BWCA Overnight (2 full days) trip into Quetico Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
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mrexplorindood
  
08/15/2019 08:36AM  
Hey y'all! A buddy and I are trying to maximize our two days in the Quetico/BWCA area and I figured y'all would have some good tips. So far we've identified two possible routes:

1. Driving the bush road to Beaverhouse and then paddling through to Quetico Lake and back (possibly a shorter version of this longer loop: https://queticooutfitters.com/beaverhouse-lake-canoe-trip/)

2. Paddling a Nym, Rawn, and French loop (something very similar to this: https://queticooutfitters.com/rawn-lake-trip/)

We have a couple of features we're especially hoping to see on the trip: some good fishing, pictographs, and a waterfall or two. As far as I know, option #2 doesn't have any pictograph possibilities, but that isn't a deal breaker.

Do you guys have any experience with either of these? I am a little worried that the Beaverhouse option would be a tad too intense for an overnight, but we are both pretty fit and used to paddling. Any other suggestions for an overnight route would IMMENSELY appreciated! Thank you!!!
 
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08/15/2019 09:22AM  
The Beaverhouse entry is very easy, and would be a great choice. About the easiest entry point there is. You could be on Quetico Lake in a very short time.
08/15/2019 09:38AM  
walllee: "The Beaverhouse entry is very easy, and would be a great choice. About the easiest entry point there is. You could be on Quetico Lake in a very short time."

+1
BH to Cirrus to Quetico to BH. Very doable with some options if the wind kicks up.
dentondoc
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08/15/2019 10:14AM  
Are you having an outfitter (e.g., Quetico Outfitters) secure your permits, drop you off and pick you up at the put-in (trail head) spots? If you are doing these yourself, you can get an earlier start, but there are a few things you need to know.

Quetico Lake is one of the lakes with a significant number of pictographs (I visited 8 on my trip in June). They are all spaced along the north shoreline...the eastern most are the more impressive, the last one being a panel of several images. (There is a partial Quetico lake shown in the "Quetico Maps" thread in this forum).

dd

Jackfish
Moderator
distinguished member(7948)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/15/2019 04:41PM  
With all the "y'awls" in your post, I figured you had to be from down south. Sure enough, your profile says New Orleans. Maybe you're in the northern US for other reasons, but are you sure you want to go into Quetico for only two days?

Are you going yet this year or planning for sometime next year?

If you do the BH > Cirrus > Quetico Lake > BH loop, it would be very beneficial to have your permit beforehand. We've always picked up our permits in Atikokan at the ranger station the day before we entered, but there are other ways.

If you do the BH > Quetico Lake > Cirrus (or not) > BH trip, you could go to the ranger station on BH, then continue on. A little out of your way, but not by much.

What are you doing for a canoe and other gear? Using an outfitter or bringing your own? If with an outfitter, you may have your permit pickup solved.

Maybe you can fill in a few blanks for us. Good luck in your planning.
mrexplorindood
  
08/16/2019 08:43AM  
Thanks for the tips you guys! It seems like the Beaverhouse option is my best bet. We will be making the trip into Quetico next month, from 9/25 to 9/26. Planning on renting a Kevlar canoe and having our fishing and park permits done through Canoe Canada Outfitters (the only company that will still be operating at that time as far as I can tell).

Do you guys have any features along the Beaverhouse route that you'd consider must-sees? I'm talking about pictos, waterfalls, cliffs, or fishing/camping spots, but really anything is appreciated. I have a little FOMO about missing cool stuff along the way. Thanks again, everybody!
08/16/2019 10:02AM  
Some nice pictos on Quetico. Too bad you don't have more time!
bobbernumber3
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08/16/2019 10:05AM  
Y'all ain't 'llowng enuf time ta git your'n paddls whet, boya.
dentondoc
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08/16/2019 10:13AM  
In addition to fishing licenses, you also need an Ontario Outdoors Card.

At that time of year, you can "self-permit". You'd find a drop box at the park headquarters office in Atikokan or the ranger station at Dawson Campground. And for future reference, fishing licenses (like the Outdoors Card) can be acquired online.

Sue Falls is on the east end of Cirrus Lake, but I think you'd want more trip time to make it that far east.

dd
Jackfish
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08/16/2019 12:15PM  
From the put-in on Beaverhouse to the portage into the Quetico River (leading into Quetico Lake) is pretty non-descript lake paddling. Nothing of significance until you get to the portage. The portage trail is a pretty simple 200 yards or so around a cascading waterfall. Make sure you take a few minutes to check it out. Quite pretty, especially when the water is on the higher side.

FYI... from Highway 11 to the Beaverhouse parking lot is fourteen miles. You will drive the first ten miles on the main gravel road, then you will come to a large sign (impossible to miss) that says turn left to Quetico PP and the Beaverhouse entry point. You'll go four miles down that road and be at the parking lot. Unload at the turnaround by the big rock, then park in the lot. The hike to the put-in is about 1/3 of a mile on a nice, flat trail.

You can buy your Ontario Outdoors Card and fishing license online simply by clicking on this link. It's easy and you print a copy of the Outdoors Card and fishing license to carry with you. Eventually, you'll receive a plastic Outdoors Card in the mail. It's good for three years.
08/18/2019 02:35PM  
If you see a red Bell Wildfire up in that neck of the woods stop and say hi. I’ll be there at that time.
 
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