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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 06:42PM
Quetico Waterfalls

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
Springer2 01/14/2017 01:15PM
Mcintyre Lake is a great destination with a pretty little waterfall flowing into McIntyre Creek in the SW corner near a fine campsite at the mouth of the bay. You could take a tow from Prairie Portage to Back Bay on Basswood and then you will portage around both Upper and Lower Basswood Falls and Wheelbarrow Falls in between. The only challenge besides the relatively long paddle from Back Bay to the Basswood River and the long but flat and pretty Horse Portage would be finding a campsite the first night anywhere near Lower Basswood Falls (there aren't many campsites on the Canadian side in that stretch). We like to push on to Moose Bay where there is a 5-star campsite or even Robinson Lake which is a gorgeous clear water lake with several fine campsites. If you get the girls to the campsite on the big island on McIntyre they will never forget it.

Lower Basswood Falls (spring, high water year)



McIntyre Lake waterfall flowing into McIntyre Creek

BnD 01/05/2017 05:55PM
My son and I are very familiar with Kawnipi Lake. McKenzie Bay is basically untouched from any recent fires. Kawa Bay is completely green but basically all burned in the 1995 fire. There are island campsites in Kawa Bay that are 4* that have not been burned. North and West of McKenzie Bay is basically un-touched from any recent fires. We like the Falls Chain, however, were always a little glad to be off of the falls coming or going as you have to be on your toes approaching the portage take out on several portages especially if the water is high. One last but very important tip. Hug the shore approaching the portages and Always take the longest portage particularly at Canyon Falls going upstream. We'll be there the first week of June 2017. ;-)
Banksiana 01/05/2017 05:37PM
I got your meaning Hans. I chimed in for informational purposes only; not to "correct".
AdamXChicago 01/05/2017 02:53PM
North side of Quetico doesn't have many what I would call "true waterfalls" (10'+ sheer drop); instead, it has a lot of "extended rapids" including Chatterton Falls. South side (especially the border route) definitely has more of that. Sure, there's an exception here and there, but in my years of tripping, I believe the Falls Chain gives you the biggest bang for the buck. Having said that, Louisa Falls is awesome!
AdamX
Rob Johnson 01/05/2017 02:35PM
quote HansSolo: "
quote Banksiana: "Just to clarify for folks making their first venture to the Falls chain- Hans Solo's trip was "down" the Falls Chain to Kawinipi and "up" the Falls when returning to Saganaga. The flow is from Saganaga to Kawinipi."



Correct! :-)



My mention of "up and down" the "Falls Chain" was in reference to our direction of travel, not the flow of Maligne River from Saganaga Lake/Cache Bay north to Kawnipi Lake and back.



Hans Solo"



Good to know...I did actually take the previous post to mean it flowed the other way.
HansSolo 01/05/2017 12:46PM

quote Banksiana: "Just to clarify for folks making their first venture to the Falls chain- Hans Solo's trip was "down" the Falls Chain to Kawinipi and "up" the Falls when returning to Saganaga. The flow is from Saganaga to Kawinipi."


Correct! :-)


My mention of "up and down" the "Falls Chain" was in reference to our direction of travel, not the flow of Maligne River from Saganaga Lake/Cache Bay north to Kawnipi Lake and back.


Hans Solo
HansSolo 01/05/2017 12:13PM

quote Rob Johnson: "Thanks for the pics. That is a nice looking solo...is that a Bell?"

Dave/Canoe42's solo canoe is a Sawyer Expedition Kevlar Autumn Mist @ 14' 10". My solo is a Wenonah Kevlar Flex-Core Voyager @ 17' 6".

For what it's worth, Dave Yost designed both the Sawyer Autumn Mist and the Bell Merlin II; the Merlin II being 15'. It's my understanding that the Merlin II and the Autumn Mist share similar DNA, so to speak.

The faded black gel-coat on Canoe42's Autumn Mist also makes it appear like a graphite lay-up. Canoe42 also did a custom woodworking job on his Autumn Mist by installing new gunnels, thwarts and end decks. All that being said, his Autumn Mist looks very similar to a carbon graphite Bell Merlin II. (Comparison of our solo canoes beached at a campsite shown below.)

Hans Solo


Banksiana 01/05/2017 09:45AM
Just to clarify for folks making their first venture to the Falls chain- Hans Solo's trip was "down" the Falls Chain to Kawinipi and "up" the Falls when returning to Saganaga. The flow is from Saganaga to Kawinipi.
Rob Johnson 01/05/2017 12:10AM
Thanks for the pics. That is a nice looking solo...is that a Bell?
HansSolo 01/04/2017 11:07PM

quote Rob Johnson: "HANS SOLO...is Kawnipi still nice in spite of the '95 fire? Trees big enough for hammocks?"

Pretty much what dentondoc and old_salt said.

Although I had been through the "Falls Chain" twice before this trip, both of those trips were prior to the 1995 fire. It was sad to see how the fire affected parts of Kawnipi Lake since my last visit.

Depending where you call the night your home, there should be adequate trees for hammocks. My partner Dave, (A.K.A. Canoe 42), is a "hanger", although I'm not. Dave was able rig his hammock at our Kawnipi Lake campsite, despite the site not being blessed with very large trees. (Pictures of our site below)

Hans Solo


dentondoc 01/04/2017 10:37PM
quote Rob Johnson: "HANS SOLO...is Kawnipi still nice in spite of the '95 fire? Trees big enough for hammocks?"
Most everything west of McVicar Bay is fine, even the western half of McVicar has some good tree cover (as do many of the islands). The eastern shore of Kawa Bay also has some burned spots.


dd
old_salt 01/04/2017 10:37PM
I'm not HS but most of Kawnipi was not touched by '95 fire. Lots of nice campsites not touched by fire and suitable for hammocks.
HansSolo 01/04/2017 10:33PM

quote Eyedocron: "HansSolo, I enjoyed your pictures of the Falls Chain and have been through there several times, both up and down, but I never saw so much water crashing over as in your pictures. When were these taken? Spring floods? "

Our trip up and down the "Falls Chain" was from June 18th through June 24th of 2016. During the second night of the trip, we experienced the Father's Day Storm that swept through the area. High winds and some of the strangest lighting I have ever seen.

Water levels were not really a problem. That said, some strong head winds created some large standing waves below many of the falls from the wind blown waves clashing with the down stream current. It made for some sketchy water conditions that made reading the current tricky.

Then again, most of our days were blessed with incredibly calm winds and water conditions.

Hans Solo

Rob Johnson 01/04/2017 09:24PM
HANS SOLO...is Kawnipi still nice in spite of the '95 fire? Trees big enough for hammocks?
Eyedocron 01/04/2017 08:23PM
HansSolo, I enjoyed your pictures of the Falls Chain and have been through there several times, both up and down, but I never saw so much water crashing over as in your pictures. When were these taken? Spring floods?
I have always reviewed ahead with my crews the portage approaches when coming from upstream, especially Kennybas Falls. I would not have wanted to do that one with so much water. I was there the day 20 years ago when the search planes were looking for the crew swept over Kennybas Falls into Kawnipi.
Eyedocron 01/04/2017 12:34PM
Years ago there was a long portage out the south end of Glacier through Gamp Lake into the north end of Louisa. It is on my maps from the 1960's. Presumably long overgrown now. Actually the string of lakes from Glacier to Louisa is a scenic series of portages. Nice area and plan a half day to get through.
When discussing waterfalls, don't forget Twin Falls at the western downstream end of the Malign River. A bit harder to reach this area since they closed the western ranger entry years ago.
HansSolo 01/04/2017 11:02AM

As others have mentioned, there are several great choices for routes with spectacular waterfalls, but the "Falls Chain" from Saganaga Lake/Cache Bay to Kawnipi Lake has to be the best of the best IMHO. This past June, Canoe42 and I did just that during our "paired solo" trip.

We traveled from Saganaga Lake up the "Falls Chain" to Kawnipi Lake. We then took a layover day for relaxing and fishing on Kawnipi Lake. Other than strong head wind for a few days mid-trip, our trip was relatively easy. It was the first time traveling the "Falls Chain" for Canoe42, but my third, although it had been a few years. Nevertheless, as beautiful as the "Falls Chain" is, it's beauty never gets old.

We took seven-days to travel from the landing on Saganaga Lake to Kawnipi Lake and back, with one lay-over day on Kawnipi Lake. After our lay-over on Kawnipi, we traveled back to our entry point on Saganaga Lake via the same route. We could have done it in less, but the more relaxed pace allowed for short travel days and time to soak up the beautiful scenery.

Hans Solo


billconner 01/04/2017 08:27AM
quote Rob Johnson: "quote billconner: "It would be hard to beat the Falls Chain - McEwen - Louisa - Agnes route for falls, among other attributes." Now I see why Jackfish asked about our daughters age. Love the sights on this route but that is a long way to paddle. I wish there was a way out of the south end of Glacier."


Perhaps. My son at 12 and I did PP - Man Chain - Falls Chain - Kawanipi - Agnes with day at Louisa Falls - and out PP.


It depends on how much time you have. Either of those with your group is probably 6-8 nights out.
Wally13 01/03/2017 11:30PM

RobJohnson,


I would just go to Louisa Falls via Prairie Portage.


Early morning tow from an outfitter on Moose Lake (Canadian Border Outfitters, or LaTourells) to Prairie Portage Entry Point. Try to be 1st in line at Canadian Ranger Station.


Paddle northeast into Bayley Bay ... get on the water as early as possible as Bayley Bay is big water and can get rough in late morning. Take sand beach portage into Burke Lake, paddle northwest to Singing Brook portage with short portage into Sunday Lake. Then long portage into Meadows Lake and short paddle to another rocky portage into Agnes.


Louisa Falls is a 20 minute paddle to the northeast. You can camp there in big grassy campsite adjacent to the Falls and a few others not too far away.


It is will be a long day but so worth it. Your daughters will really enjoy the Falls. I would hang there and just loop back the way you came.


If you don't want to do it all in one day ... take your time and camp on Sunday or Singing Brook portage and then paddle to the Falls the next day.


This route can get a little busy as Prairie Portage is one of the busiest entry points.


Any questions ... drop me a line and I can help you out. I usually use this route when I head up thru Agnes to get to Kawnipi. The high cliffs on east side as you paddle up Agnes are very scenic. Way up Agnes is one of the best pictograph sites in the park. But Agnes is a long narrow lake and it can get very rough on windy days. If it looks to be calm the week you are there it may be worth traveling up beautiful Agnes Lake.




Rob Johnson 01/03/2017 10:22PM
quote billconner: "It would be hard to beat the Falls Chain - McEwen - Louisa - Agnes route for falls, among other attributes."
Now I see why Jackfish asked about our daughters age. Love the sights on this route but that is a long way to paddle. I wish there was a way out of the south end of Glacier.
Rob Johnson 01/03/2017 09:39PM
quote Wally13: "
Rob Johnson,



Like OLD SALT suggested I would recommend taking your daughter and your bud and his daughter to Louisa Falls. It is about a 75 foot drop from Louisa Lake from the top of the falls down to Agnes Lake. About 1/2 way down the falls is a large Jacuzzi tub big enough for 8 people. It a refreshing and relaxing spot to bathe and have the falls pop on top of your head.



There are a few campsites nearby too. There is a large grassy site not far from the base of the falls that scouts often use. It can get crowded at Louisa Falls as it is a popular spot.



I like to visit the tub when the water warms up in late June or July. Normally there is lots of water coming from Louisa Lake above the tub at that time of year vs. the drier months of August and September.



Here is a YOU TUBE video of Louisa Falls that will give you a flavor of what the tub looks like. It is not my group in the You Tube video. Just found it on You Tube. There are plenty of other pics of Louisa Falls on line GOOGLE.



Louisa Falls Quetico
"
Sounds like a plan. Would you come up through the south? Get a tow to American point?
Rob Johnson 01/03/2017 09:31PM
quote Jackfish: "How old are the two girls? Probably would make a difference in how far into the interior you'd be able to go." One daughter is 15 the other is 12. Both are canoe camping enthusiasts. We solve the "power in the bow" problem by taking a Minnesota IV 4-person canoe. We actually clip along at a good pace with 4 paddlers. The 23' is a bit unwieldy but only weighs 64 lbs so portages ok.
Jackfish 01/03/2017 08:25AM
How old are the two girls? Probably would make a difference in how far into the interior you'd be able to go.
HighnDry 01/02/2017 07:53PM
quote old_salt: "Don't forget about the jacuzzi at Louisa Falls just off Agnes."


+1.
billconner 01/02/2017 07:45PM
It would be hard to beat the Falls Chain - McEwen - Louisa - Agnes route for falls, among other attributes.
Wally13 01/02/2017 06:21PM

Rob Johnson,


Like OLD SALT suggested I would recommend taking your daughter and your bud and his daughter to Louisa Falls. It is about a 75 foot drop from Louisa Lake from the top of the falls down to Agnes Lake. About 1/2 way down the falls is a large Jacuzzi tub big enough for 8 people. It a refreshing and relaxing spot to bathe and have the falls pop on top of your head.


There are a few campsites nearby too. There is a large grassy site not far from the base of the falls that scouts often use. It can get crowded at Louisa Falls as it is a popular spot.


I like to visit the tub when the water warms up in late June or July. Normally there is lots of water coming from Louisa Lake above the tub at that time of year vs. the drier months of August and September.


Here is a YOU TUBE video of Louisa Falls that will give you a flavor of what the tub looks like. It is not my group in the You Tube video. Just found it on You Tube. There are plenty of other pics of Louisa Falls on line GOOGLE.


Louisa Falls Quetico
old_salt 01/02/2017 04:45PM
Don't forget about the jacuzzi at Louisa Falls just off Agnes.
dentondoc 01/02/2017 03:43PM
quote Rob Johnson: "Two dads...each with a daughter. Looking for a Q route with waterfalls and struggling to find much. I see there are some south of Kawnipi...there must be others..."
By "south of Kawnipi" I assume you are referring to the "Falls Chain?"


While the stretch of water from Silver Falls to Kennebas Falls is probably the most significant pattern of falls in Quetico, there are a couple of others that come to mind:


Poets Chain, with falls from Shelley to Keats, Keats to Chatterton and Chatterton to Russell, with a long "spillway" from Russell to Sturgeon. (I suppose you could add the falls spilling from Kawnipi into Kahsashpiwi Creek, if you make Kawnipi your starting point.

Outside of Silver Falls, I'd say that Curtain Falls (Crooked Lake to Iron Lake) is likely the largest. On Iron (Iron to McAree) lies Rebecca Falls. An nice little intimate set of falls separates Roland Lake from Middle Roland Lake (in loosely the same area as Curtain Falls.

Basswood river from Basswood to Iron has a few. Darky to Minn has a few. The "B-chain" from Pickerel to Fern and then onto Olifaunt and then Sturgeon Lake via the Pickerel River has a few.

Those are the areas that immediately come to mind.

dd
OldFingers57 01/02/2017 03:40PM
There is Sue Falls over on Cirrus Lake, Then there is Chatterton Falls and Split Rock Falls over on Russell and Chatterton Lakes. There are some small no name falls and rapids over on the B Chain of Bisk Beg and Bud.
Rob Johnson 01/02/2017 03:09PM
Two dads...each with a daughter. Looking for a Q route with waterfalls and struggling to find much. I see there are some south of Kawnipi...there must be others...