Skip to main content

CALL: (218) 343-7714

Echo Trail Outfitters

Boundary Waters Canoe Outfitting Base Camp Since 1936

Note:
If you are visiting this page via echotrailoutfitters.com, please note that the Lodge of Whispering Pines has purchased Echo Trail Outfitters. Outfitting services are now located on-site at our resort on Big Lake (still on the Echo Trail).

We are conveniently located right on the edge of the BWCA!

Full & Partial Boundary Waters Canoe Outfitting Services

Our Incredible Wilderness Location Says It All!

We are a full-service lodge and outfitter offering various year-round services. Because we are an entire lodging facility with 12 cabins and an outfitter basecamp, our services cover a wide variety of needs for our customers. Many folks have used this base camp for decades since Marie Sarkipatos's guiding days, while others discovered us last year. Regardless of your level, we have services to accommodate you and your group. You can rent a canoe at our base camp and explore the waterways and woods.

Reserve one of our new ultralight Kevlar canoes, give us your arrival time, and we will meet you at our base camp store. Once you're here, we will show you how to load it up and get you started toward your entry point. 

If you have questions about our services, give us a call today at (218) 343-7714 or click the link below to contact us by email. You can also fill out the trip reservation form by downloading the PDF, filling it in and emailing back to us (info@lodgeofwhisperingpines.com)

Marie Sarkipato the first female guide of the Superior National Forest and Whispering Pines

1st time canoe trip?

Big Lake is a Boundary Waters entry point, and for a first-time experience, you do not need a permit to paddle out from our base camp. Excellent island camping with no portages is just outside the BWCA but with the same feel. For beginners, we love the idea of helping you start your wilderness journey. We are here to help at any level of experience you may have.

Starter Package. For beginners:

Upon arrival, we put you into a bunkhouse. The next day, if needed, we give instructions on setting up camp, using equipment, and canoeing at our sandy, shallow beach. You will then camp for the duration of your stay. Once you are comfortable enough to paddle out to an island campsite, you will move camp on your own. You can test your abilities within a comfortable reach of the lodge before finally setting out into the wilderness alone.

This is a beginner's prime package; contact us today for more info. info@lodgeofwhisperingpines.com or 218-343-7714

We have entry point 7, Lapond, with just one portage or a river paddle for your first adventure.

Want to go into the Boundary Waters on your first trip? 

  • OVERNIGHT? Your party will need a permit for overnight camping.
  • DAY TRIP?Your group leader can obtain a day trip permit for free at the Big Lake Entry Point kiosk.

Our soft, sandy beach is the perfect place to "get your feet wet."

Shower & Bunkhouse

Bring your sleeping bag and stay in our Bunkhouse or one of our Basecamp Tents. You can also pitch your tent for one night in your private dispersed lakeside campsite, which is reserved for our outfitting guests only and located along the Echo Trail corridor.

BUNK BEDS

Bunkbeds are 3 (6 sleeping spots) to a room in a 3-season type porch. You have direct access to the Basecamp store and can use the microwave, coffee pot, instant water kettle, or hot plate. Our "summer camp" style bunks are a great way to pull in late and head out before sunrise or once out of the boundary waters to get a good sleep, do some laundry, or enjoy the resort before heading home. Each sleeping spot is $25. Our wood-fired sauna and shower house are nearby. Bring your sleeping bag and pillow, or rent one of ours if you do not want to repack it. Return showers are free with rentals. Limited space is available; please contact us to reserve.

BASECAMP

The resort office, outfitting, store, and community area are here. We have the basics for your trip, from ice to bug head nets. You can rent a canoe. You can plan your trip. You can play a game of pool.

Basic Rates

(10% discount for rentals 5 days or over)

Canoe Rentals include: canoe, straight paddles, life jackets, vehicle top carrier.

EquipmentDay Rate
17’ Alumacraft Canoe
$30
20’ Alumacraft Canoe
$35
Solo Kevlar Canoe
$40
Tandem Kevlar Canoe (2 person)
$50
3 man Kevlar Canoe (3 person)
$55
23’ Kevlar Canoe (4 person)
$60

Extras (price per day)

EquipmentDay Rate
Paddle straight
$5
Paddle Bent shaft or Kayak
$10
Extra Life Jacket
$5
Vehicle foam top Carrier
$5
Packs (no foam)
$5
Deluxe Pack (with foam)
$10
Bear Resistant Food Pack or Barrel
$15
Sleeping Bag
$10
Thermarest
$10
Cot
$15
Depth Finder
$10
Shower
$5
Bunk space per person per bed
$25
Laundry Washing per load
$5
Laundry Drying per load up to 1 hour dry
$5
Canoe seat “crazy creek”
$5

Canoe Shuttle Fees & Entry Point Information

  • Fees are one way to shuttle canoes (canoes and gear only).
  • BWCA Trails and Hiking (Permits needed)
Lake NameFeeInfo
Big Lake
FREE

La Pond entry point

Entry Point: #7
Daily Quota: 2
Distance From Lodge: 0 miles

Moose River SOUTH
$40

Access through Forest Service Road 464

Entry Point: #8
Daily Quota: 1 every other day
Distance From Lodge: 9.4 miles

Little Indian Sioux River SOUTH
$50

Parking lot on the north side of Echo Trail. Entry point across the street.

Entry Point: #9
Daily Quota: 1
Distance From Lodge: 14 miles

Norway Trail Astrid lake HIKING ONLY
NA

South Trail head to Trout Lakes North Arm

Entry Point: #10
Daily Quota: NA
Distance From Lodge: 18 miles

Little Indian Sioux River NORTH
$50

Entry Point: #14
Daily Quota: 4
Distance From Lodge: 14.5 miles

Indian Sioux Hustler Trail HIKING ONLY
NA

The wilderness trail becomes difficult to navigate further back you go. Look for rock piles as markers.

Entry Point: #15
Daily Quota: NA
Distance From Lodge: 13 miles

Moose/Portage River NORTH
$35

The wilderness trail becomes difficult to navigate further back you go. Look for rock piles as markers.

Entry Point: #16
Daily Quota: 5
Distance From Lodge: 8.2 miles

Stuart River
Free with Canoe Rental

No camping on the river. Must reach Stuart Lake.

Entry Point: #19
Daily Quota: 1
Distance From Lodge: 1.25 miles

Angleworm
$25

Portage from parking lot is 2 miles

Entry Point: #20
Daily Quota: 2
Distance From Lodge: 3.4 miles

Angleworm Trail Hiking
$25

Circumnavigates the lake after reaching Angleworm Lake

Entry Point: #21
Daily Quota: NA
Distance From Lodge: 3.4 miles

RESTRICTED Mudrow Lake
$40

Can only camp on Mudro Lake

Entry Point: #22
Daily Quota: 2
Distance From Lodge: 13.8 miles

Mudro Lake
$40

Mudro and beyond

Entry Point: #23
Daily Quota: 5
Distance From Lodge: 13.8 miles
Portage Distance: 30 rods

Hegman Lake
$35

Entry Point: #77
Daily Quota: 1.5 varies
Distance From Lodge: 4.34
Portage Distance: 80 rods

Little Vermilion
$125

Crane Lake drop off

Entry Point: #12
Daily Quota: NA
Distance From Lodge: 37