im sad to learn the roads wont be maintained anymore. :(

Duuuude. So this just became a thread to gather friends with monster trucks with 4x4? I'm driving there too, but sounds like it will be interesting...

It does seem that 4WD and a winch are good equipment to have when leaving Red Lake. Harlan has a shuttle service that costs less than airfare, so ask him about it. Also, you car is not out in the woods all week exposed to bears and blowdown and maybe dead battery...

quote jcavenagh: "It does seem that 4WD and a winch are good equipment to have when leaving Red Lake. Harlan has a shuttle service that costs less than airfare, so ask him about it. Also, you car is not out in the woods all week exposed to bears and blowdown and maybe dead battery..."

Harlan has a nice comfortable truck and you could do a trip entering and exiting two different EP's. I'm a little taken back on that also... I would think their forest service would want a good access road thru there.

I think Claire can speak to this better than me, but I would guess they do want good roads, but just don't have the money to pay for proper maintenance.

The logging company wrapped up operations along the Iriam Rd and announced several years ago that they intended to decomission the roads. This means removing all culverts. Obviously Red Lake locals, the hunting 'n fishing groups, municipality of Red Lake and Ontario Parks have an interest in keeping the road open. In the end, it was negotiated that low level crossings would replace several of the culverts and only a few larger culverts would remain. This would minimize plugged culverts due to beavers that often resulted in road washouts.

As before, the road will receive minimal maintenance. Conditions can be rough at times. And while 4X4 and winch are not necessary, smaller cars, mini vans, and low clearance trucks are not recommended for those wishing to reach the Leano entry point. Up to Onnie is manageable... beyond Onnie is where you encounter a total of 9 low level crossings with coarse surface substrate that can also be harsh on tires. Your adventure truly does start once you leave the pavement.

Repairs to the road will be made as needed and our priority will always be the northern approach from Red Lake as oppose to the Longlegged Rd approach. There is simply no funds at this time to grade and maintain this road to the standards that we all wish it could be. It calls for a slow and careful drive.

A shuttling service with a local outfitter can give you piece of mind and save you much wear 'n tear on your vehicle.

claire? you rock.