BWCA 20' boat up N Moose River? Boundary Waters Trip Planning Forum
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Hedge
member (5)member
  
08/24/2020 10:48AM  
I haven't been in the BWCA since my uncle (Cirsium1) got sick. So, well, 10 years. But my housemate and a friend and I are going in a month, and are trying to decide between a tandem and a solo boat (using the tandem I own and renting a solo), or renting a 3-seater.

There's not a whole lot of price difference between rentals, and the 3-seater has the benefit of only needing one person proficient in steering. But it's been a long time and I don't remember if the North Moose River (EP 16) has tight enough corners that we'll regret a 20' boat.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!
 
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cyclones30
distinguished member(4163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
08/24/2020 12:36PM  
I took a rented Seneca 3 seater up to Iron and back from there a few years ago. It was early June so water levels were higher I'm sure, but I don't recall any major issues with turns. Yes, the river winds between the entry and Nina Moose but nothing extreme.

On the solo debate, I'd make sure you have someone with the strength and stamina to do the solo and keep up. And still have a stern paddled in the tandem that knows what they're doing. I'd get a three person
PuffinGin
distinguished member (459)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/24/2020 02:19PM  
We had a Minnesota 3 that we (or our paddle partners) would take up the creek between North Bay and Isabella in Quetico. Twisting and turny but just makes for fun paddling.
08/24/2020 03:41PM  
Did a lollipop loop out of EP 16 in late May earlier this year (Oyster, Ge-be, Pocket Creek, LLC, Agnes, and back to EP 16). Water levels were normal to low. A MN 3 would not have been a problem in either direction, nor would a MN 4 for that matter. The Moose River has some turns but very slow flowing (both sections, before and after Nina Moose Lake) you may not even notice the current...nothing a long boat can’t handle, that’s for sure. Reminded me of the paddle from EP 23 to Mudro but longer.
MidwestFirecraft
distinguished member(918)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/24/2020 05:47PM  
Maybe you have a ton of gear and that is the reason for the 20, but is there any reason a Northwind 18 wouldn't work? Just took that with three people up Picket Creek to Mudro and it was all the canoe I wanted to deal with. I'm sure you can do it, but we had plenty of room for people and gear in the 18.5 canoe, as long as the middle person doesn't paddle.
08/24/2020 08:01PM  
I'll be up EP 16 with a 20' canoe this week/end. I'll keep you posted how it goes.
Hedge
member (5)member
  
08/25/2020 12:50PM  
Aldy1: "I'll be up EP 16 with a 20' canoe this week/end. I'll keep you posted how it goes. "


Have a great trip!!!
08/30/2020 10:37PM  
Hedge: "
Aldy1: "I'll be up EP 16 with a 20' canoe this week/end. I'll keep you posted how it goes. "



Have a great trip!!!"


Thanks, a great trip was had by all!

Just got back and here to report that the water levels were low but manageable. It was more difficult coming out than going in.

I did not keep track, but I'd say a total of 8 beaver dams, 1 of which we had to get out for. The worst spots were just south of Nina Moose lake and north of the beaver dam that you have to get out for. Some frustrating low sandy spots, but doable. To start the trip, the levels on the Nina Moose River are nice. South of Agnes, north of the 95 portage, was also kind of low.

enjoy your trip!
08/31/2020 11:17AM  
we used a MN4 on our trip up the Moose River a few year back. It was a little effort steering that beast and a couple of spots where i needed a little help with a push from the bow paddler but overall it wasn't bad.
Hedge
member (5)member
  
09/02/2020 02:04PM  
Thanks, everyone! It sounds like we'll be fine with a MNIII. I'll let y'all know how it goes with my first-ever trip report!
-Hedge
 
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