A Boundary Waters Trip from Start to Finish

From BWCAWiki

With the right planning, a trip in the BWCA can be an unforgettable experience. Many experienced trippers will say that planning is half the fun of a trip, or at least what sustains them between trips.

What follows is a timeline meant to be useful to novice Boundary Waters trippers, as well as a place for some new ideas for experience trippers. Timing is purely suggestion. You don't need to start planning a year ahead of time, but the sooner you get started the better.

Contents 1 One year out: begin planning 2 Year of trip: make reservations 3 Month of trip: finalize plans 4 Week of trip: gather resources 5 During the trip 6 After the trip 7 References

One year out: begin planning

• Assemble your group, get a firm committment on entry date and length of trip. Remember, groups are limited to nine people and four canoes.

• Discuss capabilities, limitations, health issues, etc.

• Discuss expectations: Make sure everyone wants a similar trip, including difficulty, base-camping vs. moving every day, lots of fishing or none at all, etc.

• Using the many resources available (including this site) start researching entry points and routes. Note number of portages and their lengths on the different routes, good fishing lakes along the way, possibilities for good base camping or layover sites/lakes. Take the information to the group and discuss pros and cons. Pick first, second and third choices for entry points.

Year of trip: make reservations

• Entry permits become available for reservation on Jan. 15 every year. Reserve your preferred entry permit as soon as possible. (see permit)

• Meet with group to assign responsibilities, inventory gear, decide who is going to bring what (see packing list)

• Contact an outfitter near your entry point to reserve the gear you might need to rent: canoes, packs, bunkhouse accomodations for the night before, tows, etc. (see outfitter)

• Make travel plans if you live more than a day's drive from northeastern Minnesota. Airplane tickets should be purchased several months in advance, if necessary.

Month of trip: finalize plans

• Plan a menu based on what you like to eat, which foods travel well and keep without refrigeration, what meals can be cooked on a camp stove or open fire, etc. (see Menu_planning )

• Finalize your gear inventory and make sure you have everything you need on your packing list, including supplies such as camp stove fuel, sunscreen, insect repellant, etc.

• Make a backup plan in case the things change during the trip. How can the trip be shortened or lengthened? What will be the fastest route to help? Will the trip need to be modified if the weather is bad? Plan for the unexpected. (see objective hazard)

Week of trip: gather resources

• Purchase food based on menu planning. Dry goods may be purchased well ahead of time, while "fresh" foods such as cheese, bread, or vegetables are best purchased as near to the trip as possible.

• Pack gear and double-check packing list.

• Travel to northeastern Minnesota.

• Pick up permit from designated location (this can only be done the day before or the day of your entry date).

• Purchase any last minute supplies.

During the trip

• Have fun. Although it may seem obvious, sometimes people get caught up in the details or on one part of the experience.

• Stay safe. Remember to be aware of possible hazards during your trip.

• Take notes on where you go, what you see and do, and any ideas for future trips. Often the most creative planning happens while you're out on trail.

After the trip

• Clean and dry all gear, returning it to the appropriate place.

• Think about what worked and what could be improved on future trips.

References

• Pauly, Daniel. Exploring the Boundary Waters: A Trip Planner and Guide to the BWCAW, University of Minnesota Press, 2005. ISBN 0816642168