Hi all,

I start my trip next Sunday and we are doing a loop out of sawbill taking the frost river, louse river, and back through the lady chain. I’ve read that those river can be tough in low water. Are we in store for a rough trip ?

Following...been curious about that area for a long time and thinking about going next September.

I can't tell you about that area but I can say that larger lakes like LLC are 2 to 4 feet below normal water levels. The outfitter I was talking to said it was a combination of lack of consistent rain this summer and a mild winter (low snow pack/melt). Sag on the Gunflint side was down in June but I haven't been back there to check since. I'd be curious if the EPs off of Gunflint and North Shore are experiencing similar low-water levels. Basically, we need rain!

DontPanic: "Hi all,

I start my trip next Sunday and we are doing a loop out of sawbill taking the frost river, louse river, and back through the lady chain. I’ve read that those river can be tough in low water. Are we in store for a rough trip ?"

I would check with Sawbill Outfitters before heading out. They will have the best information on the conditions on either the Frost or the Louse.

In general, the Frost is far more water level sensitive than the Louse or the Phoebe Rivers. I did the Frost is a high water level year so have no experience in a year like this. We did the Louse in a more normal low water level August season. It was actually easier in some respects. Those beaver ponds tend to be lower and let you use the portages that may be under water in higher water levels. There will be more beaver dams to pull over either way. Beware the portages between Boze and Frond. There are newer ones than are marked on some maps.

The Phoebe River will have a few spots that could be problematic, but mostly the water levels are more stable through there. There is a spot just to the west of Knight Lake where you come upon a rock garden and there will look like there is no path through. There is a manmade channel that you can see on a satellite look.



Enlarge the photo and you will see the channel quite clearly.

Have a great trip.

We were on the Frost the end of July this year and the water was actually higher than it was last year at the beginning of August. It was quite passable for us. Plenty of beaver dam pull overs...around a dozen.


We were supposed to do the Louse, but changed our route. I have been told that the Louse is not as prone to low water issues as the Frost, but I don't have 1st hand experience.

My wife and I just got off the water on Saturday 8/22. We went up the Lady Chain to Hazel, to Malberg, then a loop through Beaver and Smite to Boulder, through Vee, Fee, Hoe, and Makwa to Malberg, to Trail, to Wine, to Afton, to Frost, to Sawbill. 9 nights.

Louse water level was pretty fine. Frost was low -- we lifted up about 18 beaver dams -- but we would do it again in a second. A decent amount of wading. But we had a great time. If you just plan to have low water and give yourself enough time it is totally worth it.

The trick is to get the site at Afton -- there's only one. Try to get there somewhat early in the day. A little after we got there 2 canoes came whooping out of the Frost -- "hooray, we made it!" and were planning to stay at Afton, but kept going -- hope they found a site at Whipped.

I'd be glad to answer any questions you have, -- Larry

BTW, on the Louse, we got a little lost trying to find the second portage after Trail (the one that starts where Tool lake comes in from the north. If you're going downstream you probably won't have a problem.

Larry, How where the portages between Adams and Makawa. Also did you get away from the crowds. I am entering at 37 in a few days and still thinking my route. Thanks

A little weird, but totally doable. I can give you more details if you think you're going that way.

LarryNC: "A little weird, but totally doable. I can give you more details if you think you're going that way. "

Fairly sure That is my plan. Been going back and forth with that route or going west after Boulder and swinging thru Insula and back to Malberg. But I have never been on the lakes east of Boulder so am favoring that. Really want know for sure untill I get to Boulder. Last time I headed that way I hurt my back on the portage between Beaver and Adams. Ended up staying on Beaver a few nights and then out the same way I came in. Any information you have for portages and camps would be greatly appreciated.

We didn't find the first portage from Adams to Boulder -- just went up the stream and lifted over 2 beaver dams. Second portage was OK.

First part of the portage from Boulder to Ledge had a water crossing part way, no big deal. Bear right after that to take the trail to Ledge. Be careful at the landing at Ledge. There's a frame of logs that looks like a place to step out to, but I took a step in front of it and sunk into my waist, twisted the leg that didn't go in. Be careful! Not sure what the plan is supposed to be there.

We didn't note anything unusual on the portages to Vee and Fee and Hoe and Makwa.

Be sure to jump off the cliffs at Makwa if you're into that. Really fun and beautiful. Go to the western campsite and you can't miss the cliffs. Follow the little trail to the right from the canoe landing and jump off at your preferred height. My wife and I jumped from the lowest place, which was plenty high for us.

If you're going from Panhandle to Pan, watch for the portage pretty early on the right.

We stayed at the island site on Boulder, had the lake to ourselves, great site. Next stop was Malberg after that.

Thanks LarryNC. Be headed thru there soon.

Also: the eastern site on Beaver is really nice -- we stopped there for lunch. Nice high site with a perfect rock to jump into the lake.