures, eastern Quetico being closed, and the ridiculously gorgeous weather.

Going in at Clearwater tomorrow, heading to Pine.

I feel like late September has been getting busier for last couple years, any data on this? I remember a couple decades ago we always went in on Labor Day because it was quiet. That is certainly not the case these days.