Hey all,

I'm planning a 5-6 night solo Q trip in early September, my first to the western side of the park after several trips in the southeastern Quetico. My plan is to head in to Sarah, then up towards Suzanette, on to the Argo/Darkwater area, then head down to Robinson before heading out the Basswood River. This is all new water for me, and I'm wondering about recommended routes between Argo and Robinson. I plan to paddle this in one day, probably single portaging. The initial thought had been to go via Gardner Bay, but I've also noticed that the border route along the Days of the Week bays offers fewer portages, and there also appears to be a route in via Ted.

I don't mind more work for greater solitude and scenery, just want to plot a course that gives me the best overall taste of the area. And as I think about it, any other feedback on my overall route would also be appreciated. My ports of call are not set in stone, and I'm happy to paddle early and long to camp in solitude on clear, scenic lakes. Thanks!

The Robinson to Ted route is not utilized much. I have contemplated it, but never tried. I'd be surprised if it sees people more than 1-2x/year and is not an official route that is maintained. If you do it keep that in mind--it may take longer than expected.


The easiest route to Robinson from Argo would definitely be along the border.

If you are on Darky you could go back through Brent and down to Robinson.

For adventure then you an go via Ted either up from Gardner, or through the series of portages from Argo--cone--elk etc... You might be cutting it close to do that?

If it was me--I'd choose a layover on Ted and skip Robinson. Come out of Ted through the Newt--little Newt portages into Gardner Bay. Come into Ted through the North or the west depending if you are on Darky or Argo. Then out through the Basswood River. Just an idea though....

T

flaxman, I haven't been to Robinson, but have been to the rest of your route,Suzanette, Conmmee, William Brent, Darky. I don't know how you plan to get from Suzanette to Darkey, but that area of the park has great fishing and few people, and the border area gets more crowded.

I think you may find some good info from HoHo's trip report

Ho Ho 2008

You could also look at Argo-Unnamed-Cone-Elk-Gardner-Bart-Craig-Robinson. Good fishing along most of the route. We did the Argo to Cone portages in rain, but didn;t think they were that bad.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and ideas. The Argo/Cone/Elk/Bart route had been my initial plan, but all the alternate suggestions do have me thinking. I might just loop towards Ted and see how the lake speaks to me. Camping there would make for a long last full day to the last night's camp on Basswood (I'm planning to return to Moose via Wind, the lake that is, but I'll also hope for a northerly that morning!) Lots will depend on weather and late trip motivation.

Thanks also for the trip report references. I'm a big fan of Ho Ho and his fabulous reports, and have consulted 2008 frequently. Fishguts also writes up some of my favorites, and is partly responsible for lighting the fire under my canoe to hit the western side.

I plan to use Brent to travel between Suzanette and Darkwater. I don't fish, so William and Conmee are not on the itinerary.

Should I anticipate seeing lots of people in the Argo/Darkwater area in early September? I've heard that the area gets a bit of traffic, but is really beautiful.

Thanks again everyone.

I second TimA's suggestion. Elk/Hurn/Ted (Ted is gorgeous as are most of the other lakes in the loop) and out through Milt and the Newts. I did the Ted to Robinson route last fall, the portage between the unnamed lake and Robinson does not really exist though I did find a blaze or two, the trail was imaginary. The route from Brent to Ted via Earl is also very fine.. A trip report can be found here . I've also paddled the Bart/Craig/Robinson route- nice but not near as scenic.

If you have any questions drop me a line, I paddle this area of the park often.

quote flaxman: "

Should I anticipate seeing lots of people in the Argo/Darkwater area in early September? I've heard that the area gets a bit of traffic, but is really beautiful.


Thanks again everyone."

Normally yes, but should not be bad in September. Also with the poor exchange rate, increased fees, and pass port for re-entry requirements the use of those 2 lakes has thankfully declined. I was on Darky last August in the peak season and my wife and I had it to ourselves for nite (only spent one nite). 10 years ago--every camp was taken during the same time period.

T