I have a trip in mid August scheduled and will be camping in a PMA on Sunday and Sterling Lake. I was wondering what the water levels are like on the Beartrap River and Sterling Creek with the dry summer we have. Any info would be much appreciated.

I can't speak for that area but I just got back from a 70+ mile loop and water is quite low and judging by the rocks and water lines it about 3 feet lower than normal. 3 of us, all quite experienced agreed on that number and we were constantly marveling about it. I have done the Bear Trap in the past and based on what I saw this past week I would not attempt it this year. I hope someone else contradicts me but that's what I know. Good luck and paddle on

I can't speak for that area but I just got back from a 70+ mile loop and water is quite low and judging by the rocks and water lines it about 3 feet lower than normal. 3 of us, all quite experienced agreed on that number and we were constantly marveling about it. I have done the Bear Trap in the past and based on what I saw this past week I would not attempt it this year. I hope someone else contradicts me but that's what I know. Good luck and paddle on

Thanks for the heads up mmarksnp!

I was on sterling and bear trap in early June, water was low then, if your going I would head to sterling from bibon going up sterling would not be easy, there were 13 dams from sterling to the bear trap river.

Thank you Mcsweem. How was your trip?

Tooth,

When are you going? I am set for the 18th from Angleworm and was headed this was (for the first time up Beartrap). I'd like to get your update on the river when you are back if possible or are you changing plans?


Thanks,
John.

Heh John, We are going in one the 12th and coming out on the 19th. I would otherwise let you know!!!!!!

Just a follow up here, the Bear trap water levels are good. We were about an hour on the stretch of river before Sunday Lake, ( camped there Sat. PM with PMA permit, Thurs. and Fri. were taken) and 2 hours for the rest of the river to Iron L. An interesting side note; I looked once more for signs of the old road to Sunday Bay . It's location was shown on my Inreach maps. I found the beginning, and in the woods a short ways, someone had begun flagging it. Unfortunately they must have quit because the trail became invisible. So of course when I got to Crooked I just had to paddle way out of the way to see if I could locate the other end. There it was with 1 orange flag in the woods not visible from the canoe. I lost the trail almost immediately, but wow! lots of moose sign ( on both ends of the trail ) I always thought that a portage trail there would be a great shortcut, especially if the wind was howling.