Boundary Waters, Message Board, Forum, BWCA, BWCAW, Quetico Park
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
 Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
    Trip Planning Forum
       Route Sleuth - Moose Lake to Yum Yum to Kahshahpiwi Lake
          Reply
Date/Time: 03/28/2024 02:06PM
Route Sleuth - Moose Lake to Yum Yum to Kahshahpiwi Lake

* Help stop spam. Please enter the lake name you see over the flying moose.

  

Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
WonderMonkey 01/17/2019 08:51PM
Update: Using Williams & Hall outfitters for the trip. Will call them tomorrow and see if I can meet up with them at a local (Cincinnati, OH) outdoors show.
cowdoc 12/13/2018 05:35PM
Another route for Side to Isabella to avoid Heart Attack Hill
Banksiana 12/13/2018 11:37AM
The last three years or so the McNeice portage has been significantly more difficult than YumYum due to the thick young growth and large downed timber from the burn about ten years ago.
WonderMonkey 12/13/2018 11:01AM
billconner: "I missed how many days. If you go to Kash via Yum Yum, I'd probably return via Side and Isabella. If you have enough time, I prefer going further up the S chain and cross into Kash via Trant. A little more remote and varied scenery imho."


We are returning via Side and Isabella. As for going further North, for this first time, we want to take it more leisurely.
WonderMonkey 12/13/2018 10:10AM
cowdoc: "You can also do Grey, Armin, Yum Yum (tip), Shan Walshe, McNiece, Kash. Toughest portage is the last....McNiece into Kash."


I'll certainly look at that. Currently we are heading there one route, coming back a bit different.


Lake
Moose
Newfound
Sucker
Basswood
Burke
Dell
Grey
Yum Yum
Kahshahpiwi (staying a bit)
Side
Isabella
Burke
Basswood
Moose
WonderMonkey 12/13/2018 09:52AM
Banksiana: "I suggest purchasing the Chrismar Map it's an all-in-one map of Quetico and generally has the most accurate portage locations.


The route out of the southern end of Kahshahpiwi has been difficult the last couple of seasons. The resident beavers have allowed the water level to drop in a pond that was previously navigable. The replacement route is an extended boggy carry over deep muck with scattered logs that are often submerged in the muck- miss a log and much of you is submerged.


Maybe the beavers will get their work ethic back by the time you travel. The pond is stunning with really tall looming cliffs and a giant talus pile.


Yum Yum portage does have steep rock face and long downhill into Kahsh. Not a lot of swamp corduroy to navigate but what you do cross is over some deep muck.


Portage from unnamed into Grey involves a swampy crossing that can be tough if you step wear a log ain't. Not very long though (the swamp crossing)."



I will pick that map up, thanks for the point to it.


Luckily one of the guys we are going with has done the "To Kash" portion of the trip. He is aware of how rough it is and we are up for the challenge as long as we don't try to do it in one day. We are willing to have a sense of urgency but want to tackle the last portage (or two) the following morning.


Those damn beavers better come off strike!
cowdoc 12/13/2018 09:44AM
You can also do Grey, Armin, Yum Yum (tip), Shan Walshe, McNiece, Kash. Toughest portage is the last....McNiece into Kash.
Banksiana 12/13/2018 01:35AM
I suggest purchasing the Chrismar Map it's an all-in-one map of Quetico and generally has the most accurate portage locations.


The route out of the southern end of Kahshahpiwi has been difficult the last couple of seasons. The resident beavers have allowed the water level to drop in a pond that was previously navigable. The replacement route is an extended boggy carry over deep muck with scattered logs that are often submerged in the muck- miss a log and much of you is submerged.



Maybe the beavers will get their work ethic back by the time you travel. The pond is stunning with really tall looming cliffs and a giant talus pile.


Yum Yum portage does have steep rock face and long downhill into Kahsh. Not a lot of swamp corduroy to navigate but what you do cross is over some deep muck.


Portage from unnamed into Grey involves a swampy crossing that can be tough if you step wear a log ain't. Not very long though (the swamp crossing).
TrailZen 12/12/2018 05:25PM
WonderMonkey: "If I'm at Moose Lake and know I'll be on Yum Yum and portage over to Kahshahpiwi, is there a "normal" route? It looks like Grey Lake and a body of water South of Grey Lake will have to be involved as well. From that body of water (GPS 48.19067, -91.46322) then the path could come from either Dell Lake or Shade Lake.


So far
Moose Lake (known)
BLACK HOLE OF KNOWLEDGE
Dell Lake or Shade Lake (assuming / guessing)
Lake @ GPS 48.19067, -91.46322 (assuming / guessing))
Grey Lake (assuming / guessing))
Yum Yum (known)
Kahshahpiwi (known)


Any thoughts?
"



Here's a trip report where the paddlers (my wife and I) went from Moose to Kahshahpiwi in a couple days. Maps are included. Yep, doing your homework this winter is a smart move! Hope it's a great trip.
WonderMonkey 12/12/2018 02:23PM
I just ordered two maps that cover our route. I felt odd on how excited that made me feel.
WonderMonkey 10/15/2018 10:54AM
PineKnot: "I have owned several canoes over the years. Currently have a Bell Northwind and a Placid Rapidfire. I sent you an email...."


Thanks for the email communication. I am getting advice the mirrors yours. That advice basically is "Tough one day trip, maybe rethink it?" Yes, it is being rethought. Either make one good day and one more medium, or do something different.


Thanks for all the thread input.
PineKnot 10/12/2018 09:24AM
I have owned several canoes over the years. Currently have a Bell Northwind and a Placid Rapidfire. I sent you an email....
WonderMonkey 10/12/2018 08:37AM
PineKnot: "Where are you in Ohio? I'm just south of Dayton and have done your planned route several times....be happy to talk if you want more detailed info...."


I live just North of Dayton. Do you usually rent your canoes or did you purchase? I assume that since you have gone a bunch you have bought.
PineKnot 10/11/2018 07:39PM
Where are you in Ohio? I'm just south of Dayton and have done your planned route several times....be happy to talk if you want more detailed info....
WonderMonkey 10/11/2018 09:44AM
billconner: "I missed how many days. If you go to Kash via Yum Yum, I'd probably return via Side and Isabella. If you have enough time, I prefer going further up the S chain and cross into Kash via Trant. A little more remote and varied scenery imho."


I'm assuming we go in on Saturday and come out on Saturday though we have yet to nail that down. We are in Ohio so it will depend on the reality of travel time and being ready to paddle.
billconner 10/08/2018 07:08PM
I missed how many days. If you go to Kash via Yum Yum, I'd probably return via Side and Isabella. If you have enough time, I prefer going further up the S chain and cross into Kash via Trant. A little more remote and varied scenery imho.
WonderMonkey 10/08/2018 12:29PM
For the first route suggested. Portage #'s taken from RoutePlanner.com


Moose -> Newfound Lake -> Sucker Lake
+Prairie Portage
Basswood Lake (Bayley Bay)
+ Portage #5654 (86 rods)
Burke Lake
+ Portage #5626
+ Portage #5621
Basswood Lake (North Bay)
+ Portage #5590
South Lake
+ Portage #5587
West Lake
+ Portage #5574
+ Portage #5569
Shade Lake
+ Portage #5552
No Name Lake
+ Portage #5671 or Portage #5683
+ Portage #5684
Grey Lake
+ Portage #5538
Yum Yum Lake
+ Portage #5534 (Yum Yum Portage)
Kahshahpiwi Lake


WonderMonkey 10/08/2018 12:28PM
Eyedocron: "As mentioned, in addition to the crew entry permit, you will need to get your outdoor card and fishing license on line some time ahead. You print the fishing license and the card comes in the mail. The RABC for remotely crossing the border also comes in the mail and should be completed a couple of months ahead. Be aware that Canada will not admit someone with more than minor traffic violations, and even an old DUI is considered inadmissable. The ranger station at Prairie Portage has no customs officer - it is just to pay your park camping fees.
As far as route to Kahsh goes, I have done the Grey-Yum Yum route twice and it involves mud bog courderoy log balancing and large rock face climb. Last couple of times going from North Bay to Kahsh, went to the west end of Isabella and north from there. One steep downhill, but otherwise easier travelling.
Have a great trip!"



Thanks for that detail, to include the alternate route. I'll also get that one detailed to consider. I find the process of getting routes set to be enjoyable so even if a route is investigated and then not taken I'll have learned a bit more about the area.
Eyedocron 10/08/2018 09:14AM
As mentioned, in addition to the crew entry permit, you will need to get your outdoor card and fishing license on line some time ahead. You print the fishing license and the card comes in the mail. The RABC for remotely crossing the border also comes in the mail and should be completed a couple of months ahead. Be aware that Canada will not admit someone with more than minor traffic violations, and even an old DUI is considered inadmissable. The ranger station at Prairie Portage has no customs officer - it is just to pay your park camping fees.
As far as route to Kahsh goes, I have done the Grey-Yum Yum route twice and it involves mud bog courderoy log balancing and large rock face climb. Last couple of times going from North Bay to Kahsh, went to the west end of Isabella and north from there. One steep downhill, but otherwise easier travelling.
Have a great trip!
WonderMonkey 10/08/2018 07:30AM
billconner: "Its not customs at Prairie Portage. Its park ranger post, and primarily deals with reservations and permits for using the park. You need an RABC to cross into Canada, and a passport (or WHTI doc) to retun to US.


My first trip was your route, but in reverse.


You need a meeting of the minds."



Agreed on the meeting. That will happen but when it does I want to be able to walk away with a good feeling. His former group basically just followed his lead and off they went. He's not purposely not telling me things, it's just not how he chats. When we sit down I'll use the advice I get here, my own research, and whatever else to make it more interactive.
WonderMonkey 10/08/2018 07:30AM
carmike: "I believe there's one "No name" on the route.


I think most people go Moose -- Prairie Portage -- Bayley Bay -- Burke -- North Bay -- up through South into Shade -- through "no name" -- Gray -- Yum Yum.


That's how I do it. You could probably route through Beaverhouse or Cache and Pickerel, but this way is much more direct. :) "



"No Name" makes sense!


Thanks for that, I'll dive into what you said and the alternative. I want to be more conversational on the options the next time we meet.
billconner 10/08/2018 06:35AM
Its not customs at Prairie Portage. Its park ranger post, and primarily deals with reservations and permits for using the park. You need an RABC to cross into Canada, and a passport (or WHTI doc) to retun to US.


My first trip was your route, but in reverse.


You need a meeting of the minds.
carmike 10/07/2018 10:34PM
I believe there's one "No name" on the route.


I think most people go Moose -- Prairie Portage -- Bayley Bay -- Burke -- North Bay -- up through South into Shade -- through "no name" -- Gray -- Yum Yum.


That's how I do it. You could probably route through Beaverhouse or Cache and Pickerel, but this way is much more direct. :)
WonderMonkey 10/07/2018 09:42PM
We are planning a 2019 trip and the individual that is going with us that has gone several times is not quite understanding my desire to have more information. To him a "We stay in Moose Lake and get towed then check into customs and then we eventually do the Yum Yum portage into Kahshahpiwi" is tremendous detail. We will sit down and detail it out later this year but he's not one to go into it more during general chit-chats. He will give the information but how he likes to deliver, which is here and there over a period of time, doesn't give me comfort. Since I'm organizing the trip I have the responsibility of ensuring we are set, and everybody has as much information as I do.

So .... maybe if experienced BWCAers heard that you would think "Oh yeah well then this and this and that" I'm a rookie BWCAer but experienced enough in the outdoors to know that I will want to have this trip detailed out to ensure safety and enjoyment for all.

If I'm at Moose Lake and know I'll be on Yum Yum and portage over to Kahshahpiwi, is there a "normal" route? It looks like Grey Lake and a body of water South of Grey Lake will have to be involved as well. From that body of water (GPS 48.19067, -91.46322) then the path could come from either Dell Lake or Shade Lake.

So far
Moose Lake (known)
BLACK HOLE OF KNOWLEDGE
Dell Lake or Shade Lake (assuming / guessing)
Lake @ GPS 48.19067, -91.46322 (assuming / guessing))
Grey Lake (assuming / guessing))
Yum Yum (known)
Kahshahpiwi (known)

Any thoughts?