I am looking to have a basecamp trip in the beginning of August. I was looking at going in at Fall Lake, navigate the two smaller portages through Newton and camp on Pipestone Bay.

I have never been to this area before. Is this as easy a trip as it appears to be or am I missing something? I have done about 10 trips. My buddy has done 1.

If anyone else has other suggestions I would appreciate it.

I think that would be a good trip for young kids, the only thing to keep in mind is that you will be on the motor route. Other options with minimal portages and no motors might be Moose Lake (either basecamp on ensign or wind lake), Lake One, Snowbank (to disappointment), Hegman(camp on hegman or bass lake), or Little Indian Sioux to Upper/ Lower pauness.

I agree that Lake One and the numbered lakes would be a great trip for your group.

quote unshavenman: "I agree that Lake One and the numbered lakes would be a great trip for your group."

Did the number lakes burn??

quote unshavenman: "I agree that Lake One and the numbered lakes would be a great trip for your group."

Did the number lakes burn??

Lake One is still green, Lake Two is pretty charred, Lake Three has some green and some charred, can't speak to Lake Four as I paddled it in the dark.

GrandmaL will likely have some good info as she heads into this area every Spring.

quote Dbor: "I am looking to have a basecamp trip in the beginning of August. I was looking at going in at Fall Lake, navigate the two smaller portages through Newton and camp on Pipestone Bay.

I have never been to this area before. Is this as easy a trip as it appears to be or am I missing something? I have done about 10 trips. My buddy has done 1.

If anyone else has other suggestions I would appreciate it. "

D, If you go into Fall, let me know. I'm going in on August 3rd!

Have a great time. I can't speak to that area, however my friend and I (2 moms, 5 kids) did a trip from EP 16 Moose River to Agnes last August. We base camped on Agnes (that was our destination the first day). We had 2 boys and 4 girls, ages 9-15. Because we were base camping, though we did move once, we packed a little heavier than we normally would so that the kids would be comfortable. The weather was unseasonably rainy/cool too.

They've done the BW before, but this was the first time they carried the larger packs or portaged canoes. They did great (helped to have their buddies along). When we take their friends to the BW for the first time, we have them come over a week or so before the trip to learn the basics of canoeing, camp set up, etc (and we make it fun!). That way when we start the trip, they jump in and do stuff without us having to show them.

2nd to last photo shows them dumping canoe on purpose near camp, learning how to right it safely and get everyone back in the boat. Great skill to learn during good weather conditions.

Bring tasty desserts to make over the fire, like monkey bread or cinnamon twists. Our kids ate a lot of snacks. Bring a hammock or two. They're great reading nooks and double as a swing.