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chrisknopf
  
05/28/2024 05:35PM  
I will be paddling Crane Lake to Grand Portage in July with a friend. We are both experienced paddlers and I have paddled much of the route in various other trips; however, I have not paddled south of South Fowl Lake on the Pigeon River and then completed the portage to Grand Portage.

I have the following questions:

1. What advice do you have for paddling the Pigeon River in July? I have read recommendations that the river is best paddled between 100 and 500 cfs. I will be a Kevlar canoe, most likely a Northwind 17.

2. Is the English Portage still usable? I saw some posts where this portage has been abandoned.

3. I would like to camp along the Pigeon River and get up in the morning to complete the portage. Is there a campsite along the river? I have seen some references to a campsite, but I would like confirmation.

Thank you and I welcome any additional thoughts that anyone has on this.
 
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straighthairedcurly
distinguished member(2039)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/28/2024 09:21PM  
1) Water level makes a big difference. Even a small change from 100 cfs to 150 cfs can change it from a long walk to mostly runnable. I can only speak to the low end since my only 2 times on the Pigeon were in early September. In 2022, it was too low (about 100 cfs) to paddle English rapids (portage no longer exists) so I walked/dragged my canoe through. Hint, don't use a boat you don't want scratched up. In 2023, it rained a lot the day before and the river came up enough to make it mostly runnable.

2) English portage no longer exists. But there is a portage around Partridge Falls that doesn't show on the map. It is a little tricky to find your first time. Need to enter into the stream that comes in on the right side before the river turns to the left for the falls (you will be able to hear the falls). The portage is on the bank of the stream just after you enter. It follows an ATV trail past the falls overlook. Then start watching for the path that takes you downhill to the river a ways after the overlook.

3) You can camp at Fort Charlotte. The tent platforms are free to reserve. Fort Charlotte camping It is a cool place with lots of historical signage.

Other notes: From South Fowl Lake, use the portage on the Canadian side. Just past the island with a cabin is a small bay where the portage starts. Go up the steep hill to a split in the trail and then take the path to the right. The path to the left will end up at an overlook, NOT the river. Be warned, the last time I counted the tree trunks to step over, it was 120. If it has been rainy, the path will also get very muddy as you near the end. Have a great trip!
chrisknopf
  
05/28/2024 10:16PM  
Thank you so much for your helpful comments. Another question that I have is what map did you use for the Pigeon River and Grand Portage? The Fisher and Voyageur maps do not cover it. Is McKenzie the best option?
straighthairedcurly
distinguished member(2039)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/30/2024 12:43AM  
Yes, McKenzie #98
06/05/2024 05:47PM  
SHC pretty much nailed it. English Rapids involves a lot of walking next to your canoe. I held my solo and walked with it, if you’re on a tandem, I would use two painter lines to navigate the walk down the rapids because that would be a little easier on your backs. The Pigeon is beautiful, Partridge Falls is like something out of a postcard! Enjoy your trip Chris!

Tony
Bearpaulsen
distinguished member (107)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/06/2024 07:32AM  
Partridge Falls is a much more beautiful campsite than Ft Charlotte. The falls is ATV accessible, but we saw no one.

Hawthorns are thick at the Pigeon end of the portage from South Fowl. With the mud and endless deadfall, this portage took us the same amount of time as the Long Portage from Rose to Watap.

The only good water on the Grand Portage is about halfway along the trail.

06/06/2024 09:56AM  
My advice to all travelers on the Voyageur Highway. You will travel on a lot of very big lakes and wind WILL cause you delays. Getting an early start in the morning is an essential planning item. Don't plan on elaborate breakfasts. No bacon and pancakes. If you have to cook something make it quick like oatmeal and coffee. Be on the water as it is getting light enough to navigate. In July that is 5:00 for sure. You can get a whole days mileage in before winds come up in late morning.

The big lakes toward the end - Gunflint, South, Mountain and Moose have no islands to get shelter from the wind. Knife Lake should probably be on this list, too. Be careful of being caught out far from shore in a blow. The farther east you travel the closer you get to Lake Superior the more you get fast, unexpected weather changes. Other big lakes like LLC, Basswood and Saganaga have more situations where you can use the shelter of islands and bays to make safe progress on a breezy day.

Make wise, safe decisions and enjoy your wonderful adventure!
MNGreene
member (36)member
  
06/08/2024 11:50PM  
straighthairedcurly: "1) Water level makes a big difference. Even a small change from 100 cfs to 150 cfs can change it from a long walk to mostly runnable. I can only speak to the low end since my only 2 times on the Pigeon were in early September. In 2022, it was too low (about 100 cfs) to paddle English rapids (portage no longer exists) so I walked/dragged my canoe through. ...


Other notes: ... Go up the steep hill to a split in the trail and then take the path to the right. The path to the left will end up at an overlook, NOT the river...


Given that you are going in July, the odds are good that the Pigeon will be high enough to run some/all of the rapids. If you have to walk/drag, it can be a 1.5 mile slog.

I have a slight modification to SHC's directions on the Fowl portage. At the top of the hill, the portage (lightly used) is a 90 degree right turn and the scenic overlook trail (very heavily used) goes straight. Turning away from the most used trail is unlike any other portage I have seen. Beware, some people have been known to portage their canoe and gear up to the scenic overlook. The trip up and down fully loaded is not that pleasant. Not that I would know ;).

One other thing. If you take your water straight from the lake or even if you filter, I suggest hydrating well on South Fowl or before. The water in the Pigeon can be silty.
 
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