Hi all, so I'm thinking we'll do the Falls Chain this year, thinking in and out the same way via Cache Bay and Saganagons, but with a loop of Kenny, McEwan, Wet lakes. I sort of naturally planned to do that loop part counterclockwise, thus doing the falls earlier in the trip. But which way is better - counterclockwise (with the flow on the falls), or clockwise (against the flow on the falls)? Obviously paddling upstream is more work, but I could see that it might be easier to manage tricky portage landings close to a falls that way. Thoughts?

I was reading up on this for a while too while we were weighing which route(s) to take this year. I agree on your pro's and con's, from what I've read a majority of the route you don't really notice the current direction. So....for most of the trip it won't be a factor unless you're within ear-shot of the falls either direction.

I could be wrong but....maybe see if any other factors help you in deciding which way? Prevailing winds, hard portages near the end of the trip when carrying less food, etc.

I don't think it matters

Doesn’t matter

I have gone both ways in high and lower water. Not much different. It can be a paddle upstream at the very entrance from Saganagons during very high water, but nothing to be concerned about. A great area, do not push through.

Thanks all, this is very helpful. Sounds like we can just make the choice when we get there, based on wind, pack weight, etc.

Just curious regarding fishing is this area. We are thinking about trying Kenny, McEwan, Wet lakes for lakers and eyes at the first of June. Any advice?

deancal20: "Just curious regarding fishing is this area. We are thinking about trying Kenny, McEwan, Wet lakes for lakers and eyes at the first of June. Any advice?"

Only McEwen has LT.
Fish below all the rapids and falls for eyes.

I've done the Falls Chain in September, twice, downstream. It was no issue. I would get in the habit of tying the canoe every time you land, even if water levels and current are low.

Definitely do McEwen. I've caught most of my trout in the first two weeks of June or mid September. Just troll deep diving crankbaits. I really like wiggle warts and deep diving thunderstick jr's. Pearl white or firetiger. Best tip I ever got...you know trolling is just not that much fun. So, as soon as you get to the lake you are staying at, get out the fishing gear and troll on your way to camp. You will almost always get your fish before you get to camp. Easier than just paddling to camp, setting up, and then going out fishing and having to troll. And if you got a long day ahead of you and you are not sure you will have time to fish that afternoon, fish on your way out of the lake you stayed in, in the morning. McEwen to Louisa is an all day affair...both times I did that we caught the trout on the way out of McEwen, filleted them at McEwen and kept them in ziplock bags and then had fish that night at Louisa. You will catch trout in Louisa too if you are going out that way. As you can see, I try to eat fish every night if I can help it.
Joe

One advantage to clockwise (against the flow) is you have better views and photo opportunities coming up to the falls.

Prepare for some dastardly portages regardless of the water levels. This is not an easy route. Beautiful but unforgiving place. I've been around a bit and it kicked my butt.