Beginners Backpacking Trip

The Chequamegon Chapter of the North Country Trail Association and the Lake Owen Association are co-sponsoring first a presentation at the Lake Owen Picnic Grounds on August 2, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 an introduction to Backpacking for Beginners with backpacking tips, what of gear that works best, backpacking cooking, clothing,  rain gear, boots, mosquito and tick repellants, and safety protocols.  Second, three weeks later on August 21, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. the participants of the class and experienced backpackers would meet at the junction of Old 63 and U.S. 63 at the North Country Trail east of Drummond with their own gear, food, cookware, tent, sleeping bag and necessary assessories.  Participants would caravan and stage cars at the North Country Trail where is crosses County Highway D at the east edge of the Porcupine Lake Wilderness.  All drivers would car pool back to the Drummond Trailhead and hike 4.7 miles on the North Country Trail hiking eastbound to an an abandoned road some 200 yards to a large clearing near the shores of Lake Owen for camping the first night.  On the second day the backpackers would hike 6 miles eastbound on the North Country Trail to Porcupine Lake for the second night.  On the morning of the third day, the backpackers would continue eastbound on the North Country Trail thru the Porcupine Lake Wilderness to where cars are staged with some participants getting rides back to the Drummond trailhead parking lot.  You will pass through several sections of virgin pine forests with towering trees, clear lakes to fish from shore and swim.  Expect to see beaver ponds and smaller bodies of water.

Registration is necessary.  Participants under the age of 18 would have to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. For questions or to register, please contact Ed Ronkowski either by email at eronkowski@hotmail.com or by TEXT or phone at 708 227-5372.