I am wondering if anyone can provide insight into a proposed route to visiting High Falls on the Namakan River. There is a access road off Flanders Rd that travels between Captain Tom Lake and Little Eva Lake. There is a a narrow passage between Captain Tom Lake and Little Eva Lake that is accessible via that access road off Flanders Rd.

How is paddling downstream towards High Falls on the Namakan River? Is paddling upstream back to Little Eva Lake manageable?

Thank you.

Not sure what roads you are referring to. On Google Maps, I see some logging roads. There is access at the Flanders bridge. From there, it is upstream to high falls. Currents should not be an issue, but I have only travelled this river paddling downstream.

As for myself, I wouldn’t leave a vehicle unattended at the bridge. We did this river maybe fifteen years ago and did a loop starting at Crane Lake and back through Namakan Lake. Five days, I think. There are several major rapids that, in normal levels, would be dangerous in a canoe. The voyageurs, men who lived for whitewater, avoided this river as they considered it treacherous.

High Falls has a great campsite with a view of the falls. There are several rapids that are long and enjoyable if you are a whitewater paddler. We found no portages at several rapids.

There is a good trip report right now from someone who did the Namakan River as a day trip on a longer trip. I would recommend reading it.

We did the Namakan River for our first trip in 1971. High Falls is a beautiful spot.

Jwartman, I have attached a photo to provide some clarity as to where I am referring to starting my trip to the Falls to camp. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for replying!

Do you have a link to that report, I would certainly enjoy reading it!

Niveko: "Do you have a link to that report, I would certainly enjoy reading it!"

Here it is, its in he trip reports section.

Niveko: "


Jwartman, I have attached a photo to provide some clarity as to where I am referring to starting my trip to the Falls to camp. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for replying!"

Should be no problem, there is a campsite at the falls that is (or was) gorgeous. Some years back they had planned a dam in this locations , it appears that they are no longer considering that.

jwartman59: "

Niveko: "



Jwartman, I have attached a photo to provide some clarity as to where I am referring to starting my trip to the Falls to camp. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for replying!"

Should be no problem, there is a campsite at the falls that is (or was) gorgeous. Some years back they had planned a dam in this locations , it appears that they are no longer considering that. "

You might not be able to leave a vehicle at the top of the little falls that flows in from Capt. Tom. In my experience you’d be better to portage in from the bay at the far NW corner. There’s a nice clearing for a vehicle and a fairly easy trail down to the water. The Western half of lake shouldn’t have much if any current as the river flows out through Hay Rapids. If you’re looking to paddle to High Falls and portage up to Bill lake (and beyond) it shouldn’t be too bad.

I’ve been heading to this area for more than a decade and can help you out with more specifics if you’re interested. Shoot me an email and I can give you more details re campsites and fishing.

When are you heading up?

Patrick
pmmorrison81@hotmail.com