Will be entering the park in two weeks, currently undecided on our exact route. Originally had planned to possibly fly to cache, then work up through the falls chain, Kawinipi, Russell, then out through Lonely and either go to Nym or Stanton. This will be the latest I've been in, typically we go mid to late September or right after ice out.

With the fire still persisting northeast of Russell and the resulting travel restrictions in that area, we talked about maybe doing B house entry, down to Badwater, then to Bentpine, and eastward to Stanton. We've done both trips before, however previously when we went in Cache we came up and out the Deux then to Stanton. That was a spring trip, however I have done the Deux in the fall before during higher water years. Concern with Bentpine trip would be the trail creek portion of the route. We floated it previously, fall of 2007 I believe.

Looking for input on water levels and the impact on either of our possible routes? Coming out through the Deux would be ideal, particularly for saving time, but the other option is Fern to the B chain and then to Stanton.

Here's hoping for more rain, that FOR024 fire has been burning for over a month and a half. Hopefully they'll keep portages in that area north of Russell open, as I had yet to get through there and into Alice etc.

According to the park service, the B Chain is open again and the Buckingham/Rawn areas are open! Hopefully this is ending soon.

Definitely good news, unfortunately north Russell is still closed, as is northern portion of Chatterton. One of my favorite areas I've been to in the park. Was hoping to go from Cache to Stanton.

Finally OUT! That was one persistent fire.

Finally OUT! That was one persistent fire.