Subarctic Equinox

Going Late

Northern wilderness paddlers are taught to get out by the end of August, and for most, it’s good advice. However, if you have the skill, confidence, and resources required, it can be a very special time of year. Fall colors, northern lights, and an absence of bugs greatly add to the experience, but you’ve got to be prepared. Capsizing is potentially catastrophic. Everyone in your party should have an instinctive brace and the ability to read Class II water on the fly. Among us, we had logged many previous summer and fall trips on a number of northern rivers. We also had winter gear and plenty of winter camping experience. We carried both a VHF radio and a satellite phone.

Before attempting a similar expedition yourself, first train in cold whitewater close to home, and take a couple of long trips to someplace like the Boundary Waters or Quetico in mid to late October. If all goes well and you have fun, drive to the end of a distant northern road and then head out and back in September, keeping in mind that the season typically changes mid-month. When you are confident traveling in those conditions, arrange a charter to a more remote river. The challenges can be great, but so can the rewards.