If you have a trip planned to Minnesota’s North Shore this summer and are looking for a day on the Boundary Waters, the Kelso Loop could be a great addition to your itinerary with a day or half-day rental from @sawbillcanoeoutfitters in Tofte, MN. This route starts on Sawbill Lake at BWCA entry point 38. We paddled in the Sawbill Lake, did a short portage, paddled in Alton Lake, did a shorter portage, paddled in Kelso Lake and then the narrow Kelso River area, did a final portage, and then finished back in Sawbill Lake. The route can vary based on stops made and how leisurely you’re paddling. Our group of two adults and an 11-year-old paddled it in 3 hours, including a stop for lunch in the water. With the BWCA opening in select east and central entry points, we wanted to take a day trip to get back on the water and support a local canoe outfitter. Canoe outfitters were integral to making sure their customers were safe during the evacuation period from the wilderness and have tak...