Planning a Quetico trip for Aug. 30 - September 9. This trip would include paddling/lining McAlpine creek from McAlpine Lake to Kasakokwog and then again taking the creek from Kasakokwog to Quetico Lake. This would probably happen around Labor Day, Sept. 5. Does anyone know what the water levels are like in McAlpine creek now? Will I likely be able to paddle the creek or have to wade or line the creek? If I am going to have to wade or line a lot of the creek, I want to let my wife know. I see there is a lot of rain in the Atikokan weather forecast. So hopefully, we’ll be able to paddle the creek except for the two portages.

Went through the creek years ago (maybe 2010 or 2011) around Labor Day as well. I recall that summer was not particularly wet and had to line most of McAlpine Creek. Might want to check on other’s experience using the Search function up top. I was just up in Quetico about two weeks ago and water levels appeared to be approaching “normal”. Wish I had more current info for you. Have fun!

AdamX

I did the section from Kasakokwog to Quetico last summer and had to walk alot of it. Very low water last year though. It was quite a slog I must say.

The creek level not only depends on rainfall but also beaver activities. There is usually at least one dam. Best bet is to check with the park office and or Canoe Canada in Atikokan. --Goose

To answer my own question...

On Sept. 6, 2022 the water in McAlpine Creek between McAlpine and Kasakokwog lakes was deep, probably about 3 feet (1 m) on average.

On Sept. 7, 2022 the water in McAlpine Creek between Kasakokwog and Quetico lakes was much shallower. We were able to paddle about 80-85 percent of the creek. The rest we waded with the packs in the canoe.

There are, of course, beaver dams that need to be pulled over.

The rangers classified the water during this time as normal to a little higher than normal.

Very nice photo....

I posted a trip report that includes these sections of McAlpine Creek.



2022 trip to northwest part of Quetico