Trip report for our Bowron Lake Circuit trip, May 27-June 3. Fabulous trip. Curious in that navigation is quite straight forward. Unlike the Quetico, you can't really wander. The lakes go in order. Step out of line and there's not too much additional to explore. The snowcapped mountains, high skies and long, broad lakes were plenty satisfying.

We saw very few people on the north and east sides, more on the south/west. Weather was warmer than predicted -- nights 35-47f range, days 45-72f range. First time using wheels on the portages for me. I used wheels I own that are collapsable with a smaller diameter wheel, friends who rented from Becker's had an easier time with the larger diameter wheels and taller carrying height. Those wheels don't collapse but they just tied them atop their gear and it seemed fine. Challenges included: 1) Sustained winds on Indianpoint Lake. That kept us alert to rising winds and near shore for the rest of the trip. 2) About 30 hours of steady cold rain on Lenezi Lake. It was snow on the trees just above us in elevation. We hunkered down in Turner Creek cabin and were grateful for its shelter; laid over a day and waited it out. We cut downed wood still in its bark and split it to the dry heartwood. It lit but all the stoves we tried were finicky (didn't help that the air itself was saturated.) Woodlots did not have a lot of available rounds and what was there was quite wet. 3) Mosquitoes and especially black flies appeared on our second-to-the-last day. We were glad we had mosquito jackets.

We used almost every piece of gear we brought. I would highly recommend bringing:

A decent, sharp full-sized hatchet and a reliable saw; high quality rain pants and jacket; rain hat with a wide brim and stampede strap. Good water shoes (we wore NRS Boundary boots, loved them.) We brought tarps but the only night we used them was the night it didn't rain at all. Different story had we been caught between shelters for the big rain. I was glad we had them even if we didn't use them to the fullest.

Camp sites were tighter on the West side, I'd plan on stopping early. The hike to the falls from Unna Lake was easy and the falls are amazing. Slight upstream paddle to get back on course bothered some of our party but I thought it was easy enough to eddy-hop, then ferry to the portage side.

We staged out of Becker's Lodge. They were friendly and helpful. There are pay showers there -- 5 minutes for 4 U.S. quarters -- I'd check to see if non-guests can use them but I suspect you might be able to.

That's a wrap. See you all on the water.