For anyone going into Little Gabbro, you should know the water level is very low right now (August 16). The water is 8-10 feet out past the big boulder where it usually comes to. Which means there is a lot mud for a dog to play in before they get into the canoe!

I am entering at 33 next week!

How were the rest of the conditions? How did campsite availability look on the closer lakes (Gabbro & Bald Eagle)

The water was low enough that most of the campsite landings were pretty rocky. Many rocks are right below the surface and wouldn’t be an issue with even another foot of water. The rapids between Little Gabbro and Gabbro - we portaged up, then floated down. After the portage into Bald Eagle, there was a large boulder field, some people were walking their canoes, but we did see one canoe trying to paddle through.

There were a couple sites open on the 2 Gabbros, but I’m not sure about Bald Eagle bc we just daytripped there. There were at least 4 groups that left on Saturday morning (in the rain), so availability definitely fluxuates.

Mosquitoes only came out around 8:30, and not for too long.

Hope the weather cooperates and you have a great trip!

When the water is that low I have found that carrying the canoes around shore towards the campsite beside the portage allows you to skip the mud. This can be an easier way to launch in low water. Figured this out the hard way on a day trip a few years ago.

DougD: "When the water is that low I have found that carrying the canoes around shore towards the campsite beside the portage allows you to skip the mud. This can be an easier way to launch in low water. Figured this out the hard way on a day trip a few years ago."

That’s what we did when we exited. The dog stayed a little cleaner that way too. It’s all an adventure!