Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Family basecamp entry points
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ockycamper |
Nothing sours first timers (particularly kids) being introduced to BWCA and wilderness camping like hauling gear on portages. |
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plmn |
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plmn |
My personal favorite used to be Lake One, but as I said, it's been a while. I have heard that it's pretty busy these days and I haven't seen the fire damage. Clearwater Lake looks attractive, too, though that could mean starting out with a decent portage. Timeframe isn't set quite yet, but probably mid-June or early August to schedule around athletic activities. Kids are 10-15 so they're capable of paddling, but not really into it (yet) which is why I want to ease them into it (and, honestly, ease me back into it too). Will be five of us in two tents. |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
I'll throw out another option that will provide several scenic & historic spots to visit. Duncan Lake EP #60. Check out the trip report Daddy daughter Duncan day trips for the details. |
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plmn |
schweady: "plmn: "...we'll just have to make the best of it. Hoping most people will be heading off the water on the 4th, we'll be putting in on the 6th. " That surprises me, but I suppose the fireworks ban has something to do with it. Don't expect that will change the number of overnighters since there were so few permits, but maybe there will be less day trippers on the lake. |
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plmn |
I have another question though...how soon do you think I need to reserve gear at Clearwater or Hungry Jack? I'm not sure yet what I am going to buy or bring and what I am going to rent. Will need at least one three person canoe and probably bear barrels. |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
plmn: "I have another question though...how soon do you think I need to reserve gear at Clearwater or Hungry Jack? I'm not sure yet what I am going to buy or bring and what I am going to rent. Will need at least one three person canoe and probably bear barrels. " It nothing as crazy like grabbing permits was this morning and there's no huge rush but, I'd still encourage you to reach out ASAP to start putting those pieces in place. |
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lindylair |
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schweady |
plmn: "schweady: "plmn: "...we'll just have to make the best of it. Hoping most people will be heading off the water on the 4th, we'll be putting in on the 6th. " Has more to do with many families having their established traditional family gatherings. And, yes, for whatever reason, their own attempts at fireworks. |
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plmn |
lindylair: "Where are you entering?" Bearskin, probably using Clearwater Outfitters. |
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plmn |
pstrom: "lots of good suggestions there... i'd STRONGLY recommend your August dates regardless of where you go.... far fewer black flies and maybe even fewer mosquitos depending on the rains" Yeah that is what I wanted but the week of July 4th was the only time we knew for sure wasn't going to interfere with other activities. So, we'll just have to make the best of it. Hoping most people will be heading off the water on the 4th, we'll be putting in on the 6th. |
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YetiJedi |
Hope you get lots of good suggestions and end up having a great trip! |
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pstrom |
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JohnGalt |
schweady: "plmn: "...we'll just have to make the best of it. Hoping most people will be heading off the water on the 4th, we'll be putting in on the 6th. " My outfitter told me the same last year & it surprised me though it checked out in the park. My vote would be for Ashigan Lake. I have fond memories from my trip there as a youth. The NW campsite has a shelf that is great for wading for smallies & the lake itself, while fairly accessible, doesn't get reached by folks who stop at Ensign & gets passed over by folks pressing further in. |
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lindylair |
Option 2...put in at Poplar Lake and enter the BWCA at Lizz Lake. Paddle south to caribou but instead of continuing south to Horseshoe as 90% of the travelers do, head west to Meeds Lake. A very quiet lake, 3 good campsites with very good fishing and there are several daytrips to take. Head to Horseshoe for a day which is definitely worth seeing, cool lake known for moose sightings. Sadly, very busy these days. Baker Lake entry to Kelly or Jack Lake(or further) would also be an easy trip. On the north end of the Kelly to Jack portage there is a short trail that leads to an old abandoned gold mine and lots of artifacts lying around. Just a few ideas, hope you have a good trip. |
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plmn |
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lindylair |
Homer Lake entry |
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riverat |
I did my first solo there last October and wasn't disappointed. It has quite a bit of traffic in the summer months but getting on the water early usually avoids that issue. If you haven't been up there in a number of years it might be best to stick to an easy entry point but that has lots of day trip options if you so choose. Riverat |
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SunrisePaddler |
Good luck with your planning. If you think of it, let us know how the trip goes. |
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schweady |
plmn: "...we'll just have to make the best of it. Hoping most people will be heading off the water on the 4th, we'll be putting in on the 6th. " Actually, the week of July 4th is, on average, the lowest BWCAW usage rate of the summer. |