BWCA Canoe routes near BWCA? Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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ECpizza
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04/23/2016 11:32PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
With my little ones, I got to wondering if there are canoe routes nearby that combine BWCA style canoeing and portaging, and campsites like the B-dub... But with picnic tables?
 
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old_salt
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04/24/2016 08:07AM  
Timber-frear.
04/24/2016 08:08AM  
Haven't been there myself, but Timber-Frear in the Tofte area gets suggested often for people looking for this type of trip. I'm not sure about the picnic tables.

Edit...HaHa.... OldSalt typed faster than me
04/24/2016 09:01AM  
There are some state forest campgrounds near that area as well.
With picnic tables and outhouses. Check out Nine-mile campgrounds off hwy seven just north of George Crosby State Park. There is water access right off the camp sites and rental boats, too. The Timber Frear area is right in this area. I am planning on checking it out some time this summer, if time allows. Good luck!
brantlars
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04/24/2016 09:22AM  
Check out Hogback Lake area located where the Wanless road meets #7 coming out of Finland. Easy to get to, short portages, a couple trout lakes and hiking trails connect it all. I been taking my son up there the past couple of years to get him ready for the BW.
OldFingers57
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04/24/2016 09:25AM  
Here are some other canoe routes up by the BWCA Superior National Forest canoe routes
billconner
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04/24/2016 12:53PM  
If you have paddles these, are the conditions if the campsites similar to those in BWCA?
Grandma L
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04/24/2016 03:14PM  
The sites are similar and some even have picnic tables along with a latrine and fire grate.

Per forest service post above by Old Fingers 57:
"There are no wilderness permits or fees
associated with the use of these routes or
campsites, and the campsites all contain
firegrates and unsheltered latrines. Keep
in mind that only 9 people are allowed per
campsite, you will need to treat or filter
drinking water, and all garbage and food
leftovers must be packed out."
Northwoodsman
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04/24/2016 09:44PM  
Sawbill Lake.
04/24/2016 10:50PM  
Picnic tables on most of the sites on Burntside.
eroom
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04/25/2016 09:06AM  
Some of the State Parks have canoe-in sites. I know there is one on Bear Head Lake, but nowhere to really portage to on that lake.
OldFingers57
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04/25/2016 09:13AM  
If you are looking for areas in other states besides MN, There is Sylvannia Wilderness in the UP of MI right on the MI/WI border and the American Legion Northern Highlands State Forest in WI that has lots of lakes with canoeing and short portages.
04/25/2016 10:33AM  
Bass Lake through Low to Grassy to Tee, to Sletten, Little Sletten and out at Fenske.

Or

Portage into Astrid Lake or you can put in at Pauline Lake. You can take the river to Pauline lake and portage into Nigh Lake. There is also hiking options around these lakes.
ECpizza
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04/26/2016 11:12PM  
quote ducks: "Haven't been there myself, but Timber-Frear in the Tofte area gets suggested often for people looking for this type of trip. I'm not sure about the picnic tables.

Edit...HaHa.... OldSalt typed faster than me"
He was faster, but you got the link.

Thanks folks! With regards to picnic tables, wanting to camp with the preschoolers, I would like to keep the stove and stuff "up" and somewhat stable and out of the way. And little ones still developing coordination, having a table for them to eat from is just a good idea. Having hiking trails to explore is a bonus! I am planning this summer's adult trip hoping for some campsites adjacent to trails in case we are windbound, we can still do some exploring.
jfinn
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04/27/2016 07:47AM  
Twin Lakes area? I haven't been but I thought I read that somewhere.

I have recommended the Grassy Lake circle route many times. Around 20 miles and it is a great into to BWCA style tripping with no permits, less regs, mostly friendly portages ( 1 long easy one) and easy bail out points. No tables though. I usually put in on Low and work clockwise through Bass, Long, Burntside and camp on Twin. Work to Grassy on day two and finish by noon back on Low. There are other put ins so you can plan on camping on Bass (has hiking options) but I like to do Burntside in the AM prior to the wind picking up.

Let me know if you want more info.


John



04/27/2016 10:02AM  
A few of the sites on Burnside are quite isolated. The lake and water is beautiful. Yeah there are houses and motorboats. I had a friend and his family that spent three days on one site and only saw one boat.
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08/20/2018 08:15PM  
Erinelizabeth882
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08/21/2021 04:28PM  
jfinn: "Twin Lakes area? I haven't been but I thought I read that somewhere.


I have recommended the Grassy Lake circle route many times. Around 20 miles and it is a great into to BWCA style tripping with no permits, less regs, mostly friendly portages ( 1 long easy one) and easy bail out points. No tables though. I usually put in on Low and work clockwise through Bass, Long, Burntside and camp on Twin. Work to Grassy on day two and finish by noon back on Low. There are other put ins so you can plan on camping on Bass (has hiking options) but I like to do Burntside in the AM prior to the wind picking up.


Let me know if you want more info.



John



"


John, this is a long shot that you see this, but I would love more information on the grassy lake loop that you mention. I found a bit of info from a forest service brochure on it, but not enough to go off for a trip. I was supposed to be going into Kawishawi on Friday and am scrambling to find new plans. If you had suggestions for a map or other planning information related to campsites and portages, that would be incredibly helpful!
 
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