So I have finally decided (more so summoned up the courage) to do a solo trip. I am finding my paddle partners don't want to get up to the BWCA as often as me and two trips a year just isn't enough to satisfy me for the long winters that follow canoe season. I have been reluctant mostly just due to nerves. I am not weary of my skills and feel I can get my self out of trouble fairly well (Once broke my ankle mountain biking and had to Hike out 7 miles in the dark), my only concern is my own mind. I love the BWCA, but the bumps in the night can even get to me in the group setting. I figure i'll just bring some melatonin to knock me out at night. Time to suck it up though. Any suggestions on good first solo trips? I am planning on just doing a base camp trip for probably 3 nights. I want to minimize my travel since there will be other challenges that I am sure I will learn about with a solo trip. I would like a lake with good access to some day trips and hopefully some good fishing to keep me busy.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

imo, dont basecamp.

I would head on up to Cherokee, north of Sawbill. Lots of good lakes to explore up there, along with Cherokee itself. Plus there are a couple island campsites there as well, if you can snag them.

I agree, don't basecamp. that can make for some long days, and a lot of sole searching.

There are so many nice tripping areas you could go to for a three day trip. On the eastern side, I love to go into Missing Link, from there is a multitude of places to go.

On the western side, close to Ely, you have Moose River (n) or (s). Which you can go a nice circle route to Nina Moose, Oyster, Agnes, or Ramstead. (sp).

Another idea would be go in at Moose, then over to Ensign and some of the lakes. Lots of people there, so that may help, with the scary sounds in the night. Just knowing people are in a close proximity.

Just go have fun, be careful and you'll be OK

Sounds like you have a plan you are comfortable with. You know what to expect based on your 6 plus trips already. The basecamp part is the way I usually go. My least favorite part of a canoe trip is setting up camp every day and having to start looking for a camp early to make sure you get one. My plan consists of setting up camp then spending the day exploring other lakes, fishing, if I see a comfortable rock to lean against I might read a book for awhile. I am rarely in camp (depending on weather) during the day. If I get tired of the camp I'm on I move.
What ever you decide to do have a good time!

I think that's the way many of us ended up doing things solo - we weren't content not doing it just because no one was willing or available. Of course, I did many things alone throughout my life - fishing, hunting, hiking, even camping, but I was still nervous on my first solo backpacking trip. That's a little different than being in a campground or near a road, which I had done. Nonetheless, I soon got used to it and don't give it a second thought. You will too.

Obviously some soloists prefer to basecamp, some to travel, some a mix. Some feel that being busy with travel and camp setup keeps their mind occupied and wards off the "heebie-jeebies". I don't mind sitting there in the dark alone, I even relish it now and usually don't even make a fire.

Your first solo trip will be a learning experience; part of that will be paddling, portaging, camp chores, etc. and part will be basecamp vs. travel vs. some combination. Your best bet might be to take a longer first day (early start), stay two nights, move part way to your destination for the last night (2nd camp). This will give you some experience with all three options and practice with the paddling, portaging, camp chores routine to think about what might work better for you next time.

There are a lot of options for a trip like that: You could enter in the Sawbill area and head to the Lady Chain and back, or head north, you could enter Kawishiwi lake and go base on Polly, you could enter Lizz Lake, East Bearskin, Cross Bay down to Long Island, etc. I'd just avoid really big lakes (if you're not a real experienced solo paddler) and really long, difficult portages.

Otherwise you'll find a lot of information by searching this forum.

Have a good trip, enjoy yourself!

Take advantage of the luxury of being in charge and not having to get anyone's agreement - so travel or layover where and when you want. If you think you might layover - for the fun or site or weather - I'd carry a paperback novel. Actually, my canoe trips are the only time I get to read fiction so I like finding a nice niche with a good view and sit on my seat pad with my back against that perfectly shaped rock, water bottle at my side, and read.

I am planning on going into an area that I have the option to move camp. I have never done a base camp trip but thought it may be easier for a first solo, but I guess I don't know what my mind will do if I don't have a lot to do without moving camp. Thanks for all the advice so far!!!!

I find that I have a bit of restless sleep the first night or so on solo trips. It takes a bit of time for my brain to calm down, but after a couple of nights I sleep like a baby.

I like to base camp on solo trips. I love to poke around and explore, but if you find that you're getting bored or that you are doing too much soul searching, you can always move on.

Just go, do what you want and enjoy!

I base camped on my first solo. The solo was only 3 nights. If I were in longer I would have moved. This summer I am doing a 6 night solo and I am not base camping nor am I going to move every day. I am planning on moving every 2 days. Or whatever. The area I am going in has lots of options to do a long loop or a short loop. It will all depend on how I feel at the time.

I like basecamping, but since I'm canoeing Crown Land, a basecamp to me is driving up to the lake and camping there. However, I'll portage to other lakes from there and drive up to other lakes too in my coming two-week solo. Like you, the nights give me the heeby-jeebies, but each one is easier than the last.

Listen to your instincts when you paddle into a new camp. If it doesn't feel right, move on. Find that comfy spot.

Reason with yourself, and supplement with a little alcohol. To much though, and you get to take a heebie jeebie late night leak.

quote Exo: "Listen to your instincts when you paddle into a new camp. If it doesn't feel right, move on. Find that comfy spot.


Reason with yourself, and supplement with a little alcohol. To much though, and you get to take a heebie jeebie late night leak.


"

Easily solved with a wide-mouth gator aid bottle.

And you will be glad you did, probably. Some good advice and mostly recommending that you do what fits you. If you feel like paddling then do so, like taking a nap then do so.
In planning my Quetico solo I am looking at one or two possible stay two night sites, but mostly will move daily. I think most solos handle better with a load and since take down/set up with the hammock is quick and easy I find moving a good way to explore and try new sites. That said, if I find a really fantastic spot I might stay put.
It is a good idea to have something to do if you are stuck in camp due to weather. I will have a good book, but have been known to do "art projects" with available materials.
As to the heebee jeebies. Keeping your mind focused is important. I listen for the sounds trying to identify them and get lost in the stars and satellites. Growing up on a farm we had lots of time alone doing repetitive tasks. I think that helped me "entertain myself" when alone.

I would recommend not basecamping, but if you do find an area with tons of day-tripping potential, good fishing.