I’m planning a trip that begins at EP 23 during the last week of May, and I’d appreciate advice on anything important to know about the falls or river current that may not be immediately obvious. We’ve paddled in cool conditions before, so we’re prepared for lower temperatures. I have experience paddling in the BWCA and have completed several long trips in Canada, but as I’ll be traveling with my daughter, I want to be especially cautious and minimize risks.

Our planned route is Mudro to Horse to Basswood River (to visit Basswood Falls), then Crooked (to see Curtain Falls), looping back through Papoose, Chippewa, Niki, and so on. We intend to spend five nights on this trip.

We’ll paddle from Basswood River to Crooked Lake, starting near Lower Basswood Falls. Are there any concerns regarding access to the portage near the falls? Should I be aware of potentially strong currents on the river, or are they generally manageable?

When approaching Curtain Falls, it appears we just need to hug the shore line to find the portage before the falls. Anything to note near that area?

If there are any other tips that could help make this route safer or more enjoyable, I’d greatly appreciate your input. Thank you!

The water levels will probably still be high. The portage at LBF is on the Canadian side and US canoers are allowed to use it. The current above the falls is deceptively swift so be careful above and bellow the falls. I think there is also a portage through the island-if I remember correctly.

Yep just be careful crossing top side of LBF, give yourself plenty of space

I have traveled this route in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Low water levels have slowed my progress but have been manageable. Currents were never a significant issue but were the most manageable in the counterclockwise direction of travel. Prevailing winds tend to be from the west or southwest and can present a significant problem. Caution should be taken when approaching the portage access at the top of Lower Basswood Falls and particularly at the top of Curtain Falls.

Wind and weather were my primary concerns. The route requires paddling sections of open water. I planned my open water travel for early morning or early evening when the wind tends to calm down. Having a clear capsize recovery plan was my most important safety concern.

I have completed this route in 4 days and 3 nights. I single portage and average about 6 hours of travel per day. Wind and weather was my most significant travel issue. If you are delayed by weather you have the option to eliminate the side trip from Friday Bay to Curtain Falls and just drop south on Friday Bay back to Mudro EP.

Enjoy your trip.

This is a really neat route with a little bit of everything. You two should really enjoy it. Like everyone said, careful above both of the falls. Approach LBF from the right bank, there is a nice beach at the take out and approach CF from the left bank. Neither portage is particularly close to the falls and both are good takeouts. They have both killed so just stay clear of the current above the falls. I have only once seen the Basswood river in what I would consider dangerous conditions. If by chance you decide to go into Iron Lake, take the portage that goes into the little bay, not the one that exits below the falls, the latter can be dangerous. It is a beautiful area. Great pictographs a mile or so below LB falls.

We were WAY too nonchalant above Lower Basswood Falls. It's deceiving but I felt it as we were launching. The guys I was with still don't think it was a big deal but I'm convinced we were one missed stroke from hitting that rock above the north side and going over.

I'd only suggest hitting Crooked Lake early. Like others have said there are big crossings that you really can't avoid. Paddling north/west away from Lower Basswood falls with the sun coming up was magical.