We had our young son with us last year on the S Kawishiwi for a short trip and only made it from EP 32 up to Clear Lake and back. We’re going in at EP 32 again this year and plan to go down to Little Gabbro & Gabbro. I have a question about the rapids right by CS 1131. I see the rapids marked on the map, but no portage, and the reviews for that campsite often mention the “fun” of watching people try to get through them. Are they challenging rapids? Too much for an 8 year old and adults who have no rapids experience (we always portage around them!)? Or, since there’s no portage, are they manageable?

I looked at satellite images on Google Maps and it looks like it might be best to pass through on the west side of the small island? Any tips appreciated!

I have paddled through there several times. A little work going against them sometimes but not hard, at least when I've done them. I don't know if the high water this year makes it harder.

I know of no portage around them.

Stay to the right of the island as you are coming from the entry point. The swift current is between the island and the campsite. Lining your canoe through some shallows is a possibility.

We were just there this spring. The water was not at its highest point, but it was still quite high. We paddled up the faster moving side (closest to the campsite). It definitely has current, but no rocks to maneuver around. Just required short, quick paddle strokes and the ability to keep the canoe straight. As mentioned, the side of the island away from the campsite looked like significantly less current. Worst case scenario, you can get out downstream of the campsite and portage thru the site. The upstream landing is well away from the main current.

Our group stayed that campsite a couple weeks ago. The simplest would be to hop out and drag your boat up the rapids between the campsite and the island. There is a channel (looks man-made) on the left side that you can paddle straight up, but it would be hard to see without knowing where it is. You can paddle up the right fork pretty easily if you stay closer to the island and paddle straight of "V". Rapids are not bad though.