Of the two routes to Red Rock Lake from Voyageur Outfitters, which would be shortest/quickest?

Paddle from Voyageur to the Red Rock portage via Saganaga?

or

Paddle through Seagull, Alpine into Red Rock via the two portages?

I am aware of the shuttle service. I am asking for our paddlers.

Thanks

ockycamper: "Paddle from Voyageur to the Red Rock portage via Saganaga?
"

In 2011 I believe we paddled this in under 4 hours in good weather. I'm sure calling the outfitter would give you the best estimate.

Of course depends on a few factors, but I think the route through Saganaga will usually be the faster route. With decent weather and double portaging I would guess you would be on Red Rock at around 3 hours with the North route and maybe 4 or more with the South route. YMMV.

If you are traveling light and single portaging the two routes you asked about are likely about the same. For that matter going through Grandpa becomes a viable option if the winds are bad.

Make sure you get the correct permit for whichever you choose. Even though you could be starting from the same parking lot (trail's end parking lot just South of Voyageur), if you go south through Seagull you need EP54, and if you go the northern route you need the Saganaga permit. I will echo the earlier comment that North is shorter by more risky with wind/waves. South through Grandpa is longer, but more reliable.

yupski: "Make sure you get the correct permit for whichever you choose. Even though you could be starting from the same parking lot (trail's end parking lot just South of Voyageur), if you go south through Seagull you need EP54, and if you go the northern route you need the Saganaga permit. I will echo the earlier comment that North is shorter by more risky with wind/waves. South through Grandpa is longer, but more reliable."

Excellent point! If you do the North route it is EP55, Alpine or Grandpa is EP54.

Seems like the outfitter would know best

If you are outfitting through Voyageur reserve a bunkhouse and get there the evening before your entry. Get all the outfitter business settled so you can be on the water very early for a smooth lake to Red Rock. A bunch of Quetico trips through Cache Bay I was on the water at 5AM and at Cache Bay by 8AM. While it is possible to have a windy morning, it is pretty unusual. Saganaga is beautiful in the early morning when it is calm and the mist is burning off. You are unlikely to see/hear many motors out there that early. You'll have the lake to yourselves.

I would bring donuts from the shop in Grand Marais for my breakfast and munch on them when I stop for a break. Any left overs went to the park ranger at Cache Bay!