Hey everyone. I'm wondering if anyone has done the Quetico River in recent years? Information about that stretch between Namakan and Beaverhouse seems pretty sparse. How feasible would it be to attempt this river going upstream in early May?

We paddled the Quetico about eight years ago, but downstream and in September. Water volume was a non-issue. No river impediments; portages were all relatively easy, despite their limited use. Ran into a couple that was going upstream and they indicated that the current was manageable. Water levels were normal for that time of year. Given the apparent lack of snow and rain this year in that region, I would guess an upstream paddle wouldn’t be problematic, though There’s still a lot of time for springtime rainfall to alter that. Wear your pfds, be aware of your surroundings and enjoy!

AdamX

Thanks I appreciate that. I should have also mentioned it'll be a solo trip. Looks like some cold lining will be involved.

We did a clockwise loop from Beaverhouse-Badwater-Omeme-Bearpelt Creek-Wolsey, then up the Namakan River and Quetico River back to Beaverhouse. This was in early June 2013 and I recall only one point on the Quetico River where our tandem canoe could not paddle up the current and we had to walk it up.

One of the portages heading upstream on the Quetico River was very difficult to locate. I had to bushwhack upstream, then scout that shoreline to find the actual portage. Going solo and in early/cold water situations, you'd want to be more careful not to dump.

Good luck!