Boundary Waters Base Camp Adventure

Overview

Explore, paddle, fish, and swim from a base camp on either Crescent or Sawbill Lake in the Superior National Forest. Take day canoe trips into the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and experience portaging with only a day pack to carry. Take a break from paddling to hike on the Superior Hiking Trail to enjoy beautiful overlooks of Lake Superior. Return to the group campsite each afternoon with time for fishing and swimming before dinner. Enjoy s’mores around the fire under the star-filled sky as you plan the adventure for the next day. This is a great trip for adults seeking a BWCA adventure with front country campground amenities not typically available on backcountry trips.

Sample Itinerary

Expand All Fields

Your trip starts in the afternoon at the campsite on either Crescent or Sawbill Lake in the Superior National Forest, on the edge of the BWCA. Meet your group and settle in to your campsite. After dinner, enjoy stories and s’mores under the stars.

Get up early to make breakfast and get ready for the day's adventures. Head to Sawbill Lake for a full day canoe trip in Minnesota’s famous lake country wilderness. The group may split into two groups for the paddle to better appreciate the solitude and stillness. Compare your experiences over a lively dinner.

Today, you may opt to hike to the top of Oberg Mountain. Or if you are looking for a more relaxing day, enjoy swimming, fishing, or exploring the surrounding streams. Come back to camp as a whole group for dinner and star gazing.

Head into the BWCA once again to explore a different lake. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles and try your luck at fishing during lunch. Get back to the campsite in time to enjoy a dip in the lake.

Break camp and go on one last hike to Temperance River to view the amazing gorge. The trip officially ends before lunch.

Dates & Fees

2025 Dates	Fee	Registration
7/2-7/6/25	$895	Register Now
7/30-8/3/25 — Women's Trip — Women's Affinity Trip Read More » × Women's Affinity Trip	$895	Register Now
8/28-9/1/25 — Women's Trip — Women's 55+ Read More » × Women's 55+	$895	Register Now

What to Expect

TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: At night you will camp in the Superior National Forest, which lies on the Canadian Shield, an area characterized by exposed granite with a thin layer of topsoil. This terrain is the result of glaciers scraping and grinding 10,000 years ago. The lakes and trails make this area one of the most accessible wilderness areas in the country.

TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: This itinerary is intended for adults. You will go on day trips in 18-foot canoes, which hold two to three paddlers, plus all necessary gear. An average day’s travel consists of 2-4 hours of paddling or hiking. Expect 1-2 portages (short trail crossings) per paddling trip. Please note that the specific itinerary is subject to change based on weather, group size and ability level.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the summer months range from 40 F to 95 F. Rainfall can vary, but you should expect at least a day or two of rain.

YOUR GROUP: The group size ranges from 3 to 12 participants, plus 1 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our trips are cooperative in nature. Wilderness Inquiry staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however, most people pitch in where they can.

ACCOMMODATIONS: At night you will sleep in a comfortable 4-person tent with 3-4 people per a tent (other arrangements can be made). Bathroom facilities consist of a USDA Forest Service outhouse. Campgrounds have potable water spigots, access to personal vehicles, and may have shower access for a fee (depending on campground). Campsites typically do not have electricity.

MEALS: Enjoy preparing meals together using fresh, healthy ingredients for bountiful dishes. Rise to the smell of freshly brewed coffee to enjoy with your breakfast and pack trail lunches with hearty snacks before heading off to explore. In the evening, we’ll prepare our dinner together over stoves and campfires and then finish with s’mores. IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, BE SURE TO LIST THEM ON YOUR REGISTRATION.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: Wilderness Inquiry will provide all group equipment. You will need to provide your personal gear as outlined in the packing list. If you are new to outdoor activities, you do not need to spend a lot of money. Wilderness Inquiry can usually arrange for you to borrow most items.

FISHING: If interested in fishing you are expected to bring your own fishing gear. We encourage you to bring a collapsible rod and reel. Don’t forget a Minnesota fishing license.

MEDICATIONS: Please list all of your medications on your registration form. Consider bringing two sets of your medications: one set that can be kept with you, and another set that will be kept by your trip leaders. If you need assistance taking your medications, please explain on your registration form. Wilderness Inquiry will bring a collection of over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, Advil, anti-nausea, etc.).

CELL PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES: You are welcome to bring cell phones and other devices like cameras, but they are your responsibility to take care of. You may have inconsistent cell service, so we encourage you to unplug! Wilderness Inquiry is not responsible for any lost or broken electronic devices.

SAFETY & EMERGENCIES WHILE ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides possess experience in administering First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety, carry fully-stocked first aid kits, GPS communication devices, and are trained on how to respond to emergencies while on trail. If a loved one is participating in a Wilderness Inquiry experience and you need to contact them due to an emergency, please call the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at (612) 676-9400. We will work to get in contact with trip leaders as soon as possible.

COVID POLICY: We continue to monitor and update our COVID-19 policies. Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness before your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness. We will also continue to follow all guidance and requirements of locations that we travel, keeping in mind some international destinations do require vaccinations and/or negative COVID tests. We will update this policy as new information and guidance become available.

GROUP EXPECTATIONS: To facilitate a safe and inclusive environment where we can all come together as our true selves, feel supported, and enjoy the outdoors in community, we have developed community agreements that align with Wilderness Inquiry’s core values and brand promise. We ask that you review these before your adventure so you can help Wilderness Inquiry create an inclusive environment for all.

COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS AS WE ADVENTURE TOGETHER

☐ We are safety conscious so everyone can have fun!

☐ We seek to understand each other and celebrate our differences.

☐ We are curious, open-minded, and communicate respectfully.

☐ We are open to trying new things and pushing outside of our comfort zone.

☐ We support each other and collectively contribute to group tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Standard Meeting Places and Times

Start: Campground - TBD at 1:30 PM (local time)
End: Campground - TBD at 11:00 AM (local time)

Transportation

This trip officially begins at 1:30 PM and ends at 11:00 AM at the same location. The campground location will be confirmed prior to the start of the trip. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for your trip. Booking a Flight? We recommend flying in to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport the night before your trip, and flying out from Minneapolis St Paul International Airport after 8:30 PM.

Paddling trips with WI are appropriate for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. On the first day of all trips, basic paddling strokes will be taught by the trip leader. Each trip gives participants multiple opportunities to practice their skills. Participants with more experience will have plenty of opportunity to paddle during the trip, and even to help teach less experienced paddlers!

The number and length of portages varies from trip to trip. Portage choices will be made by the Wilderness Inquiry trip leaders based on the strength of the group and specific route chosen within the Boundary Waters.

There are many different route choices available within the Boundary Waters. The route will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry trip leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.