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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Semi-Newby Trip Ideas
 
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TuscaroraBorealis
04/15/2025 06:58AM
  
If you haven't seen it already? Check out this sub-forum. Cool spots in canoe country
 
Mithrandir
04/15/2025 01:06AM
  
Hi, y'all. Before I start, I want to say sorry; I'm sure there are many posts similar to this one, but... my group and I are looking to come back up for the second year in a row, and I wanted some fresh ideas of where we should go.

I’ve been going to the BWCA since I was a kid, but last year was the first time I planned a trip myself after a bit of a hiatus. We went in at EP 52 and made it to Knife/Kek (and Thunder Point) over the course of a week. Good pacing, awesome campsites, and overall just a solid trip.

This year I think my guys are looking more for a base camp trip and also about half as long (3 - 4 nights on the water). I've always been a day to day mover with maybe one layover in a trip, so this is new to me. I also feel like I've generally stuck around the North/Central BWCA (Been from out of Tusc. multiple times in the past decade), and I want to check out what else there is to see.

I'm thinking about Curtain Falls or the Lookout in the North Eastern exclave of the BWCA (Rose Lake Lookout, if that's correct?). Any other ideas of cool things to see / to put on the itinerary? We're not too big into fishing and are fans of sleeping on bigger lakes (Like Kek, Tusc., lil Sag, Gabimichigami, etc.) but are youngins and will do what it takes for a sick view. Thanks in advance!
 
Mithrandir
04/15/2025 03:23PM
  
I just looked over Michwall2's recommendation, and it looks really interesting and sounds like a good fit for my crew. I also now remember the names of some of those lakes and remember them being a great area. I'll definitely be looking into that! Thanks for such great detail too.


Also, yeah, it looks like permits are going fast! Kawishiwi still has a couple of openings but Duncan is full for June-August. I'll also be checking out the forum linked by Tuscarora Borealis. Thanks to everyone for all of the responses, this is going to be a great trip!
 
Moonpath
04/15/2025 08:26AM
  
Consider Duncan Lake. One portage in. Easy access. May be more people than you want and fishing is just OK. But for just a 3 to 4 day trlp convenient.
 
Michwall2
04/15/2025 09:24AM
  
Here is an itinerary made just for your group.


Entry 37 - Kawishiwi Lake. Day 1. Kawishiwi to Malberg Lake. This is a longish day, but you said you were young and willing to do what it takes.


Day 2 - Day trip - Malberg to Fishdance Lake. Grab you food pack (or at least lunch) and head southwest along the Kawishiwi River to Fishdance Lake and the Pictographs. Want more? - Take a walk on the Alice Lake portage along the Kawishiwi River as it roars through rapids to Alice Lake. You can choose to take you canoes so that you can make the trip all the way to Alice Lake. Or not.


Day 3 - Choices - Choices.
a. Trip northeast to Makwa Lake for a view of the magnificent cliffs. There is also a cool little canyon along the portage heading northeast out of Malberg.
b. Trip northwest along the little visited Adams/Boulder loop. Lots of solitude here.
c. Trip east along the wild and scenic Louse River to Frond/Boze Lakes.


Day 4 - Travel back to Kawishiwi Lake from Malberg.


Your group gets the "basecamp" they want and you get the "travel" you crave. Win-Win! These are, admittedly, not the grand vistas your group has had in the past, but they are some sights you have not visited before.


Still want the grand vistas? Here is another you should look at:
Mountain Lake - You can get there from the west (Clearwater Lake) or the east (either John or North Fowl Lakes). Clearwater is the easiest to paddle, but the hardest to get a permit. I think you can paddle in from the east in a day from John Lake. I think it would be tougher to get there in a day from the North Fowl entry.


Hope you have a great trip.

 
straighthairedcurly
04/15/2025 02:55PM
  
Michwall2 has a top notch recommendation. Your limiting factor this year is permit availability and while I highly recommend the Duncan-Rose area, it can be very challenging to get a permit.
 
papalambeau
04/15/2025 01:46PM
  
Michwall2: "Here is an itinerary made just for your group.



Entry 37 - Kawishiwi Lake. Day 1. Kawishiwi to Malberg Lake. This is a longish day, but you said you were young and willing to do what it takes.



Day 2 - Day trip - Malberg to Fishdance Lake. Grab you food pack (or at least lunch) and head southwest along the Kawishiwi River to Fishdance Lake and the Pictographs. Want more? - Take a walk on the Alice Lake portage along the Kawishiwi River as it roars through rapids to Alice Lake. You can choose to take you canoes so that you can make the trip all the way to Alice Lake. Or not.



Day 3 - Choices - Choices.
a. Trip northeast to Makwa Lake for a view of the magnificent cliffs. There is also a cool little canyon along the portage heading northeast out of Malberg.
b. Trip northwest along the little visited Adams/Boulder loop. Lots of solitude here.
c. Trip east along the wild and scenic Louse River to Frond/Boze Lakes.



Day 4 - Travel back to Kawishiwi Lake from Malberg.



Your group gets the "basecamp" they want and you get the "travel" you crave. Win-Win! These are, admittedly, not the grand vistas your group has had in the past, but they are some sights you have not visited before.



Still want the grand vistas? Here is another you should look at:
Mountain Lake - You can get there from the west (Clearwater Lake) or the east (either John or North Fowl Lakes). Clearwater is the easiest to paddle, but the hardest to get a permit. I think you can paddle in from the east in a day from John Lake. I think it would be tougher to get there in a day from the North Fowl entry.



Hope you have a great trip.
"


We have been to this area many times and this is a great itinerary. The trip to Makwa can be highlighted by fishing for the beautiful lakers in this gem.