All of a sudden I have this weekend Friday 10/1 through Sunday (maybe Monday) free. So I am going to do a quick out and back trip (first time soloing). Found an Ely outfitter that is open to get a boat(I only own a tandem boat).

Thinking about heading to Lake one. Over the years it is one of the few EPs on the Ely side I have never ventured into because of the numbers of people who trip there.

Looking for opinions-- relatively speaking for October are the number lakes still fairly busy on the weekends or should it be somewhat less "visited?"

Also--does this sound like a good one for a "first solo" (I have tripped 16 times, just never solo).

Last-- anyone hit the fish on one or the other numbers in the fall?

I wonder if due to the lack of tripping allowed this summer if the wilderness will see more traffic this fall than others?

I did the number lakes to Insula back in early October 2016 on my first solo trip and it was excellent. I saw one other canoe in the first 2 hours and then no one after Lake One. The weather is much warmer this year than 2016, so between that and the pandemic, I would bet there would be some more people out there this year. But I wouldn't think it would be anything remotely close to the summer levels. Have a great trip!

Lake One is a popular day use lake. If weather is nice expect people, but at night it won't be so bad. Take the one short portage to Lake Two and you will have far less traffic. The first campsite as you enter Lake Three is a very nice.
A good solo first as it is on a major travel route so if something would happen you will not have to wait too long for help.

bhouse46: "Lake One is a popular day use lake. If weather is nice expect people, but at night it won't be so bad. Take the one short portage to Lake Two and you will have far less traffic. The first campsite as you enter Lake Three is a very nice.
A good solo first as it is on a major travel route so if something would happen you will not have to wait too long for help."

Perfect, that makes alot of sense. Looks like it's about a 2 hour paddle into Lake 2?

You'll be fine in October (except 3rd weekend MEA)