1st solo
by Millzberry
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
08/01/2026
Entry Point:
East Bearskin Lake (EP 64)
Exit Point:
East Bearskin Lake (EP 64)
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
1
Trip Introduction:
This trip started out back in August of 2025. Me and a group of 5 head up to trout lake every year where we use 25 hp motor boats. Somewhere along the way we all agreed to attempting a loop via canoes the following year. We set up loops and chose apon a route, visiting cherry lake along the way. When it was all said in done the following year (July 2026) it was just 2 of us me and my dad. We headed up July 12th to stay the night at voyageur outfitters at the end of the gunflint trail. We woke up the following morning to the news that our permit was canceled. Bummed but not willing to quit on this year's trip. I booked a couple permits on a hunch that maybe some of the east side of the bwca would open back up and we could make a trip still this year. Well after a few text back and forth with my dad he had decided he was going to pass on this year's trip. The forest service opened the entry point for overnight paddle 2 days before the last of my 2 booked permits was set to depart. So last but not least in this group it was just me left. I had never been in a canoe other then in 7th grade when me and my dad took a aluminum canoe into Trout lake.
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Day 1 of 5
Saturday, August 01, 2026 Day1, I live several hours south of the gunflint trail, I had all of my gear loaded up the evening before so I could get a quick head start. The 1st stop has become somewhat of a tradition in my short time traveling up to the gunflint trail. That is stopping at cascade restaurant for lunch in Lutsen (my dad and I stopped here on the way up to voyagers) excellent food.
After a quick bite to eat, it was on to Rockwood Outfitters to pick up the Garmin in-reach device. They were very busy I was bit confused trying to set the Garmin in reach up with my phone. Then after some comical banter back and forth, the incredible staff at Rockwood took time out from their canoe rentals and outfitting expeditions and took care of me. Grade A service very happy with them and the vibe at the resort.
From there I headed to Bearskin Lodge to pick up my rental canoe. Mind you, I hadn't been in a canoe in over 25 years! The one and only time was when I was a kid, me and dad took an aluminum canoe into trout lake, unforgettable memories.
After some words of encouragement from the staff at the front desk. They informed me the canoe was still out on a late rental for the afternoon. I would have to meet the vessel in the morning. I headed to East Bearskin Lake Campground to set up my tent and have dinner.
After the tent was set up, I didn't eat much of anything, just drank some water and started to process what I had actually signed up for. I made quick work of the evening doing final checks on the gear and got as much sleep as I could. With the nerves of butterflies in my stomach and the pride of a lion in my heart. I hit the bed unsure what to expect. Would I dump canoe, keep it balanced, what was around the next corner. I really had no clue what to expect.
~East Bearskin Lake
After a quick bite to eat, it was on to Rockwood Outfitters to pick up the Garmin in-reach device. They were very busy I was bit confused trying to set the Garmin in reach up with my phone. Then after some comical banter back and forth, the incredible staff at Rockwood took time out from their canoe rentals and outfitting expeditions and took care of me. Grade A service very happy with them and the vibe at the resort.
From there I headed to Bearskin Lodge to pick up my rental canoe. Mind you, I hadn't been in a canoe in over 25 years! The one and only time was when I was a kid, me and dad took an aluminum canoe into trout lake, unforgettable memories.
After some words of encouragement from the staff at the front desk. They informed me the canoe was still out on a late rental for the afternoon. I would have to meet the vessel in the morning. I headed to East Bearskin Lake Campground to set up my tent and have dinner.
After the tent was set up, I didn't eat much of anything, just drank some water and started to process what I had actually signed up for. I made quick work of the evening doing final checks on the gear and got as much sleep as I could. With the nerves of butterflies in my stomach and the pride of a lion in my heart. I hit the bed unsure what to expect. Would I dump canoe, keep it balanced, what was around the next corner. I really had no clue what to expect.
~East Bearskin Lake
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