Looking at our route for early June. Hoping to be on either North or South Temperance and head out of Sawbill. Having not made this trek before, is this a distance that can be covered in one day fairly easily or would we be better served making it a two-day trek?

“Fairly easily” is the key. From South Temperance, the simplest way out is to Baker. It’s an additional three portages back to Sawbill. If you are skilled portagers , especially if you are 1-tripping, then you might consider it fairly easy. It’s certainly do-able.

how early do you plan to start in the day? how efficient are you at tripping?

Certainly doable. If you aren't efficient travelers and double portaging it would make for a long day.

Are there any Baker Lake permits for the day you want to go in? That is certainly an easy trip up to the Temperance lakes.

It would be a very long day.

Total miles is about 16
Paddling miles is a little more than 9 miles
Portaging is a little more than 7 miles
Travel Time is 7:40 hours. That is without potty stops, snack stops, stops to visit the abandoned mine between Kelly and Jack, etc.

The portages to Smoke and Burnt are relatively flat and easy. Burnt to Kelly(280rd.) has several substantial ups and downs. The portages from Kelly to the pond north of Weird are easy and flat. The 280rd portage from that pond to South Temperance is gently rolling and follows the Temperance River. Even with all the "easy" portages, it is a lot of in and out of the canoe and you will be very tired by the time you get to ST. The problem then is that there are only 4 campsites on that lake. It is very likely that late in the day you will need to go either north to North Temperance or east out on Brule.

I wouldn't try to do that in one day. Pull up on Kelly or Jack. Get to ST with time to catch someone leaving earlier in the day so you have a good campsite.

we have our permit to enter baker. We are taking out at sawbill so we dont need a ride back as our truck will be parked there. Feed back has been great. Thank you very much for all the information. Looks like it may be a long day but certainly doable.

7 1/2 hrs traveling time sounds like a lot. I'd consider taking two days and having time to "smell the roses". On the bright side, if you are on your way out your food pack should be lighter!

We were getting old (55 at the time) and always double portage. We made it from the island campsite on the far west end of Brule to Sawbill landing in 7-8 hours. This included a lunch stop on Kelly and time to check out some campsites on Burnt and Smoke lakes.

A solid day, but certianly doable. Start early and you'll be there mid afternoon.

Hockhocking: "“Fairly easily” is the key. From South Temperance, the simplest way out is to Baker. It’s an additional three portages back to Sawbill. If you are skilled portagers , especially if you are 1-tripping, then you might consider it fairly easy. It’s certainly do-able. "

I disagree that the easiest way to South Temperance is through Baker. Brule to South Temperance takes less than 2 hours and there is only a 5 rod portage. It is quite easy and simple. I've done it a few times.