I'm wondering if someone could help me to find the fastest route to the northern side of Cirrus Lake near the waterfall. I know of the portage on Beaverhouse Lake that takes you to the opposite side of Cirrus than the waterfall. Is there another way to get there that is quicker? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Lerome entry.

Lerome is certainly closer but one easy portage and Paddling from Beaverhouse may be quicker, but certainly easier.

I've heard people say that there is no parking at the lerome entry, is that right? Or do some guys just park on the side of the road there?

There is off-road parking, but what's the hurry?

quote Fishwhisperer22: "I've heard people say that there is no parking at the lerome entry, is that right? Or do some guys just park on the side of the road there? "

I did this entry last Sept (Thanks Billconnor!). Great entry. very quiet, peaceful especially after you leave the cabin or two that I saw behind on Lerome. It took me the better part of half a day to get to Sue Falls...but then again, I was solo so I was in no hurry. Parking lot for put in is right next to the highway with a good boat ramp to truck your canoe down to the water and start your paddle. Really nice way to start a trip if that is what you are looking for.

So, it is OK to leave vehicle at Lerome access? Had heard conflicting reports.

quote billconner: "So, it is OK to leave vehicle at Lerome access? Had heard conflicting reports."

Bill, do you mean is it "safe?" I think there was a thread on this back when. When I've been by there, a vehicle parked IS visible from the road (Hwy. 11) Going in from Beaverhouse and taking the 2 portages into west Cirrus, I doubt if you could get to Sue Falls faster than from Lerome. --Goose

Yes, fastest is what I'm looking for. As long as it is legal to park along the road there. Sounds like a couple of portages going the Lerome Lake route, but they must be pretty short.

I'll be canoeing essentially solo so I was hoping to not have to go from the beaver house/cirrus side with the long paddle to get to the falls area.

quote Fishwhisperer22: "I've heard people say that there is no parking at the lerome entry, is that right? Or do some guys just park on the side of the road there? "

There is parking at the Lerome launch site. There's a small gravel road that circles around with grassy areas to pull off the road and park. The cars are not so much visible from Highway 11, but the put-in is right off of the Highway.

As High n' Dry mentioned, there's a nice gravel launch from the put-in.

Hans Solo

quote Fishwhisperer22: "Yes, fastest is what I'm looking for. As long as it is legal to park along the road there. Sounds like a couple of portages going the Lerome Lake route, but they must be pretty short.
I'll be canoeing essentially solo so I was hoping to not have to go from the beaver house/cirrus side with the long paddle to get to the falls area. "

I thought there were like 5 or 6 portages to get from Lerome to Sue Falls. Am I mistaken? Even looks like a bunch on Google Earth.

quote billconner: "

quote Fishwhisperer22: "Yes, fastest is what I'm looking for. As long as it is legal to park along the road there. Sounds like a couple of portages going the Lerome Lake route, but they must be pretty short.
I'll be canoeing essentially solo so I was hoping to not have to go from the beaver house/cirrus side with the long paddle to get to the falls area. "

I thought there were like 5 or 6 portages to get from Lerome to Sue Falls. Am I mistaken? Even looks like a bunch on Google Earth. "

I think you are right. I'm not looking at a map but remember the Lerome-No Name, Jackfish creed to Bewag (out of No Name), Bewag to Lark I think, then Lark to the lake/river that leads to Cole and entry to Cirrus creek, then the final creek to Sue Falls portage....or something like that...

quote billconner: "

quote Fishwhisperer22: "Yes, fastest is what I'm looking for. As long as it is legal to park along the road there. Sounds like a couple of portages going the Lerome Lake route, but they must be pretty short.
I'll be canoeing essentially solo so I was hoping to not have to go from the beaver house/cirrus side with the long paddle to get to the falls area. "

I thought there were like 5 or 6 portages to get from Lerome to Sue Falls. Am I mistaken? Even looks like a bunch on Google Earth. "

That's about right bc! Most of the portages are of little consequence, with the exception of the final 45 rods or so down to Cirrus Lake.

The area from the 6 rod portage out of Lerome Lake through the subsequent un-named Lake to Jackfish Creek to Bewag Lake can vary in length and difficulty, depending on the water levels and beaver dam activity. That section can be very boggy, for lack of a better description. In other words, plan on getting your feet wet.

Nevertheless, starting at Lerome Lake should still allow you to reach Cirrus Lake by the end of your first day, for what it's worth.

Hans Solo

Yes but I reached middle of cirrus from beaverhouse by. Early afternoon. That's why I wasn't sure Sue Falls was faster via Lerome or not. Not sure I'd beat myself in a race.

quote billconner: "Yes but I reached middle of cirrus from beaverhouse by. Early afternoon. That's why I wasn't sure Sue Falls was faster via Lerome or not. Not sure I'd beat myself in a race."

At the end of the day, I'm not sure if there's a major difference in travel time to Cirrus Lake/Sue Falls from Lerome Lake or Beaverhouse Lake either.

Aside from Nym Lake, Lerome Lake is one of the closest launch sites to the town of Atikokan. So depending on what direction you'd be coming from to access the northern entries of QPP, (i.e. driving through Fort Frances or Thunder Bay), the point of entry would make a difference in drive times.

Entering at Beaverhouse to access Cirrus Lake/Sue Falls is a bit more straightforward than entering through Lerome Lake though. Then again, it may also just be a case of wanting to explore a new EP option.

Hans Solo

Based upon our experience last year, you can likely go from the parking lot at Beaverhouse to Sue Falls in about 6 hours if you do not have an unusual east headwind.

I think there should be a race! Very roughly -- using whole park map -- Beaverhouse is roughly four times the straight-line distance from Lerome to Sue Falls. (like 24km./13 mi.?) 3 portages going via BH (counting the 500+ meter carry from the parking lot) and 5 via Lerome. I bet the only way BH is faster is if you get west winds and put up a sail, and the water is low between Lerome and Cirrus. =) --Goose

Very good info, thanks everyone. I'll be coming from the international falls side and in the past I've gone into beaverhouse and picked up permits at the ranger station. Of course to do this, I'd be going right past that first portage to Cirrus. So maybe it is best to drive into atikokan to get permits and then drop down through Lerome.

One of the factors to consider are the prevailing winds. If you enter from Beaverhouse, you could have significant headwinds on return trip. Getting in, you could have tailwinds...

quote OldGreyGoose: "I think there should be a race!--Goose "

Actually, that sounds like fun!

Obviously, there are several factors that could affect travel as noted; wind, water levels, etc. That being said, it would be interesting to see the outcome under ideal conditions with two "voyagers" of equal age, physical condition, and with identical equipment.

Hans Solo

It has been some time since I entered through Lerome Lake. I would
estimate a 5-6 hour travel time while double portaging.

I always leave my vehicle with an outfitter though. It gives me peace of mind and is cheap insurance to anything happening to it while I am gone. Most outfitters offer shuttle services.

I'm going to Cirrus on June 10th. Any tips on lakers and walleye would be greatly appreciated. I have never been to Cirrus Lake before and would really like some advice on fishing and/or campsites.

Thanks!!