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)
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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.
Equipment | Day 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)
Equipment | Day 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 Name | Fee | Info |
---|---|---|
Big Lake | FREE | La Pond entry point Entry Point: #7 |
Moose River SOUTH | $40 | Access through Forest Service Road 464 Entry Point: #8 |
Little Indian Sioux River SOUTH | $50 | Parking lot on the north side of Echo Trail. Entry point across the street. Entry Point: #9 |
Norway Trail Astrid lake HIKING ONLY | NA | South Trail head to Trout Lakes North Arm Entry Point: #10 |
Little Indian Sioux River NORTH | $50 | Entry Point: #14 |
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 |
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 |
Stuart River | Free with Canoe Rental | No camping on the river. Must reach Stuart Lake. Entry Point: #19 |
Angleworm | $25 | Portage from parking lot is 2 miles Entry Point: #20 |
Angleworm Trail Hiking | $25 | Circumnavigates the lake after reaching Angleworm Lake Entry Point: #21 |
RESTRICTED Mudrow Lake | $40 | Can only camp on Mudro Lake Entry Point: #22 |
Mudro Lake | $40 | Mudro and beyond Entry Point: #23 |
Hegman Lake | $35 | Entry Point: #77 |
Little Vermilion | $125 | Crane Lake drop off Entry Point: #12 |
Quick Links & Other Information
Wilderness Day Trips
Echo Trail Day Trips offers easy access to various canoe day trips both in and out of the Boundary Water Canoe Area. Day trips are a popular activity designed to increase your chance to view wildlife, provide an opportunity for that unique Northwood photo, or enjoy fishing a remote lake where you may have the whole lake to yourself. You can leave right from your dock on Big Lake, or we can set you up so you can take your canoe to nearby lakes along the Echo Trail.
Guided Day Trips If you feel intimidated venturing off on your own or want to increase your chance of catching fish or viewing wildlife, consider hiring a guide service for a day. Knowledgeable, courteous, and cheerful guides will tailor a trip to your desires and educate you during the journey, leaving you with more than a day of unforgettable memories.
BWCA Canoe Trips
Are you tired of complicated commercial vacations that are so fast-paced and exhausting that you need a vacation after your vacation? Then you need a BWCA Wilderness Canoe Trip! Why Paddle the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?
- Adventure at an Affordable Price
- Create Lifetime Memories
- Get in Touch With Nature ~ It Does a Person Good
- All Ages Welcome ~ No Experience Required
- Reconnect With Family and Friends
- Team Work ~ Every One is Equal
- Challenging ~ Self Growth
Canoe Outfitting
No experience is required for your canoe trip. Whether your trip is for one night or seven nights or longer, it will create lifelong, lasting memories. It is fun for all ages. Partial Outfitting We at Echo Trail Outfitters specialize in partial Outfitting. Need a canoe or a couple of items? We can help fulfill your needs.
Canoes & Equipment
Our lightweight canoes can accommodate any group size. All canoe rentals include aluminum paddles, life vests, carrying yoke, rope tie-downs, and transportation cushions free of charge. We offer durable Kondos Outdoors food, equipment, and day packs made right here in Ely, MN.
Gear-only Outfitting:
Everything needed for your canoe trip except your clothes, personal items, and food/drinks.
DISCOUNTS only one applies at a time
10% 7-13 days 15% 14+ days
Please provide the above information plus a deposit of 20%. Refund of deposits less a $40.00 service charge for cancellations made 45 days of advanced notice of cancellation. A credit card is needed to hold the reservation until return of the equipment. We accept checks, money orders, cash or cards ( card processing fee applied to all cards used. 3% discount for using cash/check/money order/cashiers checks. These prices do not include taxes or card processing fees.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Prior to Entry date or after your exit. We have overnight accommodations for travelers entering the BWCA or heading out on dispersed camping trips into National Forest Areas. We have campsites for $50 per night or bunk beds for $25 per bed .
We have a tent set up with cots available. You provide your own sleeping bag. $25 per person for a night.