Hi all, new to the forum here, not to BWCA. I've been many times, though not for about 6 years now. I'm planning a trip with my cousin from Oregon for near the end of October. We're both in our early 30's, fit, safe, and ready for an adventure (it'll be his first BWCA experience). We're also both hunters, so we understand the cold weather safety concerns that we need to be aware of.

We're planning on going the 18th-23rd out of the Ely area. Any tips on routes that might be better than others that time of year? More importantly - anything to make sure to avoid? It looks like there are differing ideas about small lakes being protected, but high probability of ice, whereas larger lakes might have less ice risk, but more weather dangers.

What about bears? I know to always be careful with them, but are there any additional concerns with it being so close to hibernation time?

I think based on the timing, I'm going to be less concerned about bringing ultralight gear for ease of portaging, but emphasize warmth. I'll be bringing a lot of gas for my burner, 4 season tent, warm clothes, and hand warmers (just in case). Is there any gear, tech, strategies, etc. that anyone has found especially useful for this time of year?

Sorry for so many questions in one thread - beginning stages of planning right now, and I'm finding I better plan early and smart to ensure a fun, safe trip.

It is my understanding that most, if not all, of the bears are in their dens by then. I can't help you with the rest-I haven't been out that late.

First of all, welcome to the Site!
On my last trip in the third week of October (MEA) we dealt with several of the issues you have raised.
We paddled smaller lakes to avoid wind with consideration for the very cold water by that time of year.

The Lake One entry with a loop to Snowbank might be good. Smaller lakes and decent shorter portages and landing - Or check out Moose up to Basswood or Ensign - or Fall up to the border. There will be no traffic so you can take the routes that would be busy in the summer.

We only found ice in the water jug on a couple of mornings and now and then a little "cat" ice in at shore. We did have snow but only a ground cover.

Remember the days are very short. Sunrise is about 8 am and sunset is 7 pm with only 11 hours of daylight. Average temps are highs of 50 and lows at 33.

I suggest you bring several layers of clothes, wool and fleece, high muck boots and wool socks to keep feet dry, good gloves are essential and a good rain suit. A packable Primeloft jacket would also be nice.

Bears are supposed to be hibernating so you shold not have much concern with them.

I think my October trips may have been the best. No bugs to begin with and good solitude.

I like Grandma's route. Might also look at Lake One or Farm Lake through Kawishiwi south to Gabbros and Bald Eagle, not areas adversely affect by the normally lower water levels in the Fall and no "big" water - though Bald Eagle is medium.

The only tine I ever dumped was in mid-October. Cold but not that cold, considering it took 45 minutes or so to get out of water. I guess I'm less of a worrier than many. (And risking a lot of criticism, was not wearing pfd, did fine, all gear dry with just pack liners, and they are extremely bouyant!)

I do take my down booties for sleeping. Nice, toasty tootsies sure make sleep tine nicer. And for food, easy to carry fresh and not have to worry about things spoiling. We took a large ham from Zups - and used if in mac and cheese, with eggs, in grilled cheese sandwiches, plain for lunches, with (dehydrated) baked beans, etc. Very efficient and tasty. We're thinking of taking a small aluminum dutch oven next fall trip, and more fresh food.

I rarely worry about bears anytime of year. Very few incidents.

I'd consider going in at Mudro. You could loop through Horse, Fourtown, Moosecamp, Gun, etc and back though Fourtown and out. Or head up to Basswood falls and down through Jackfish Bay. These places are very busy during the summer but not so during this time of the year.

Hi Bues0022, and welcome to the forum! I love October trips. This far out its impossible to know what weather to expect, but you can modify any plans as you get closer. You will have far fewer people out there and you can just self-issue your permit the day you decide to start. At that pivotal time of year, you could hit sunny warm days or wind/rain/snow - too hard to tell.

I'll underscore Grandma L's points about the amount of darkness. That far north you will get even less sunlight than further south like in the Twin Cities. Sunset for Ely on 10/20 is actually listed at 6:10 this year! My last October trip I dusted off my Coleman lantern and loved having it even though it was heavy. I can't spent a couple hours a night lighting by forehead light.

As water temps drop, I get a lot more cautious about tipping than Mr C. I get much less relaxed about wearing a PFD, and I tend to travel big water a bit closer to shore. It wouldn't hurt for you to be more aware of cold water immersion impacts. I wholeheartedly recommend his ham strategy though!

I follow the same bear protocol in October as in summer. Depending on the weather, they are probably going to sleep, but any still up are extra hungry.

Thanks everyone for the thoughts/ideas. I also was running this by a friend whom I just found out grew up near Ely. He also liked the Mudro lake idea, and also thought about the Nina Moose River up to the border. I like the idea of the things to see up that direction (waterfall? Petroglyphs, warrior hill), but I'm concerned about a)river water levels, b) lack of options with weather, and c) big water. I'd like to keep to smaller lakes if possible (hence the Jackfish Bay might be out) - I think.

I'd like to show my cousin some really cool things about the BWCA - some of the picturesque granite, almost canadian shield-like look rather than marshy lakes. 4 full days on the water, 2 partial days (an hour or two paddling).

Any additional thoughts on Nina Moose over some of the lake routes already stated? Any other interesting things to make sure to see?

Thanks all!

quote egknuti: "I'd consider going in at Mudro. You could loop through Horse, Fourtown, Moosecamp, Gun, etc and back though Fourtown and out. Or head up to Basswood falls and down through Jackfish Bay. These places are very busy during the summer but not so during this time of the year. "

+1

"Camptober" is the BEST time to camp IMO!