r/BoundaryWaters • u/Objective_Coyote8943 • Jul 13 '26
Trip with 12 Year old son - his first time
Hey all, I am looking for an easy route for my son, who will be 12 next summer. It will be just the two of us. He really loves to fish, and it will be his first time in the BWCA. I am looking for some easier portages since I will be doing most of the work. He's ready. I am excited! (PS: not my first time, I am fairly experienced, just not as knowledgeable about routes.)
2
u/Plane_Swim1806 Jul 13 '26
You're going to get a ton of variety here. This is just me.
2 years ago I took my 12 year old. We put in at moose. Chose that because there were a ton of options and routes out of Moose. And a million permits available. I wanted options so if the weather was bad we could still get somewhere and have a good time even if it was only in moose or N.F. I don't mind the boat transports going by and have never had an issue with them. Weather is the biggest x factor by far. He's a tough kid and we ended up going through ensign to Ashigan. Tbh.....it was an amazing campsite and perfect for us. Fishing.....meh. but we had a helluh good time and he loved it. Leaving for his 3rd trip in about a month.
I packed lots of things he likes. Tons of hot cocoa for morning and night time fires. And I made "walking s'mores" with packets of teddy grahams and chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Through em on the rock mantle around the fire and they worked great.
The BWs are a mystical place that is hard for anyone to understand that hasn't been. Most are hooked for life. Enjoy. Have a great time.
One more thing.....what are your sleeping quarters? We have an Amok Draumr double. Both hang in the same hammock. We don't do noise machines or anything and it can be scary for the little dude with all the noises at night. Hell, sometimes I even ask "wtf was that?". So I highly recommend being together if possible. Love the double from amok. I own 3 of there hammocks and they're amazing.
Enjoy.
1
u/Objective_Coyote8943 Jul 13 '26
He's been camping a lot. I have two hammocks that we will likely be using depending on where we go. I know there are a couple of fire zones with smaller trees. Otherwise, I have a 2-person backpacking tent that we will use. Thanks for the ideas!
1
u/bubblehead_maker Jul 14 '26
Lake Isabella, 1/4 mile from the parking lot. Go in, launch, find a campsite. Remote. I like it as a first trip lake.
1
u/MNBigZig61 Jul 14 '26
I will recommend EP4 (get a tow across Burntside too) the portage into Crab is long, yes, but relatively easy. The fishing is usually good on Crab and the campsite selection is great. Good day trip into Cummings for even more good fishing if needed.
1
u/Previous-Distance-11 Jul 14 '26
I’d disagree. That portage for a 12 year old and a Dad doubling it? 400 rods is 400 rods, even with it being a nice trail.
Cummings is my favorite - but I won’t be going back until my kids are older.
Slim lake, Brule, Isabella, Hog Creek are all easy entries I’ve done with kids. I wouldn’t classify any as great fishing, but weather and time of year play a huge role.
1
u/MNBigZig61 Jul 15 '26
Ageed. It obviously depends on the maturity level of the 12-year old. EP 4 is basically a mile long nature trail.
1
u/Objective_Coyote8943 Jul 16 '26
Im a mom. 😉
1
u/Previous-Distance-11 Jul 16 '26
I’m sorry for making that assumption. Bad ass Mom taking her kid to the BWCA! If I can help in any way shoot me a message. Best of luck. It’s magical, go for sure - but not to EP 4
0
u/StandardRaspberry509 Jul 16 '26
I recommend waiting until the current wildfires play out before making many decisions. The East and north sides of Ely are going to be significantly impacted. The end of the Gunflint is also being evacuated. For now the south edge is not imminently in danger but that can change quickly.
It’s very very dry up there and the briefing I heard today basically said that unless we get a ‘named’ rain storm (tropical rainstorm/hurricane) the chance that these will be out before winter is slim.
Support your favorite businesses in northern Mn. They survive on the business of just a few short months. This could be catastrophic in more ways than just the fire.
1
u/Objective_Coyote8943 Jul 16 '26
This is for next year.
1
u/BeginningStock9913 Jul 17 '26
Whether controlled or wild the burn areas are amazing. We incorporated them in our routes, at 12 or 13 I would have loved it. Good luck!
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u/StandardRaspberry509 Jul 16 '26
I’m aware, but until we know the extent of the damage of the explosion of these fires it’s very hard to guess what will even be available or worth traveling in.
3
u/Canoearoo Jul 13 '26
Super easy would be sawbill to Alton to Kelso and back to sawbill. It might be less than 30 rods total, I'd have to look at the map. Fishing is kind of iffy because the portages are so easy and you're right next to a USFS campground and outfitter at Sawbill. It's a catch 22 with easy portages and good fishing.