I am planning a first Quetico trip for my crew next June. After a search of the site, I found more than enough info to simplify my planning.

Thanks to all the Q-heads who have contributed present and past. The folks here are the best.

So where are you going, Andy?

quote mr.barley: "So where are you going, Andy?
"

You helped, Bro.

Welcome to the dark side. You may never go back.

So, where? We all want to come.

The crew voted for a northern entry. Fishing, exploring and relaxing are the main goals. As of now, I'm considering either a Stanton Bay or French Lake entry, then down to the B Chain, Rawn, Buckingham area and back out through Pickerel. 4 guys, 6 days.

quote billconner: "Welcome to the dark side. You may never go back."

Yes Bill. Last fall's trip to the WCPP really opened my eyes to the wilds of Canada. Much more rugged and wild than the BW.

quote AndySG: "

quote billconner: "Welcome to the dark side. You may never go back."

Last fall's trip to the WCPP really opened my eyes to the wilds of Canada. Much more rugged and wild than the BW."

I hear what you're saying eh!

Q-heads? I like it!

Hans Solo

The Q-heads around here sure do give lots of good Q-tips. :)

quote AndySG: "The crew voted for a northern entry. Fishing, exploring and relaxing are the main goals. As of now, I'm considering either a Stanton Bay or French Lake entry, then down to the B Chain, Rawn, Buckingham area and back out through Pickerel. 4 guys, 6 days."

Andy, this is a cool plan but I wonder if it is mutually exclusive. It might be hard to go to Rawn and then the B chain. The B chain is so amazing that it deserves three days minimum by itself. That portage from Fern to Oliphant is magical. I love that area and will revisit.

Agree, the B Chain is like AWESOME with waterfalls and drops between lakes. We also had great fishing on Russel, did a layover day there and loved that lake.
SunCatcher

quote AndySG: "The crew voted for a northern entry. Fishing, exploring and relaxing are the main goals. As of now, I'm considering either a Stanton Bay or French Lake entry, then down to the B Chain, Rawn, Buckingham area and back out through Pickerel. 4 guys, 6 days."

Go with the french entry. while the stanton bay entry would cut off 1/2 pickerel you might end up with wind issues and have trouble making the north/south crossing.

the pickerel river out of french lake winds through tall grasses, it's beautiful and you might even see a moose!

quote Mocha: "

quote AndySG: "The crew voted for a northern entry. Fishing, exploring and relaxing are the main goals. As of now, I'm considering either a Stanton Bay or French Lake entry, then down to the B Chain, Rawn, Buckingham area and back out through Pickerel. 4 guys, 6 days."

Go with the french entry. while the stanton bay entry would cut off 1/2 pickerel you might end up with wind issues and have trouble making the north/south crossing.

the pickerel river out of french lake winds through tall grasses, it's beautiful and you might even see a moose!

"

I agree with Mocha on the French Lake EP.

Although a strong west wind can be a challenge as you approach Pickerel Lake from the French River, it's a beautiful lake nonetheless.

Additionally, the Dawson Trail Campground on French Lake is a nice place to spend the night before you head into the back-country, or after you take-out. (Great showers BTW!)

The Park Office/Visitor Center on French Lake also has a nice display of the Park's History and the "Friends of Quetico" operates a small gift shop out of the Park Office as well, for what it's worth.

Hans Solo

(Pictured from left to right; The entrance to the Dawson Trail Campground and the French Lake EP from Highway 11, French Lake Office/Visitor Center, Dawson trail Campground designated campsite, and view of French Lake from the campsite)

Wow! Great advice from great folks. I'm listening so keep it coming. Thanks!