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WheelChair in the BWCA (Read 8614 times)

TT Ex Member	WheelChair in the BWCA Jun 24^th, 2009 at 2:11am	Quote Print Post
	Any suggestions for a place to go in the BW with a wheelchair user? An auto accident in 2006 left my fiance paralyzed from the waste down. The last two years we have gone to Lake Isabella. The portage to the lake is do-able for him with assistance in some spots. We stayed on the Island out from the portage with 2 campsites so we were able to make an extra trip with the extra equipment we require. There will be 7 to 9 in our party. We would like to check out a new spot similiar in ease of portage and campsites if any one has any ideas...... Thanks much TT


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Puckster Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1208 Location: St. Paul, Minnesota Joined: Feb 10^th, 2009	Re: WheelChair in the BWCA Reply #1 - Jun 24^th, 2009 at 3:29am	Quote Print Post
	It's kind of a hassle to get there, but Ladyboot Bay on Lac La Croix requires NO portages. You get there by driving to Crane Lake, then taking a powerboat "tow" (I've worked with Zups Outfitters out of Crane Lake) to Lac La Croix. The outfitters stop and unload in Lac La Croix on a wee spit of rock, just off the mouth of Ladyboot Bay, which is just inside the BWCA. You have a short paddle from the drop off point into the Bay..maybe a quarter mile. You will find that others in Ladyboot Bay bring in lots of gear, on account there is no portaging... I heard some outfitters even arrange to meet campers in Ladyboot Bay during mid-stay back out on this tiny island to re-supply them! Ladyboot Bay is a beautiful bay and has pretty good fishing. I don't know if this will meet your needs, but if you call Mark at Zups he'll be able to tell you. One potential problem....better check party size limit...not sure if it's 8 or 9, and I'd also check the canoe limit. Good luck! Another thought: contact Wilderness Inquiry in Minneapolis. They are a non-profit dedicated to giving people with disabilities outdoor experiences. They might have other ideas. They are a very good outfit. prouboy


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wally Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1987 Location: Minni-soda Joined: Apr 3^rd, 2003	Re: WheelChair in the BWCA Reply #2 - Jun 24^th, 2009 at 4:48am	Quote Print Post
	Basswood is completely available to you two ways..... ...motor to PP...american side is up and over ...Fall Lake paddle to Jackfish bay....the portages into and out of Newton are literal roads....any WC could easily pass. Once you're in Basswood, the world is yours!


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jjcanoeguide Inukshuk Offline Posts: 309 Location: Frisco, TX Joined: Jun 20^th, 2007	Re: WheelChair in the BWCA Reply #3 - Jun 24^th, 2009 at 2:09pm	Quote Print Post
	Depending on your crew's ability to portage, you may be able to make a few portages, especially the well-worn, flatter ones. I've had guide friends take similar groups up to Knife Lake and Ottertrack along the border, if you can manage a few shorter portages. There's lots of paddling that can be done with only 1 day of portaging. A wheelchair may not be easy, but I know they can be done, especially if you have a couple people assisting him in the tough spots. However, if that's not your cup of tea, I'd say Basswood will be your best bet.


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8103 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: WheelChair in the BWCA Reply #4 - Jun 24^th, 2009 at 5:00pm	Quote Print Post
	While on a canoe trip in Maine, I saw a group of paddlers with 3 wheelchair users, 1 per canoe with 2 assistants for each disabled person. They had the simple fold up type wheelchairs. The portages were along a river, longest maybe 200 yds top. But rocky in spots. I wondered how they were going to transport the wheelchair paddlers? They had an ingenious idea that worked real well on the open but rocky portages. They had brought along a Game Carrier, that you would normally use to transport deer sized animals in the field. The handicap person sat looking backward and one guy was on the handle and another walked behind too stabilize or assist if there was any problems. They had added a seatbelt to cart, so the user was held safe and secure. The cart folds inward and easily fit in canoe. I don't know if a cart would be with-in the BWCA rules, but wouldn't hurt too ask, if your interested. Not only would it make the portage a lot easier, it would extend your range as long as the portages were not too difficult? They make many models, including lightweight aluminum and with flat proof tires. (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)


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Paddle_Guy Inukshuk Offline Posts: 300 Location: Western Michigan Joined: Feb 10^th, 2003	Re: WheelChair in the BWCA Reply #5 - Jun 25^th, 2009 at 11:02am	Quote Print Post
	Sawbill might be a good place to go in. TOf coarse you cna stay on Sawbill which is a beautiful lake or there is a portage into Alton that is short and I think would be accesible.


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Mad_Mat Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1548 Joined: Apr 21^st, 2003	Re: WheelChair in the BWCA Reply #6 - Jun 25^th, 2009 at 11:53am	Quote Print Post
	"They had an ingenious idea that worked real well on the open but rocky portages. They had brought along a Game Carrier, that you would normally use to transport deer sized animals in the field. The handicap person sat looking backward and one guy was on the handle and another walked behind too stabilize or assist if there was any problems." a game cart is illegal to use within a designated wilderness, as is a mountain bike, sailboat and similar "mechanical" conveyances. I'm assuming there is some exemption for a wheel chair under ADA? - possibly a game cart could be considered a form of wheelchair in this case, but anyone considering that should check with the forest service.


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jjcanoeguide Inukshuk Offline Posts: 309 Location: Frisco, TX Joined: Jun 20^th, 2007	Re: WheelChair in the BWCA Reply #7 - Jun 25^th, 2009 at 12:54pm	Quote Print Post
	Per (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) "Portage wheels or mechanical assistance are only permitted over the following areas: International Boundary, Four-Mile Portage, Fall-Newton-Pipestone and Back Bay Portages into Basswood Lake, Prairie Portage, and Vermillion-Trout Lake Portage." Agree with Mad_Matt that you should check with the Forest Service. ADA has provisions, but doesn't necessarily superceed the FS regulations, as legally it appears to be a grey area. Don't know the rangers out there this year, but past experience has shown them to be extremely reasonable. IF you ran across them, I doubt they would even begin to take issue with you. The above regulation more aptly pertains to use of a wheel for transportation of canoes & other gear, not persons with disabilities. Obviously, no motorized scooters or wheelchairs are allowed. I like the game carrier idea, or a fold-up wheelchair. Just don't use the wheels for transportation of ANYTHING else, however tempting it may be, and be sure you stick to existing trails. Practice leave no trace.


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intrepid_camper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1348 Location: Northern Minnesota Joined: Jul 12^th, 2004	Re: WheelChair in the BWCA Reply #8 - Jun 25^th, 2009 at 2:01pm	Quote Print Post
	Saganaga Lake is accessible without portages. Trout Lake (adjacent to Vermilion) has one portage, but it is a gravel road and probably do-able with a wheel chair. It is a short boat ride or paddle to Trout Lake from Mocassin Point, Hwy 77, Tower, MN.


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8103 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: WheelChair in the BWCA Reply #9 - Jun 25^th, 2009 at 2:36pm	Quote Print Post
	I figured the game cart would be illegal for it's intended purpose, but if the rangers are reasonable at all, and permission is granted before hand, it would at least be worth the effort, if you like the idea. When they allow wheelchairs, they must know there is an opportunity for abuse IF the parties are so inclined. Never hurts too ask.


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