The cousins are getting close to launch day. About a week out and our Quetico trip is evolving as all trips seem to do! This year is just two of us who have vowed an annual trip. We originally were planning to go just up to Agnes in two solo canoes. A real lazy trip that would concentrate on relaxing and fishing. Then we got the idea of more fishing than relaxing. And looking at the fishing maps, we decided it might be best to push on up to Kawnipi and spend our time there.
That has led to switching to a tandem for more efficiency and safety of sticking together. We plan a 2.5 day beeline to Kawnipi through Agnes and Murdoch. That will put us on the west end of Kawnipi where we will spend a number of days. (we'll do the east side of the lake when we do a future Falls Chain trip). Then come back down through Keewatin and through the S chain. Still want to relax some but we love seeing new territory.
Question is, What are suggestions for things to see, places to stop, campsites with good shore fishing. Route back south ( Reid to S chain?, Hurlburt to Trant?) Any other ideas/information on the area?
We are just two hammock campers that hang our food so don't need a big site. would like a North view so we can catch the Northern lights if they're happening. Regardless a good view is always a requirement.
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
One WEEK TO GOOOO!
nd one more thing, Are any of the creeks between Agnes and Kawnipi navigable instead of portaging? We did it last year between That Man and No Man. It was a fun little diversion.

There are several pictograph sites on Agnes and Keewatin. There is also the petroglyph site north of the entrance to the S-chain on Agnes.

At some water levels, the route through Murdoch requires lifting canoes and gear over a rock pile with no real portage option. While the five portages along the west channel of the Agnes River are nice, that rock pile in Murdoch will not be revisited by the two of us.

TZ

Ausable: "There are several pictograph sites on Agnes and Keewatin. There is also the petroglyph site north of the entrance to the S-chain on Agnes."

The Keewatin pictos are well worth the effort.

BonzSF: "And one more thing, Are any of the creeks between Agnes and Kawnipi navigable instead of portaging? We did it last year between That Man and No Man. It was a fun little diversion.

"

And

TrailZen: "At some water levels, the route through Murdoch requires lifting canoes and gear over a rock pile with no real portage option. While the five portages along the west channel of the Agnes River are nice, that rock pile in Murdoch will not be revisited by the two of us."

First, when we went up Agnes a few years ago, we opted for the western-most portages into Kawnipi (through Keewatin) and the pictographs are excellent.

TrailZen -- I was wondering about that portage through Murdoch myself since that's also on the table for us this year, so definitely going to be planning a different route. Thanks for the info!

And now a slightly related question for BonzSF -- About about that creek between That Man & No Man that you did last year -- would you recommend floating/walking it? We're headed that direction in about a week and I've been curious. Thanks!

Scorbi: "TrailZen -- I was wondering about that portage through Murdoch myself since that's also on the table for us this year, so definitely going to be planning a different route. Thanks for the info!"

Ask about water levels when you check through Prairie Portage. Water levels are said to be higher than average this year and the rangers will probably know if
Murdoch's rock pile is exposed.

TZ

TrailZen: "

Scorbi: "TrailZen -- I was wondering about that portage through Murdoch myself since that's also on the table for us this year, so definitely going to be planning a different route. Thanks for the info!"

Ask about water levels when you check through Prairie Portage. Water levels are said to be higher than average this year and the rangers will probably know if
Murdoch's rock pile is exposed.


TZ"

Fair point. Will do!