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Superior NF Snowshoeing

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 -- $2500 ★★

Located along the U.S.–Canada border, the Superior National Forest spans over 3 million acres of boreal forest, frozen lakes, and rocky ridgelines. It’s a haven for winter wildlife like moose, lynx, wolves, and pine martens. At its heart lies the BWCAW, a federally protected wilderness known for its vast chain of interconnected lakes and rugged terrain. During winter, this region transforms into a quiet, snow-covered paradise—perfect for backcountry exploration and solitude..


We will venture into the wild and snowy landscapes of northern Minnesota with this unique lodge-based adventure through the Superior National Forest and the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Blending the thrill of snowshoeing with the timeless tradition of dogsledding, this winter trip offers an immersive way to experience one of the most remote and ecologically rich regions in the continental United States.


Each day on the trail offers new terrain to discover, from frozen lake crossings and thick spruce forests to panoramic overlooks. Experienced guides lead the way, offering naturalist insight and essential winter travel skills. Evenings are spent unwinding in a rustic, welcoming wilderness lodge, nestled among the trees. Warm up by the fire, connect with fellow adventurers, and rest up for the next day’s journey.


We will finish our trip with a chance to harness a dogsled team, experiencing firsthand the exhilaration and teamwork of this traditional mode of winter transport.


This adventure is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who are eager to experience winter in its most majestic form, with the support of expert guides and the comforts of lodge-based travel.



Topographical Map of Proposed Route

See Topo map


Weather

In early January, temperatures in Superior National Forest typically range from daytime highs of 10°F to 20°F to nighttime lows between 0°F and -10°F. Cold snaps can occasionally bring even lower temperatures, especially during the night or early morning hours. Visitors should be prepared for consistently cold conditions, with the possibility of sub-zero wind chills, particularly in open or exposed areas. Proper cold-weather gear is essential for staying comfortable and safe during outdoor activities like snowshoeing and dogsledding.



Probable Trip Leaders

Beau Devlin
Any Other Guide(s) TBD

Cost

$2500 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. Single room accommodations are available for purchase. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Duluth, MN (DLH) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.


Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 5 Lodge/Cabin nights, storage fees, 6 days of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome guides.



Additional cost breakdown for this unique trip


  • Master Bedroom Single Room Rate – additional $600 (First come, first serve)
  • 2nd Bedroom Single Room Rate – additional $400 (First come, first serve)
  • 3rd Bedroom Rate – no additional cost
  • Spouses/Couples/Relatives/Friends willing to share a bed in the Master/2nd Bedroom – no additional cost
  • Willing to sleep on a cot in the Main Room - $300 reduction in total cost.


Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to) other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve. Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well, please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small holes they've dug.



Important Notes about this trip


Historic Lodge - This Lake Front Lodge features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, A gourmet kitchen, Double oven, Microwave Oven, Great room with original over-sized natural stone fireplace, dining room with plenty of room to seat your entire group and a Spectacular view of the lake, a large screened porch with lake view giving you additional living and dining space, washer and dryer, full bath with shower on main floor. The master bedroom has a king size bed, an on suite with double sinks and tub and shower. The second bedroom has a queen size bed, bedroom three has bunk beds and all bedrooms have their own flat screen television and DVD player.


  • Master Bedroom Single Room Rate – additional $600 (First come, first serve)
  • 2nd Bedroom Single Room Rate – additional $400 (First come, first serve)
  • 3rd Bedroom Rate – no additional cost
  • Spouses/Couples/Relatives/Friends willing to share a bed in the Master/2nd Bedroom – no additional cost
  • Willing to sleep on a cot in the Main Room - $300 reduction in total cost.


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Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
Map
 
 

Itinerary


Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Fly or drive into Duluth (DLH). Please plan to arrive by 2PM if you can as we have a 3 hour drive up to Grand Marais when the entire group is assembled. Since flights to Duluth can be limited, let us know if you can't make it by 2PM so we can make arrangements.


Take the free airport shuttle to local hotel: TBD


We will assemble at: TBD, To Be Determined


Equipment shakedown. We go through your packs to make sure you're prepared for the trip equipment-wise.


Make-your-own trail mix bar. You craft your personal trail mix from a cornucopia of nuts, fruits, sweets and occasional wildcard items that we provide.


Go to the Trailfitters Store, 600 E Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802, 218-722-6776 for forgotten and last-minute equipment purchase if necessary. Store is open until 9PM.


Go out to welcome dinner at local restaurant. Cost of dinner not included in trip cost.


Stay in local hotel: TBD, To Be Determined



Thursday, January 29, 2026

Hotel Breakfast


Around 9AM we will Shuttle to Ely, MN (1.5hrs)


Once in Ely we will go out for lunch (not included in the cost of the trip)


Begin snowshoeing 3.9 miles on the Trezona Trail Loop elevation 1400’.


Miles Today: 3.9. Total Miles: 3.9


Possible Bailout: Miners Dr. Ely, MN


Shuttle to our home away from home for the week at Lodge of Whispering Pines.


Check into our Lodge at Lodge of Whispering Pines, 3060 Echo Trail Ely, MN 55731 elevation 938’.



Friday, January 30, 2026

Shuttle to the Echo Trail


Begin snowshoeing 5.60 miles on the Bass Lake Loop Trail elevation 1368’


Return to vehicles and shuttle back to Lodge


Stay at Lodge of the Whispering Pines elevation 938’


Miles today: 5.6 Total Miles: 9.5


Possible Bailout: Moose Lake Road (CTY Rd 183)


Saturday, January 31, 2026

Shuttle to Secret/Blackstone Lake


Begin snowshoeing 8.0 miles on the Secret/Blackstone Loop Trail elevation 1402’.


Return to vehicles and shuttle back to the Lodge


Stay at Lodge of the Whispering Pines elevation 938’


Miles Today: 8.0. Total Miles: 17.5


Possible Bailout: Echo Trail Rd.


Sunday, February 1, 2026

Shuttle to the Bass/Dry Lake


Begin snowshoeing 3.5 miles on the Dry Lake Loop Trail elevation 1030’.


Shuttle to Echo Trail entry point #77 (County #116)


Begin snowshoeing 1.8 miles across Hegman Lake to a set of pictographs are on a granite cliff face in a narrows area between North Hegman and Trease Lakes elevation 1655’.


Snowshoe another 1.8 miles back to the vehicles.


Return to vehicles and shuttle back to the Lodge


Stay at Lodge of the Whispering Pines elevation 938’


Miles today: 7.1. Total Miles: 24.6


Possible Bailout: Echo Trail Rd.


Monday, February 2, 2026

Today, we head out for an unforgettable winter experience with White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures, where you’ll spend the day immersed in the art and excitement of dog mushing.


Our adventure begins with a full orientation and hands-on instruction in how to handle and drive a dogsled team. You’ll learn how to harness your dogs, give basic commands, and safely navigate the trails. No prior experience is necessary—our professional guides will be with you every step of the way.


All necessary gear and equipment will be provided, and a hearty hot lunch will be served out in the wilderness.


Expect to spend approximately six hours on the trail, actively participating in all aspects of the experience. You’ll cover 20 to 40 miles of snow-covered lakes and forested trails, winding through some of the most scenic and remote areas of the Superior National Forest.


Return to vehicles and shuttle back to the Lodge


Stay at Lodge of the Whispering Pines elevation 938’


Miles today: 0.0. Total miles: 20.7


Possible Bailout: Deep Lk Rd.


Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Pack-up our things and depart the lodge


Shuttle to Ely, MN and explore the International Wolf Center 1396 Highway 169, Ely, Minnesota 55731 by take a group tour of the facility. (Included in trip cost)


Shuttle back to Duluth (1.5hrs)


Shuttle back to local hotel: TBD, To Be Determined


Gather your off-trail items from storage


Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (Dinner cost not included in trip price)


Stay in our local hotel (included in trip cost)


This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Free breakfast in hotel


Take free airport shuttle or we will pay for a shared cab/Uber


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