Autumn Adventures
Autumn is one of the best times of the year to visit North America's Canoe Country. No bugs, great weather and few visitors characterize fall in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It's a great time to explore the Northwoods!
Northern Tier offers a variety of wilderness experiences in the fall - canoe expeditions, backpacking treks and customized fishing trips. All include full outfitting and a staff member. Crew size is limited to 8 participants plus an Interpreter. The fall program runs from September 1 - October 31.
Autumn Canoe Trips
Have the entire Boundary Waters to yourself! Northern Tier offers canoe trips ranging from 3-10 days in length in the fall. Paddle through the most famous Canoe Country in the world while the leaves change - the aspens turning gold and the maples a fiery red.
Canoe trips are open to both scout groups and scouting families. Northern Tier will provide group gear (backpacks, canoes, stoves, pots, etc.), food and a trained staff member for every trip. Participants must be 11 years old for 3-4 day trips and 13 years old for 5 day or longer trips.
Backpacking Trips in the Boundary Waters
Throughout the fall (late August through October 31), Northern Tier offers 2-5 day backpacking treks in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Trips range from 14-24 miles in length and vary in difficulty. Groups of up to 8 can explore the craggy backcountry of Northern Minnesota and spend each night encamped alongside pristine wilderness lakes.
Participants are required to bring their own personal gear, backpack, and a pair of sturdy hiking boots; Northern Tier will provide group gear (stoves, pots, bear bags, water purification, etc.) trail food and a highly trained staff member.
A few of the more commonly hiked trails include:
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Angleworm Trail (15-20 miles): Perfect for a 2-3 night trip, the Angleworm Trail circumnavigates a series of narrow cliff-lined lakes. The trail rises up several hundred feet above the lakes numerous times, dipping down to the lakeshore in between. There are many beautiful and secluded campsites.
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Ennis Lake Trail (8-10 miles): A good choice for younger crews or those new to backpacking, the Ennis Trail leaves from Northern Tier property, exploring several small lakes on its way to Ennis Lake. Ennis Lake is a serene stocked trout lake, a good place to spend an afternoon fishing on a short weekend trip.
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Snowbank Trail (25-30 miles): A rugged trail cutting around Snowbank Lake, the Snowbank trail offers access to rare groves of first-growth White Pine, scenic vistas over a mammoth wilderness lake and much more. The Snowbank Trail is suited for more experienced backpackers.
Customized Fishing Trips
Northern Tier offers a variety of specialized fishing trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Crews can fish for stream trout in stocked lakes inside the wilderness area, pull out walleyes from below rapids and waterfalls, search out smallmouth bass amid lake shore structures and fight off aggressive northern pike anywhere they go.
Crews will paddle out and camp in the Wilderness. Northern Tier will provide all of the necessary crew equipment (from paddles to portage packs to poles), the food and a trained staff member. While fishing from canoe is the main angling method featured in this program, half-days and full-days of guided motor boat fishing can be arranged in advance for an additional fee.
