Boundary Waters

[CyzzleB]

Plenty of great outfitters no matter where you plan to go in the Bdub. Don't be afraid to use their deep knowledge if you are renting something from them. Buy a map and have them mark it up with 5star campsites, fishing spots and interesting points.

We go every year in May the week after Opener. The upside is no bugz and few people. The downside is sketchy weather which can lead to dangerous water at times. Last year we went in mid August and it was near perfect. Not much traffic, few bugz and ridiculous northern lights. For the prepared there are really few wilderness experiences that can match it.

 

[jtaconutz]

The Gunflint is a long haul for just a couple of nights, IMO. Pick an entry point closer to Ely or Tofte.

Go Royals!

 

[Entropy]

BUMP

Looking for some more/updated info.

I am trying to plan a trip this summer for a few buddies and I. But only looking into 2-3 nights on the water. Want to experience everything we can.... Looking into Voyager Canoe Outfitters as it is at the end of the Gunflint trail, and I want to check out a cabin that I went to when I was younger. My grandparents used to own one up there. Had to sell it in the late 80's. Any info will be appreciated.

There's some neat stuff if you put in that area. I'd probably try to do a loop from Hungry Jack through Bearskin, Duncan, Rose, Rat, South Lake, North Lake and take out at Gunflint. You will see a beautiful waterfall (Stairway, one of the best of the East side). The portage from North to South Lake is known as Height of Land since it's right on the divide (all the water in South Lake flows South, all the water in North lake flows North). Fishing can be good in Rose, although I haven't personally fished it.

 

[intrepid27]

Can't think of the name(s) but I've seen several books that lay out various length trips and describe the lakes and length/difficulty of the portages. Portages an vary greatly from one area to another in terms of difficulty.

If you are going to boat show in UNI dome next month there will probably be a couple of outfitters there. We have used PAK-N-Sak before and they are usually there. Last week of May-First week of June can be chilly but you will avoid bugs and crowds (Depending on the Holiday).

 

[somecyguy]

I've been there 3 times, each time at Horse Lake. It took about 8-10 hours to get there. There is an island on the northern part of the lake that we camped at. Just enough breeze to keep the bugs at bay.

I would recommend a tick check every night. Seems like every time I got at least 1 or 2 of them locked on to me.

 

[SplitIdentity]

For the love of God, if you tell an outfitter what lake you're going into, and they say, "oh, that's a very pretty lake.", consider going to a different lake.

And bring enough food and don't rely on fishing. A week trip on 300 cals per day blows.

 

[arobb]

Pack as light as you can. Lightweight packable raingear, sleeping bags, and tent are a must. Every pound of gear will add up on the portages and can quickly take the fun out of the trip if you overdo it. Mountain House meals are the lightest and best tasting meals that you can pack. A cheap Sterno stove will do a good job boiling water in a small pot. Bringing along a small bottle or two of whiskey is also a good idea. Earplugs are also a must if your buddies snore. I slept on a rock out in the bugs one night to get away from 3 buddies sawing logs.