I am wondering if anyone has an idea of how much of an effect all of the recent rains have had on the trail. Experienced guesses are welcome :). We will start Thursday.

Not I, though I am also wondering how everything is looking up there on the Border Route trail. My buddy and I are hitting it starting July 20th.

Here's a link to the Friends of BWCAW Trails group. May 25th is not since the rain but at least it's this year. Sioux Hustler Trail survey. Contact Jan Pikor and he should be very helpful. Let me know how it is as I'm thinking of doing it on Labor Day weekend.

Minnesotian the BRT clearing group has been active in the Clearwater area this year so that should be in pretty good shape. I'll be going from Rose to South Lake in a couple of weeks and I can let you know anything about that section. I also hiked from the Otter Lake trailhead to McFarland this year and that was in good shape. Border Route Trail group

Thanks Talusman. I'm looking forward to our trip this year. We head out on the 21st from Grand Marais on the SHT, then 7 days later launch into the BRT. All told, a little more then 100 miles.

Thanks for the replies. I will get a report together after we return. I hiked the BRT last spring ('11) and thought it was in great shape then. Minnesotian, you should have a great hike in July, I wish I had the time to hike 100 miles!

This will be the last of the long trails on my BWCA list so I am pretty excited, although I am not looking forward to the hot temps.

I must have hiked it not long after you (about July 3 to 8). Mine the only car in the lot at start and finish, but I took about five days to do the loop (not a fast hiker), so may have missed some folks not doing the loop. Went counterclockwise; much appreciated the clearing that has been done. It seemed like the most down stuff is on the west section between Heritage Creek and Devils Cascade. Saw no one on foot until the Cascade (a ranger?), except for some portagers across the river at Elm portage. Somewhat hot and heavy deerflies. Loved it all the same.

I will be doing a full survey hike on the Sioux Hustler at the end of April. Then my clearing crew will be going up over the 2nd weekend in May. I will post my report here as soon as I get back.

Many thanks to all you folks who volunteer time and effort to clear trail! I have done some of that in Wabakimi PP, but not yet in the closer Bdub.