The Long Way Around: A Clearwater Loop Expedition
by KayakosaurusMike
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
06/04/2026
Entry & Exit Point:
Clearwater Lake (EP 62)
Number of Days:
6
Group Size:
4
Discuss Trip:
View Discussion Thread (2 messages)
Day 6 of 6
Tuesday, June 09, 2026
We woke up on Day 6 to the sound of rain pounding on the tent. It wasn't just a passing shower either. The downpour continued for a few hours, turning the morning into one of those slow, cozy camp mornings where nobody was in much of a rush to move. John was the most prepared out of all of us, as usual, with his hammock and tarp setup. He was able to stay dry and comfortable while the rest of us figured out our own ways to wait out the weather. Kev and Ryan decided to come join me in my tent and keep me company with a few games of cards. They did a pretty good job of keeping me awake and entertained, but I was still able to sneak in a few extra naps. After the previous five days, I wasn't exactly fighting it.
Eventually, we all got moving and realized the weather wasn't really improving. The rain had slowed down, but we were left with a cold, gray, overcast day. Ryan checked his Garmin, and unfortunately, it looked like we were in for rain on and off for most of the day. After some discussion, we decided it would probably be best to move campsites and get closer to our exit. It wasn't an easy decision because we had loved our spot on Little Caribou, but sometimes you have to make decisions based on what the trip is becoming rather than what you originally planned. We packed up camp, which is always a little less enjoyable when everything is wet, and made our way toward Caribou Lake. The first portage went smoothly, and before long we were back on the water paddling the length of Caribou.
As we paddled, we started talking more seriously about the rest of the trip. The weather forecast, our tired bodies, and the reality of heading out all started weighing on us. After a few hours on the water, we started discussing whether it made sense to finish the trip a day early and spend our last night somewhere in Two Harbors instead. It wasn't because we were ready to leave. In fact, leaving was probably the hardest part. But after everything we had experienced, we also knew we didn't need to force another night in the wilderness if the conditions weren't ideal.
At the end of Caribou was the longest portage of our entire trip into Clearwater. After everything we had already done, it sounded intimidating, but it honestly wasn't too bad. The trail started with a good incline that definitely got our attention, but eventually it opened into a wide, well-maintained path before turning into a wetter, rockier section closer to Clearwater. It was long, and our shoulders definitely felt the burn, but compared to some of the other challenges we had faced earlier in the trip, it was manageable. The funny thing about portages is that the hardest ones aren't always the longest ones. Sometimes it's the short, steep, muddy ones that break you down. This one was long, but it was a good way to finish. Once we reached Clearwater, we loaded the canoes and took a few pictures with the Boundary Waters sign. There was something about that moment that made the trip feel real. We had spent the last week paddling, portaging, laughing, struggling, and experiencing things that we knew we wouldn't forget. From there it was a quick paddle to the entry point. The weather was still gloomy, but our mood wasn't. We spent the final stretch talking about how grateful we were for the entire experience and how lucky we felt to have been able to do this together.
Eventually, we reached the outfitter, where we celebrated the end of the trip the best way we knew how, with a cold beer and some cookies. After a quick shower, we packed up and started making our way south toward Two Harbors. Stopping in Grand Marais was a special moment too. We got gas, called our loved ones, and spent some time telling them about the trip. It was funny trying to explain everything because there are some experiences that are hard to put into words. You can talk about the lakes, the fishing, the campsites, and the portages, but the feeling of being out there is something different. That's why I write these trip reports.
That night in Two Harbors, we grabbed pizza, stopped at Castle Danger for a few beers, and eventually made our way back to the hotel. We finished the night watching the NBA Finals and enjoying the simple comforts that felt so different after a week in the wilderness. A real bed, a shower, and a television felt pretty incredible. The next morning, we got up early and started the drive back to the Twin Cities. We made it home before noon, bringing an end to what was easily the best trip I have ever been on. It is hard to fully explain what the Boundary Waters does to you. The beauty is obvious. The clear water, the endless forests, the sunsets, and the quiet. But, the part that sticks with me most, is how it brings people together. The challenges, the laughter, the unexpected moments, and even the difficult parts all become part of the story. There is something special about spending a week away from everything with a group of people who are willing to work hard, help each other, and appreciate the little things. Throughout the trip, we kept finding ourselves stopping to acknowledge how fortunate we were. We felt incredibly lucky to experience such a beautiful place and to have the time, health, and friendships that allowed us to do it. Sitting around the fire, paddling across quiet lakes, watching sunsets, or simply laughing about something ridiculous that happened during the day. We were constantly reminded how much there is to be grateful for.
As I finish writing this trip report, there are unfortunately major fires impacting parts of the Boundary Waters. My heart goes out to everyone impacted, and I hope those areas recover and continue to be protected for generations to come.
The good news is that I already have another trip planned for August, this time with my wife. It will be her first experience in the Boundary Waters, and I honestly cannot wait to share this place with her. I am excited for her to see the beauty that has meant so much to me and to experience the same sense of peace, wonder, and gratitude that I have found every time I return.
The Boundary Waters has a way of reminding you what really matters, and I feel incredibly thankful that I get to keep making memories there with the people I love.
~Little Caribou Lake, Caribou Lake, Clearwater Lake
We woke up on Day 6 to the sound of rain pounding on the tent. It wasn't just a passing shower either. The downpour continued for a few hours, turning the morning into one of those slow, cozy camp mornings where nobody was in much of a rush to move. John was the most prepared out of all of us, as usual, with his hammock and tarp setup. He was able to stay dry and comfortable while the rest of us figured out our own ways to wait out the weather. Kev and Ryan decided to come join me in my tent and keep me company with a few games of cards. They did a pretty good job of keeping me awake and entertained, but I was still able to sneak in a few extra naps. After the previous five days, I wasn't exactly fighting it.
Eventually, we all got moving and realized the weather wasn't really improving. The rain had slowed down, but we were left with a cold, gray, overcast day. Ryan checked his Garmin, and unfortunately, it looked like we were in for rain on and off for most of the day. After some discussion, we decided it would probably be best to move campsites and get closer to our exit. It wasn't an easy decision because we had loved our spot on Little Caribou, but sometimes you have to make decisions based on what the trip is becoming rather than what you originally planned. We packed up camp, which is always a little less enjoyable when everything is wet, and made our way toward Caribou Lake. The first portage went smoothly, and before long we were back on the water paddling the length of Caribou.
As we paddled, we started talking more seriously about the rest of the trip. The weather forecast, our tired bodies, and the reality of heading out all started weighing on us. After a few hours on the water, we started discussing whether it made sense to finish the trip a day early and spend our last night somewhere in Two Harbors instead. It wasn't because we were ready to leave. In fact, leaving was probably the hardest part. But after everything we had experienced, we also knew we didn't need to force another night in the wilderness if the conditions weren't ideal.
At the end of Caribou was the longest portage of our entire trip into Clearwater. After everything we had already done, it sounded intimidating, but it honestly wasn't too bad. The trail started with a good incline that definitely got our attention, but eventually it opened into a wide, well-maintained path before turning into a wetter, rockier section closer to Clearwater. It was long, and our shoulders definitely felt the burn, but compared to some of the other challenges we had faced earlier in the trip, it was manageable. The funny thing about portages is that the hardest ones aren't always the longest ones. Sometimes it's the short, steep, muddy ones that break you down. This one was long, but it was a good way to finish. Once we reached Clearwater, we loaded the canoes and took a few pictures with the Boundary Waters sign. There was something about that moment that made the trip feel real. We had spent the last week paddling, portaging, laughing, struggling, and experiencing things that we knew we wouldn't forget. From there it was a quick paddle to the entry point. The weather was still gloomy, but our mood wasn't. We spent the final stretch talking about how grateful we were for the entire experience and how lucky we felt to have been able to do this together.
Eventually, we reached the outfitter, where we celebrated the end of the trip the best way we knew how, with a cold beer and some cookies. After a quick shower, we packed up and started making our way south toward Two Harbors. Stopping in Grand Marais was a special moment too. We got gas, called our loved ones, and spent some time telling them about the trip. It was funny trying to explain everything because there are some experiences that are hard to put into words. You can talk about the lakes, the fishing, the campsites, and the portages, but the feeling of being out there is something different. That's why I write these trip reports.
That night in Two Harbors, we grabbed pizza, stopped at Castle Danger for a few beers, and eventually made our way back to the hotel. We finished the night watching the NBA Finals and enjoying the simple comforts that felt so different after a week in the wilderness. A real bed, a shower, and a television felt pretty incredible. The next morning, we got up early and started the drive back to the Twin Cities. We made it home before noon, bringing an end to what was easily the best trip I have ever been on. It is hard to fully explain what the Boundary Waters does to you. The beauty is obvious. The clear water, the endless forests, the sunsets, and the quiet. But, the part that sticks with me most, is how it brings people together. The challenges, the laughter, the unexpected moments, and even the difficult parts all become part of the story. There is something special about spending a week away from everything with a group of people who are willing to work hard, help each other, and appreciate the little things. Throughout the trip, we kept finding ourselves stopping to acknowledge how fortunate we were. We felt incredibly lucky to experience such a beautiful place and to have the time, health, and friendships that allowed us to do it. Sitting around the fire, paddling across quiet lakes, watching sunsets, or simply laughing about something ridiculous that happened during the day. We were constantly reminded how much there is to be grateful for.
As I finish writing this trip report, there are unfortunately major fires impacting parts of the Boundary Waters. My heart goes out to everyone impacted, and I hope those areas recover and continue to be protected for generations to come.
The good news is that I already have another trip planned for August, this time with my wife. It will be her first experience in the Boundary Waters, and I honestly cannot wait to share this place with her. I am excited for her to see the beauty that has meant so much to me and to experience the same sense of peace, wonder, and gratitude that I have found every time I return.
The Boundary Waters has a way of reminding you what really matters, and I feel incredibly thankful that I get to keep making memories there with the people I love.
~Little Caribou Lake, Caribou Lake, Clearwater Lake
Lakes Traveled:
Little Caribou Lake,
Caribou Lake,
Clearwater Lake,
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