I've been asked by a couple of friends to take them (dads) and their sons to the BWCA in June. The fathers have a couple of trips under their belt but it has been several years for each of them. Their sons are teenagers now but are unfamiliar with canoeing and have not been to the BWCA.

I talked with the dads and since they have a 15 hour drive on both ends of the trip they prefer a base-camped trip with light to moderate (at most) portaging, would like to fishing & hike (explore), and hopefully not see a lot of folks (easy request in June). You know---the promise land. Because of their drive time and they only have the weekend I understand their desire not to "push it" deep into tranquility.

I have led other "new/newish" groups in the past (scouts, friends, neighbors, etc.) and selfishly, I would prefer to take this group to a place that hits some of the criteria (in order - lighter portages, fishing, day trips/exploring) but that I have not been to before with similar groups. I would like to expand on my list of locations that might make a good first solo trip for me someday. So, my no-go list (places I have taken other newbies) includes:

LIS to Shell
Numbered Lakes
Mudro/Bald Eagle
Moose/Knife
Moose/Ensign

I would appreciate your thoughts on places that might fit the bill (day trip, lighter side on portages, fishing, hiking)?

Might Nels to South Hegman be an option?

Thank you in advance.

JJ

Most EP's will have options that will fit for what you're looking for. I would likely start by nailing down a date or range of dates and then check permits for availability. The most popular EP's and dates are nearly booked full for the summer.

Once you've identified a specific EP or two - it'll be easier to comment on specifics of that area.

East Bearskin

Did almost a carbon copy of this trip report last year with the type of group as you describe. (thankfully we had better fishing this time.)

I just want to make sure I read that right- this is going to be a weekend trip? If so, and they have a 15 hour drive each way, I would first start with getting them to extend at least a day or two.

That being said, one EP I would recommend for this would be #39- Baker Lake. You can go as far as you want, or as short as you want. There aren't a lot of permits daily so you'll want to check that first as there may not be many options at this point. Depending on how far north you go, the Temperance Lakes can easily get full, but still won't seem busy and that portage (from the river north of Weird Lake to South Temperance) is the only long one on the route unless you really push north towards Cherokee (not likely what the group you described would be looking for). Fishing is pretty good for walleye and SMB in Kelly/Jack/Weird, and there is some moving water on the north and south ends of Kelly that will likely produce that time of year. The only box this route doesn't check would be hiking, but I do think it has good exploration options such as the mine entrance between Kelly and Jack and the Vern River out of Weird Lake for a short distance.

You might consider the Homer Lake entry and paddling to Vern Lake. 2.5-3 hours max to get there depending on conditions with only two easy and short portages. Vern Lake has two decent campsites and we have had good luck fishing from shore at both of them. It appears that it is not on your list of lakes you have been to so it checks that box too.

Daytrips could include exploring up the Vern River which is pretty cool and easy paddling. Also very good fishing in spots, especially around the occasional narrows with some faster water. You could also daytrip over to Pipe Lake or up to Juno Lake if you have the itch to keep on the move but with that short of a trip I imagine your options are limited.

It is a scenic area with good fishing and not particularly busy. The trips I have taken there we have seen very few other folks travelling and some days none at all. For me it is always a big bonus if there is good shore fishing potential. Great to be able to catch decent fish right from camp and certainly a fun and relaxing way to spend some time. You can go in the northern route from Homer and come back the southern route(or vice versa) and see different terrain and water. Both are very easy. It's not an expedition by any means but a route I sometimes recommend to folks with a limited amount of time to enjoy the beauty of the BWCA.

Here is a trip report from a July trip we took several years ago which will give you a feel for the area. Several photos too.



Homer to Vern

I would also recommend Homer Lake. I am taking a group of 4 teens there in early Aug.

Little Gabbro is a nice area. I have taken the grandkids there the last few years. You will have to watch for a cancelled permit.

Kawishiwi lake is also a great entry point that typically has permits available. There are a couple of longer portages but they are easy walks. I would push in as far a Koma because Poly is usually busy.

You might check permits first - that may limit your options.
Moose with a tow to get a little jump start to your mileage and then a tow out? More miles-less portages and good fishing on Ensign.

Grandma L: "You might check permits first - that may limit your options.
Moose with a tow to get a little jump start to your mileage and then a tow out? More miles-less portages and good fishing on Ensign."

Good thought, Grandma L. The tow option might be an ideal option and you could consider Saganana to American Point and go into Ottertrack. Portages could be kept to a minimum and some very neat places to see, good fishing, and a few ways to get off the beaten path if you want.

If there is no one with physical disabilities, I think you should just plan a trip. My first trip was 5 days 50 miles from PP up to Kashapiwi, Yum Yum, and back. Most of the 13 and 14 year olds had canoed very little. It was a great trip. Better they're challenged and you have to adjust rather than not challenged.

Yup, keep them busy! JJ - As you know as a former Scout leader, boredom brings shenanigans!