A group of us were planning a fall trip in september, but most of them ended up being busy, so we have moved our trip to the weekend of Oct 5. Does anyone know what the weather is like at that time of the year? Is it super cold? I'll go regardless, just want to know what to plan for!! Thanks!

Two years ago it was warm, highs in the mid 70s lows in the mid 40s. I would bet that is not normal temperatures for the first week in October. We had very strong winds on a couple of days, otherwise the weather was very nice.

I would plan for cold nights and cool days, with the possibility of snow. You may also get ice on the back bays and smaller lakes that will break up and melt as the sun and winds rise.

Also you should know it is hunting season, so if you are planning to do any hiking you should have a blaze orange vest on.

It could be anything from sunny to snowy and the 20's or 30's to the 80's. I went the last week in September last year and it was rainy and cool ( 50's during the day to 30's at night )all week. My neighbor went the week after I did and it was in the 70's to low 80's all week and sunny. He said they even went swimming. Prepare for the worst and enjoy the good days when they come your way. Have a good trip. Izzy

It won't be super cold, though you can count on it getting below freezing at night. In October I put my water bottle upside down overnight.

You could wake to snow in the morning, though most will be melted by noon.

The last few Octobers have been very windy.

Ditto the blaze orange. Moose hunting going on as well as grouse. Most Octobers most of the people we see are hunters.

Remember that it gets dark early. Plan accordingly.

We went up to Lake One over MEA two years ago, and there was a cold rain, and a light skiff of ice on the lakeshore in the morning. But I have heard of several inches of snow mid October too. One thing about Sep-Oct, no songbirds, very little wildlife. Black Flies can be bad though.

Very Little Wildlife?!

Are you nuts? Fall is the best time to see the critters. They're all getting ready for winter, so they're out an about.

The main wildlife you will be missing is the loons and most of the songbirds. Many loons are usually gone by early October.

As far as the big stuff you will see moose, bear and deer. It is easier to see back into the woods with the leaves gone off the trees and the bears are fairly active putting on that last layer of fat. Be sure to manage the food pack well.

Weather: plan on wind, and possible snow. Most days are crisp and breezy, some days are real windy. Be sure of your capabilities as tipping over in October is dangerous with water temps getting into the 40's. Don't take chances.

Bring at least one extra day of food in case you get windbound and have your loved ones prepared for the possibility. If you do not come out the day they expect you, have them check the Ely or Gunflint weather and see if it had winds of 20 mph or more. If it was windy they should assume you stayed put-no need to scramble search and rescue if you are just staying put for calmer weather.

As others have said be prepared for temps at night below freezing, but you may also have daytime highs in the 70's. More typical is highs in the upper 40's-low 50's and night temps in the 20's. Be sure your tent and bag can handle snow and temps as low as 10 degrees.

Butane stoves do not work well in morning temps are below freezing. Gas works better. If you have a cannister stove put the cylinder in your sleeping bag with you overnight. It will help in the morning.

Blaze Orange is a must!!

Paddling gloves and stocking caps are a good idea as it is really cold on the water.

Portages can be slippery when wet as fallen leaves will be slippery and snow on granite-it goes without saying.

Early October will be nice. I have seen moose, deer,otters,red squirrels, grouse, and an occasionally a loon. (early in Oct) I have however never had a problem with black flies, or bugs in general. Days are shorter so bring a book or a cribbage board, unless you need 12 hours of sleep. Be prepared for any kind of weather. Dress appropriately as mentioned above.