BWCA Advice on a Quetico Loop - Boundary Point-Mack-Wawiag- Falls Chain Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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ward0309
member (13)member
  
02/06/2019 10:53PM  
Would like to do the Boundary Point-Mack-Wawiag- Falls Chain loop the first week of June. Recommended length is 6-8 days, but I will only have 6 days and 5 nights. Curious if anyone has done this loop in a 6day/5night timeframe and if it can be done with some reasonable downtime to relax, fish, and explore the falls...or if it will just be consumed by paddling. Here's a link of the loop. Thank you in advance for your input!

Seagull Outfitters link
 
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printing
member (49)member
  
02/06/2019 11:03PM  
You could always call Seagull Outfitters, bet they could help you pretty quick.
ward0309
member (13)member
  
02/06/2019 11:04PM  
I haven't had luck getting in touch with them so thought I'd also give the msg boards a try too
old_salt
distinguished member(2546)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/06/2019 11:37PM  
The answer depends on physical abilities and experience of group.
02/07/2019 07:38AM  
Days will be long that time of year so that helps on long trips. I tend to fish and sight see as I travel so I'm never in a hurry to set up camp to go fishing. That route can be busy so be mindful of finding a camp if you have a large group.
ward0309
member (13)member
  
02/07/2019 09:03AM  
@old_Salt True. Physicality and experience is a factor, however, there are other considerations as well, such has others on the loop and weather. There will be 3 of us. One has been going up there 13 years, one is an army ranger, and the other is a marine. With that in mind, have you experienced this loop before? With all things considered, I'm wondering if 6 days / 5 nights is enough..not to complete the loop, but to enjoy what it has to offer while also providing enough buffer in case weather plays a factor.
02/07/2019 09:26AM  
I think it is enough time to complete the loop with a buffer day for weather. Some groups can go all the way to Kawnipi in 1 day. Whether it is enough time for your group to enjoy all it has to offer is an individual thing. If not you can always go back.
02/07/2019 09:34AM  
If you hang and use a stove campsites are not an issue.
old_salt
distinguished member(2546)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/07/2019 09:47AM  
I’ve done the Falls Chain to/from Kawnipi. It’s a solid day and a half to get to Kawnipi with a tow to Hook Is. Every report I’ve heard/read from Mack is that it’s a long hard push to Kawa bay, but can be done in a day. You will want as many days as possible on Kawnipi. Others will likely chime in who have more experience with this trip.

My take; unless you just want the fly-in experience, take the tow to Hook and get an early start. You want to arrive at the Rangers before the winds kick up. Give yourself some extra days if you can. You will need to be alert approaching each of the falls. At that time of year, they are likely to be booming. You don’t want to be in a hurry. Have fun! Tight lines!
02/07/2019 10:47AM  
It's a great loop and one I'd like to also do. Do up a report for us will ya? My advice is it sounds like you guys will handle the rough portaging into and out of Mack but to go as light as you can. Go with dehydrated and freeze dried food except for the first night when you can bring in something frozen.

You might also consider going clockwise and doing the Falls Chain first when your packs are the heaviest.







 
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