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       EP75 to EP32
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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 10:04AM
EP75 to EP32

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
Wintersguy80 06/05/2019 07:43PM
jdevries: "Wintersguy80: "jdevries: "Day 2 - take the long portage from Lil Gab to the South K. I know this from experience! Other than a quick climb off Lil Gab it's not very difficult. Also, as you head up to and through the North K, I'd suggest you take a site before you get to the long 220 rodder. There's only one site after that and if it's taken you're doing the 220 and then also the 180 to get into Clear or backtracking up the 220. The site just before the 220 that's adjacent to the portage to Conchu is a really nice site.





JD"





Thanks JD I thought I have read on a thread that the long portage was the way to go. Was also thinking if getting a site before that 220, heard theres a waterfall on it.
Excited for my first solo and going at whatever pace I choose... weather depending. "




There is a waterfall along the 220. Assuming you're going east to west, there are a couple of side trails to your left at the top of the hill that comes after you go over a couple of boardwalks. If you miss those, you'll soon see the pond that it drains into, walk around the pond and the falls will be tucked back behind there."



I will be heading east to west. Thanks for the heads up on trail to it definitely stopping there.mught even be a good breakfast spot that morning
jdevries 06/05/2019 03:17PM
Wintersguy80: "jdevries: "Day 2 - take the long portage from Lil Gab to the South K. I know this from experience! Other than a quick climb off Lil Gab it's not very difficult. Also, as you head up to and through the North K, I'd suggest you take a site before you get to the long 220 rodder. There's only one site after that and if it's taken you're doing the 220 and then also the 180 to get into Clear or backtracking up the 220. The site just before the 220 that's adjacent to the portage to Conchu is a really nice site.




JD"




Thanks JD I thought I have read on a thread that the long portage was the way to go. Was also thinking if getting a site before that 220, heard theres a waterfall on it.
Excited for my first solo and going at whatever pace I choose... weather depending. "



There is a waterfall along the 220. Assuming you're going east to west, there are a couple of side trails to your left at the top of the hill that comes after you go over a couple of boardwalks. If you miss those, you'll soon see the pond that it drains into, walk around the pond and the falls will be tucked back behind there.
billconner 06/04/2019 05:40PM
I've done both those portages from Little Gabbro to Kawishiwi both directions. Chicago Red and I even floated over dam 2 - the west one. The single one is a nice nearly flat walk. Some fast moving water between two short ones and below. Not a lot of difference.
Wintersguy80 06/04/2019 04:16PM
jdevries: "Day 2 - take the long portage from Lil Gab to the South K. I know this from experience! Other than a quick climb off Lil Gab it's not very difficult. Also, as you head up to and through the North K, I'd suggest you take a site before you get to the long 220 rodder. There's only one site after that and if it's taken you're doing the 220 and then also the 180 to get into Clear or backtracking up the 220. The site just before the 220 that's adjacent to the portage to Conchu is a really nice site.



JD"



Thanks JD I thought I have read on a thread that the long portage was the way to go. Was also thinking if getting a site before that 220, heard theres a waterfall on it.
Excited for my first solo and going at whatever pace I choose... weather depending.
jdevries 06/04/2019 04:08PM
Day 2 - take the long portage from Lil Gab to the South K. I know this from experience! Other than a quick climb off Lil Gab it's not very difficult. Also, as you head up to and through the North K, I'd suggest you take a site before you get to the long 220 rodder. There's only one site after that and if it's taken you're doing the 220 and then also the 180 to get into Clear or backtracking up the 220. The site just before the 220 that's adjacent to the portage to Conchu is a really nice site.


JD
Wintersguy80 06/03/2019 09:05PM
Thanks for the info x2, definitely taking the wind on BE into my plan if it kicks up the route allows it to be modified as needed. It is a small river but will be flowing downstream in a 10'6" kayak it maneuvers well hope to make good time. Already marked the fishing spots on my map.
x2jmorris 06/03/2019 08:54PM
I've only been in this area once. We stayed at site 1719 on BE right before Gabbro. I really liked that site. Ceders and all. Also that small bay right before the little rapids to Gabbro we caught two 38 inch Pike so maybe hit that spot a little.


As for the portage I haven't done them and I would have said do the two short ones.....but after reading it seems it is 3 short ones that are not used. So now I would say just hit that 120 rod portage and get it over with :)


Looks like a fairly easy trip to accomplish.


Only notes I would have from the small of looking I did is that river might take longer than you think and also BE if the wind is up can be rough. Take that into consideration. After those areas it looks like smooth sailing though.
Wintersguy80 06/03/2019 05:30PM
Going into a area of the park I havent fully been before and looking for any pointers for the area. It will be my first solo. And barring any long treacherous portages (which would turn into 1.5) I single portage. Heres the tentative plan:

Day 1:
Enter early and paddle. Hoping to get a site around BE and Gabbro. Think with downstream paddling, I should make good time, though I will be trolling for whatever I can catch on the fly so maybe a quick stop here or there to wet a line. Camp for the night and up at dawn or so to eat and pack camp. Back on the water.

Day 2:
Paddle into little Gab and portage into S.Kawish. Here is my first question. And advice on whether to take the longer portage (#657) or the two shorter ones down lake a bit? I feel I have read that the two are rough. Maybe not though. Then paddle down the S. Kawishiwi to the convergence of the N. Kawish, then look for a site in the area while paddling west towards the Clear Lake portage.

Day 3:
Make my way into Clear Lake, possibly just stay there if a site is open and enjoy the day. Or move thru and find a spot on the river closer to EP32 (my exit).

Day 4
Paddle out from camp day 3 camp to my exit.

There are a lot of options in this route to adjust for weather days or paddling fast making better time than expected. Very excited for my first solo. Hope to find some good fishing hitting rapid areas and trolling along the way and casting on spots. I am in a kayak but have a solid yoke and have my portage turnover time down to a tee. Any knowledge of portage conditions, good and bad campsites, fishing spots and any other neat fun things to stop and see that anyone knows would be great.


Happy paddling to all, the season is upon us! This will be my second trip of the year.