We are searching for new territory to cover and thinking of doing a drop off at Washington island, up through Kett, toward Tuck, McIntyre, Marg, etc. and coming out through Sarah, Isabella, North Bay/Burke back to Prairie Portage. I would like to make it all the way up to Suzanette/Brent but wondering if we would be able to do the loop in 5 nights. We like to travel every day. Also worried about crossing the big part of Basswood and wind coming from Washington Island. Has anyone done this but don't want to Any opinions? Thanks for any input!

I was in that area 35 years ago. I’m not certain on the route, but I remember it took us 8 or 9 days (7 or 8 nights) to do our route. We paddled all the way up and back from Moose Lake though, and we were in no hurry at all. Maybe you should post this same thing in the Quetico forum for better advice.

Thank you, good suggestion

In talking to park staff last summer there is not a permit that allows entrance through Kett. Closest is Basswood River but they were adamant that it required travel on the Basswood River. To stay in compliance you would need to reverse your direction and start at Sarah (with a Sarah permit) and exit through Kett. Possible in five nights but you'd be without much fishing or camp hang out time. I've covered the ground from Kett to Moose (via Wind bay and Lake) fairly often with a solo canoe. It can get hairy on Basswood but if you're paddling tandem its usually possible to make progress in all but the worst weather. It's a long uninterrupted paddle from Washington Island to Ranger Bay.