Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Sawbill for Newbies in Mid-June?
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mjmkjun |
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Pilgrimpaddler |
Then again, I could be wrong about that; maybe they'll appreciate the challenge. |
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x2jmorris |
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Pilgrimpaddler |
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mjmkjun |
Alton lake is an option and so very close. Watch it. Water gets choppy fast when the wind kicks up. Usually, the early part of the afternoons unless some storm is moving in. Just north of Alton Lake is Kelso with a couple of campsites available. Those fire lakes aren't difficult to reach. It's an effort, but not enough to discourage newbies or kids. I am a soloist, but have done these routes out of Sawbill entry several times. Sawbill Campground is a favorite of mine. It's a clean and relatively quiet campground. Managed well. Quiet hours enforced. Between all three route options, your probabilities are high to find open campsites in mid-late June without having to go to Lady Lakes route/portages. That route might overly challenge or discourage some newbies. Note: a noticeable influx of campers on the weekend of July 4th holiday. Sawbill Campground is usually is full and utilizes overflow spaces on that holiday. As though somebody opened the gates of summer. (Pandemic concerns may alter this pattern either way.) |
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Pilgrimpaddler |
From the comments from the board (and thanks for everyone’s input who took the time to comment), it looks like a Sawbill entry will probably work well for my group. |
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jhb8426 |
mjmkjun: "...Note: a noticeable influx of campers on the weekend of July 4th holiday. Sawbill Campground is usually is full and utilizes overflow spaces on that holiday. As though somebody opened the gates of summer." The two weeks after the 4th of July are more open according to the owners of Sawbill. Then it starts to pick up again building to Labor Day. I usually plan a trip for either of those weeks and the population is noticeably down. |
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gopher2307 |
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WHendrix |
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Pilgrimpaddler |
My question is if, given the time frame I'm looking at, it is advisable to try entering through Sawbill. Permit availability around my entry date window is all over the board, ranging from none to 11 of 14 permits available. My biggest fear is that we find no open campsites and have to move to the adjacent lady lakes or the fire lakes which might result in some unhappy newbies. My hope is to provide an experience that will draw them back, not turn them off to the BWCA. An alternative is to go in the Homer Lake entry, where crowding is not expected to be a problem (fingers crossed), or maybe even to Crocodile. All will provide an introduction to the BWCA. Can anyone who has tripped with young kids and newbies (at the same time) give some advice to me? Thanks! |
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Pilgrimpaddler |
WHendrix: "I went in through Sawbill a few years ago and I would not say that it was deserted, but neither was it overwhelmed with people. I said something to Bill Hanson, the proprietor of Sawbill Outfitters at the time, and he said that their business did not really get going until after July 4. I don't know if that helps. I would call Sawbill Outfitters and see what they say. And it would be an ideal place for the trip you describe." Actually, that helps quite a bit. I was hoping to rent some gear from sawbill Outfitters, so the Sawbill entry would be most convenient. I'll call them see what they have to say. Thanks again for your input! |
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Michwall2 |
How mid-June? - If the black flies are still out, make sure you have head nets. Especially for the 5 year old. In any case, be prepared for biting insects. Why are the "Fire Lakes" a disappointment? There are some beautiful campsites there and Burnt Lake offers good fishing opportunities. If the weather is cooperative for an Alton crossing, you might consider Beth Lake. Beautiful scenery, very clear water, lots of smaller small mouth bass to fish and 3 of the 4 campsites are great. |
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fishonfishoff |
If you would go to the fire lakes, it would give the newbies a better feel of the whole BWCA experience. If they like it, next time try a longer route with more portages. Just a suggestion. FISHONFISHOFF |
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cyclones30 |
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andym |
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