Details
YOU MUST SPEAK WITH A TRIP LEADER PRIOR TO TRIP REGISTRATION. Due to the demanding nature of this trip, prior BWAC clearing trip and backpacking experience is required.
MESSAGE SARA FULCHER (sfulche@gmail.com) AND/OR TONYA BORTH (tonya_04@hotmail.com) TO EXPRESS INTEREST OR ASK ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRIP - INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER AND A GOOD TIME TO REACH YOU.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Crew members will depart from the Sioux-Hustler Hiking Trailhead, backpacking the full 32-mile loop over three days. The crew will take survey notes on trail condition and each carry one tool to do some acute trail maintenance as required while hiking. The goal is to have a great time and come back with trail insights to help other crews plan their exact work areas.
ITINERARY
Thursday, May 8th
Thursday afternoon: Depart Twin Cities, carpooling as much as possible.
Stop in Duluth to pick up USFS permit before 4pm.
Vehicles will drive to Lake Jeanette campground and camp for the evening. Dinner in the car or at camp, something quick and easy.
Friday, May 9th
Rise and shine early, breakfast. Pack up. Move cars to the Sioux-Hustler Trailhead (EP #15).
Hike 12 miles to Pageant Lake, clearing and counting tree falls as we go. Stop halfway for a scenic lunch break at Devils Cascade.
Dinner and tales of the trail at camp.
Saturday, May 10th
Rise and shine. Breakfast, get ready for a day on trail.
Continue to hike clockwise around the trail, clearing and counting tree falls as we go. Take a lunch break at Posse or Hustler Lake (E side of trail), depending on progress.
Finish hiking and clearing down to one of the Shell Lake camp sites (S side of trail).
Dinner and tales of the trail at camp.
Sunday, May 11th
Early wake up, quick breakfast, break camp.
Hike clockwise back to the “Y” and out to the trailhead, clearing and counting tree falls as we go. Snack break at Elm Portage.
Carpool back to the Twin Cities.
NEED TO KNOW
Pre-requisites:
Physically able to backpack for 12 miles a day, on back-to-back days.
Attend the required spring crew member training event (April 29, 2025).
Attend a required local hike or gear shake-down event before the trip with your crew leaders.
Personal Gear: Gear lists will be provided and a gear shakedown meeting will be held to assess team members’ gear needs. Each team member will be responsible for carrying their own pack, shelter, sleep system, food, water, personal gear, borrowed trail tools, and their share of group gear. If there is something you do not have, please let the crew leaders know well in advance of the trip.
BWAC Gear: BWAC will provide (at no cost) to use: McKenzie maps, safety glasses, hard hats, water sterilization devices, trail clearing tools, safety training, BWCA permits, bear cannisters.
Anticipated Temperatures/Weather Conditions: Crew members should prepare for anything from hot to rainy or cold days and/or nights. Crew leaders will discuss specifics closer to trip dates.
Food: Bring your own easy-to-cook, or no-cook, food to enjoy during the 3-4 days. Confirm your food fits inside your IGBC-approved, bear-proof container.
Cost: $40 registration cost on Meetup (to offset admin, tool and map costs) + $25-30 carpool gas money.
THE FINE PRINT: Participants are required to sign a (1) liability release form, (2) confidential health form, and (3) USFS trip form prior to the trip. This is a pet-free, alcohol-free and tobacco-free trip. Participation is subject to BWAC rules, i.e. trip leaders can deny participation to anyone for any or no reason.