I am planning a trip down the Cloquet River from Indian Lake to the St. Louis River. Indian Lake is near Brimson (about 1/2 way between Virginia & Two Harbors, as the crow flies). The end point is near Cloquet. Does anyone know of an outfitter in that area could run a shuttle...ideally from Cloquet to Indian Lake (Indian Lake to Cloquet could also work)? Thanks.

I'm not aware of any, and didn't find anybody on a quick internet search. Best bet might be to find a friend willing to help, or if the group owns more than 1 vehicle between them, run your own shuttle. When are you going? I've always wanted to run the Cloquet.

Thanks for searching. Yeah, the current plan is just to run two vehicles and do the shuttle ourselves, but if I find an outfitter I could save some on gas. We are planning on going in mid to late May. Nice thing about non-BWCA trips is that without needing a permit, you can make/alter plans a bit more last minute...especially useful in the spring and fall when weather can have such a big impact.

I think the power company is obliged to keep the water levels good through June, so water shouldn't a problem before then.

On your trip down the Cloquet, how many miles and days are you planning??

If I remember correctly, I believe Indian Lake to the St. Louis river is about 70 miles. Most of it should have a nice current, and I think there is 1-2 lake crossings. I am planning for 3 1/2 days of paddling.

Has anyone made this trip or have any comments about it? I haven't made this trip before, but I have read the guide books (Paddling MN, Paddling Northern MN), so I think I know what to expect.

HBB, are you still around?

How was your trip? I've haven't done this trip but have thought of doing the portion from Indian Lake to Island Lake Reservoir.

The closest outfitter to Indian lake that I can think of is the Canoeist in Two Harbors. But because of the distances involved, I would doubt that any shuttle from Indian Lake to Cloquet would be cheaper than arranging for a car drop. Especially so if traveling from the Twin Cities metro or closer. (Well at least if you get more than 20 miles to the gallon.)

inspector, I am just seeing this post now.

The trip was fantastic. If I did it again, I would take out at Island Lake Reservoir. The Reservoir was like glass when we crossed it, but it wouldn't take much wind to make crossing it very treacherous, especially in spring when the river is running the best. Also, the stretch after the reservoir isn't nearly as exciting and the DNR campsites in this stretch were very poor. That was two summers ago, so they could have improved the campsites since then...not sure.

The rapids between Indian Lake and Island Lake Reservoir are as good as any in MN for intermediate open-boat paddlers. There are good portages around each rapid, and many of the campsites in this stretch are very nice.

The last stretch before emptying into the St. Louis River is also a nice technical run in the right water level conditions - it would make for a good day trip.

Blake from Outdoor Edventures helped us out with a shuttle. He is a nice guy and runs a neat place on/near Island Lake Reservoir. Considering all the miles we saved, it was easily worth the reasonable fee he charged.

Thanks for the reply HBB. I hope to be doing this trip within the next two summers. I just saw that the MN DNR website lists these two outfitters for this river when I looked for their map.

Wish I'd seen this a little ealier. I live on the Cloquet River and I'm sure I could have given you a hand.