We are two boats (three people at present, four if possible) We have experience wilderness tripping in Algonquin, ADKs etc and travel quietly. We are aware of the lottery,need for permits and advance planning,busy seasons,+ bugs. All this said, the areas are so large and the sheer number of detailed maps so costly that I’m seeking council as to a couple of sugested routes.And maps to start with. Solitude is prefered, but if that would require extensive (numerous,long) portages it might be best to limit those in order to have more fun.
I know some of you on this forum are old hands in the BWCA and I’ll appreciate any and all help we can get. Thanks, Dana
Suggest Beymer’s books
You are correct the choices are too many. Both of Beymer’s books can be had for about $25 if you shop a internet discount book dealer. They can help you sort the possibilities. They are only suggestions and one can invent their own route once the area is picked. Solitude and easy portaging are a bit incompatible unless you go in right after the fish season opener in the spring or after the middle of September. Those are my favorite times. Cold water in the spring and possibly cold weather in the fall but well worth the trade off.
River Rat Took the Words…
…right out of my mouth. I “Second” Beymers book. Another option, is to look at some of the outfitters websites. Some have maps and descriptions that may help you. My favorite area is the Gunflint Trail area. You have access to both the BWCAW and Quetico. If I may, I’ll suggest checking out Hungry Jack Outfitters website. Dave and Nancy are great people and can help your trip planning immensely. You can do complete outfitting, or rent a few items as I do, and it’s well worth it for their expertise. Hope that helps. WW
Third Beymer Book
Actually Robert Beymor has 3 guides: BW east, BW west, and Quetico. I think you can find solitude in the Quetico much easier than you can in the BWCA, no matter which month you go on your trip. The Canadians greatly limit entry into the Quetico, resulting in far fewer folks than what you see in the BWCA. But the solitude costs significantly more than a BWCA trip with per person per night fees. But if solitude is important to you, consider getting the Quetico guide for your trip planning. If you have specific questions about Quetico, send me an e-mail.
The east
I agree with Beymer books. One deals with the east section; the other with the west. Both areas are great. Both have their proponents. Basically the east is out of Grand Marais which is on Lake Superior. The west section is out of Ely much further inland. I’d choose one of those books and plan from there.
If you are driving, and especially if you have a day either side of your trip, I like the east side simply because you can drive along the north shore of Lake Superior and see those sites – Palasaides Head, Split Rock, Gooseberry Falls, Tettagouche State Park (with High Falls), as well as the drive itself with rivers cascading into the Lake, etc.
Another great source of info are the outfitters’ websites. Often they’ll list routes to take. Here are just a few:
http://www.gunflintoutfitters.com/ (Fishing Trips, Easy Trips, Moderate Trips, Chalanging Trips)
http://www.rockwoodbwca.com/routes.htm
http://www.clearwateroutfitters.com/routes/index.html
http://www.sawbill.com/routes.html
Personally I like something like this route http://www.canoeoutfitter.com/route3.htm
Quetico start -up
Thanks for pointing me to the guides(books). I found them in Piragis and the back of Kenawa and put them on order.
Moose, thanks for the offer of extra help. I’ll be in touch.
Regards, Dana