May happen this year, probably be next year, but just in case . . .

Looking at flying in to the general area of Donald and exiting at Leano. It looks like would have a mix of burned and burn-free, a couple of pictos - S. Aegean, Paull, Hansen - and some route variety. I don't fish so not a consideration other than avoid boat traffic as much as possible. Time would be late August, early Sept.

Donald-Hansen-Wrist-S. Aegean-Paull-Dragon-Leano . . . ?

Donald-Adventure-Welkin-S. Aegean-Paull-Dragon-Leano . . . ?

Exit through Bunny instead of Dragon?

Other . . . ? Fly into Bulging, Haggart, ? . . .

Last time I went with a group, we flew into Carrol. There's a nice site just south of the fishing lodge where the plane puts you off and your gear. From there is an easy paddle into Donald. We made Hammerhead after 2 days on Carrol going at a leisurely pace. From there, we continued on through Rostoul, stopping on Glen for 2 nights which included a day trip into Mexican Hat. At that point, it would put you back on your suggested route as Wrist would be just to the west if that's your plan.

Whatever you do, it'll be all good! I'll keep the fingers crossed for you that the border opens in a couple months.

Sounds like you are going solo?

Can't offer route advice as I have only been on small parts of what you are considering.

But I suspect you would see zero or almost zero motor traffic on the outpost lakes at that time of year. The busy season for that is over by early August, from what I understand.

Also, typical water levels will be lower then - I've learned that when the planning map says 'seasonally shallow', that implies maniacal laughter at your expense, should you be so foolish as to attempt such a passage.

that route is used by like 90-95% of everybody that goes

which is I suppose a good reason for a first timer to use it
I did

Great country. I recommend going through Dragon rather than the Bunny Lake route for the reason that it is used less. You could get to Aegean, South Aegean, to Talon then to Dragon to Middle Kilburn, etc...the route between Talon and Dragon offers two routes...the one through Boomerang has one portage between Boomerang and Dragon. If it is dry, you will drag the canoe. Great moose country and one comes out to a beautiful sand beach.

The other route: Talon then a bit north and then east to Dragon offers a wonderful series of lakes, some now burnt but possible to find camps. The lakes have been used infrequently...east of Dragon a 550 meter trail, then crossing a bog/portage pond/depends on beaver use...into Middle Kilburn/called Six Loon...from here up to Upper Kilburn and 1000 meter portage through a beautiful old growth popple woods or paddle Kilburn: both are great routes...and have on numerous occasions caused a discussion on which way to go...all are good moose country...and the chance in September of seeing a moose grows.



photos from Dragon Lake on the creek bog that leads to Boomerang:

Thanks all. Yes, going solo unless I find somebody to go with me and be my "beast of burden" ;). Otherwise, I don't want anything too hard as the heart attack has been a little bit of a setback.

Obviously much is subject to change in WCPP, sometimes suddenly and substantially from one year to another, even from one season to another. I will, of course, being getting as much current information from the park office and outfitter as possible when I arrive. That may alter plans, so I'll try to have information on alternatives.

I have looked at lots of other options and variations on this general plan such as going through Talon or going through Glenn to Mexican Hat and out. It seems "seasonally shallow" would refer to Hansen-Cyclops ? and possibly routes not marked that way.

From Donald there's a couple of ways to get to Adventure depending on time and conditions. And from there to S. Aegean. Then a couple of different ways east from there. There's really not much information out there about it, and especially really recent info.

Next year is looking more and more likely, but we'll see. Thanks for the advise.

boonie:
I have looked at lots of other options and variations on this general plan such as going through Talon or going through Glenn to Mexican Hat and out. It seems "seasonally shallow" would refer to Hansen-Cyclops ? and possibly routes not marked that way.
"

It's Rostoul to Cyclops to Haven, or visa versa. After mid-late July you can expect Rostoul to Cyclops to be very dry, walking most of the way.

I'm sure people here will have something to say about Irregular Lake back to Mexican Hat via Nutria, too.

bottomfeeder:"
It's Rostoul to Cyclops to Haven, or visa versa. After mid-late July you can expect Rostoul to Cyclops to be very dry, walking most of the way.
I'm sure people here will have something to say about Irregular Lake back to Mexican Hat via Nutria, too."

I recently returned from our 2020 WCPP trip. Compared to the same time of year in 2019, Haven Creek had more water this year and we had no issues paddling the creek. Also I should mention that another party that finished a 21 day trip mentioned to us that the Nutria-to-Mexican-Hat bog was a breeze. They paddled up to the beaver dam, pulled over and were on their way.

Thanks for the information. It seems highly unlikely the border will open this year, but good to know for next year. I figured a lot was going to vary from year-to-year.

Man, reading this thread is getting me to thinking about 2021. I usually don't get into that mode until about Christmas or the New Year!

Lakes like Glen, Mexican Hat, Haven, Rostoul, can be busier as they are popular canoe routes and/or have cabins on them. This is true of many of the lakes on the Gammon or Bloodvein systems.

The lakes on the southern end of the park off the Gammon and Bloodvein rivers see a lot less people. Fewer walleyes=fewer people in my experience, however limited. Mather, Irregular, Bulging, Aegean, Dragon, Talon, didn't see a soul except for Oldzip, Carol, and their dog Birch.

Joe