Good day, I was hoping someone with some experience could take a look at my trip plan and add some advice. I am not new to canoeing and I have all my own gear for this trip, hopefully! So here goes.

Start at EP 34 - take Isabella river to Bald Eagle Lake - then to Gabbro Lake - to Little Gabbro Lake - take south Kawishiwi River - loop around to the west at campsite 1138 - take the Kawishiwi River to Farm Lake and ending the trip at Entry Point 31.

I've calculated the trip length to be around 34 miles total.
Figuring on hitting the water Monday and getting done on Saturday (5 nights)
Trip will have to take place in June or July.
Solo or with a buddy - either way 1 canoe per person.

So here are my questions and concerns.

I estimate about 18 portages on this path - Is this a big problem in 5 days?
Is this route even a good considerations?
What can I expect this time of year, in terms of weather and people?

I am completely open to any other routes as well. This trip is mostly for pictures and relaxing but will try a little fishing and spending some time at camps. Thank you in advanced! Take care.

I’m not sure you are aware, but you will be in the Pagami Creek burn area from Isabella Lake to the Little Isabella River. Many of the campsites in that area had been closed. The Forest Service hasn’t updated their website about these closures for years, so you might want to call them first to ask about their status. Otherwise, 5 days is about the right amount of time to complete that route. June to mid July is very buggy so be prepared for that.

Oh ok! I was not aware of that. I'll do some more research. I do not have my heart set on this particular route so I am open to other suggested areas.

Thanks!

I wouldn't avoid it just because of the burn, which was 2011 and recovering. I'm pretty sure that 2 of the 4 sites on Quadga Lake have remained open and some on the river. I went into that area twice before the fire, once from Island River and once from Little Isabella and enjoyed it.

I assume from your question that portaging would be the part of the trip you have least experience with. Even assuming you double portage, you have a relatively relaxed pace and it should not be a problem. None of the portages is very long, maybe a little over a half mile for the longest, and most are much shorter. If you travel 5 days, you're probably looking at somewhere between 3-4 hours a day.

You said this summer (being 2021?) but didn't specify really what month. But then asked about water levels. They change year to year obviously (this year being rather low) but generally they're higher in May/June and more normal/lower in July/Aug but it's best to call ahead or keep track here in the weeks leading up to your trip for current info.

Yes, summer of 2021. I did state June or July, I have those two to choose from. I didn't ask about river levels but I never gave it thought to be worried about those. With that being said, is the proposed trip in June or July ok in terms of water levels?

Even in the driest years the Isabella and Kawishiwi Rivers will be navigable on your proposed route.

I first did this route back in the mid 1980's, and have returned to it every few years, last being 2016. So it's been a bit. I wouldn't let the burn dissuade your plans. Excellent wildlife - birds, wolves, loons, pine marten and fishing. I really liked it post-burn because crowds were way down. Quadga has at least two sites open, one with a spur to the Powwow trail, which is challenging after the burn but the focus of a successful volunteer-based effort to reclaim from jackpine regrowth following the fire. Worth the explore if you have maps, knowledge of trail conditions, and method of self-rescue / plb. The Isabella River is beautiful, and it is common to hear wolves throughout the region. Bald Eagle - use caution as with any large body, open water - no islands to hide behind - - just the opposite shore. The little loop of lakes north of Bald Eagle might be an option as opposed to so much time on areas so near EP's (Kawishiwi to Farm). Decent fishing, not as many people.
Gabbro is good fishing, Little Gabbro even better, but in recent years, too much traffic for me. I don't mind the crowds, but I dislike the campsite competition - pretty much a reality of the entire park in the timeframe you've stated. Start early (like 6 - 8am early) and be off the water early to avoid the not-fun experience of site after site occupied. The length will be fine. Weather in early June is cold water, cold temps typically. Long hours of daylight and so much bird song. Later June brings in the unsettled storm season through July. Insects will be intense in parts, so prepare for that with clothing, mindset, chemical if that's how you roll. It's a special place, have fun!

Thank you for the feedback!

Sounds like a nice trip. For a first trip probably very good. It is not far for 5 days and you would only be traveling at most 3 hours a day. (I plotted it out with my stats and single portaging at 12.5 hours). I was in the burn area this past July and it is recovering nicely. I saw a dramatic difference from when I was last there in 2018. Don't let the burn area be a major factor, it is fascinating in its own right. You say you have your own gear which is great. Many first timers pack way too much. Just be careful. A gear load that can be single portaged is a bonus. I see that if you have 2 on the trip you are planning on 2 canoes. Not sure why you would do that as it would be an unnecessary extra carry. Would recommend doubling up. Good luck!

Thank you for the feedback! Honestly, the main reasons for the 2 canoes is bc this is going to be a slow relaxing trip. I love to solo paddle and to make 2 Portage trips doesnt seem terrible to me. I could be deceiving myself but we would have time...I think. My friends and I have done 5-6 days out of kayaks so packing isnt too much of a pain. I was actually hoping to take a little more in terms of better food, video equ and better camp accommodations than those trips. Maybe I shouldn't but it's what I have been wanting to try.