Thought about doing this last June but water levels were off the chart and I think they remained so for QP for the rest of or most of the summer. Anyway, thinking about this again but maybe this is a "tandem" adventure? Thoughts anyone (this would be my first trip through here)?

I went through there on a solo in early September 2011. it was a low water period so the portage landings were easy, no fear of being swept away or dumped.

I have done the falls chain 7 times in the last three years mostly with very high water and with very young inexperienced people. No problems but Janice drilled into them the potential dangers and day dreaming was discouraged. You will be fine as long as you stay alert and only smoke a small amount of weed before setting off. I personally don't drink a lot when canoeing but if your tolerance is high maybe that would not be a big deal. Bottom line is this is not a route for drunks, stoners and day dreamers, but I think you'll be fine if you are not one of the above. I love the Falls chain and the best part is it leads to KAWNIPI!

quote Primitiveman: "You will be fine as long as you stay alert and only smoke a small amount of weed before setting off. I personally don't drink a lot when canoeing but if your tolerance is high maybe that would not be a big deal. Bottom line is this is not a route for drunks, stoners and day dreamers, but I think you'll be fine if you are not one of the above. I love the Falls chain and the best part is it leads to KAWNIPI!"

That had to be one of the most amusing replies I've ever read. Hilarious, but true Primitive Man!

I've done the the Falls Chain several times and it's probably one of the most beautiful routes in Quetico, and as Primitive Man said, it leads to Kawnipi Lake!

The times I've traveled the Falls Chains it was mid to late summer or in the fall. Water levels were probably about average to normal for those times of the year. I never perceived the Falls Chain as dangerous as long as you used common sense.

During a late Fall group solo trip, we essentially camped at the top of one of the falls adjacent to a portage, pictured below. No big deal, because we saw no one else during our entire trip.

I hear what you're saying about the high water levels last year High n' Dry. When I was picking up my permit prior to my solo trip last July, the Rangers at the Dawson Trail Office and the Park HQ were strongly dissuading visitors from traveling the Maligne River due to the unseasonably high water throughout the Park.

Hans Solo

I have soloed through the Falls Chain most recently last June/July in and out. Levels were high and the ranger provided a separate map noting portages that was helpful. Not for the inexperienced or impaired, and some of the portages are tough, but well worth it.

I went "up" the chain in Sept. 2013 and it was no problem. Going down is another matter if you're not careful to get out of the current. It gets fairly strong but you just stay to your side and watch the map for portages.

The map you get from the ranger will be very detailed. Beautiful area and it's worth camping at the Bald Rock Falls site. Very cool to be so near the falls and lots of trails and open areas to view stars and also a nice place to swim.

quote TomT: "I went "up" the chain in Sept. 2013 and it was no problem. Going down is another matter if you're not careful to get out of the current. It gets fairly strong but you just stay to your side and watch the map for portages.


The map you get from the ranger will be very detailed. Beautiful area and it's worth camping at the Bald Rock Falls site. Very cool to be so near the falls and lots of trails and open areas to view stars and also a nice place to swim."

Thanks. All good advice. Primitiveman's take on this was hysterical! Janice shared her "custom" map and I still have my copy on top of the Mackenzie. There is some debate in a couple of paddling circles that going against the current is the preferred approach however if you are using this route for your entry & exit, you would only be "right" 50% of the time. Any thoughts from all of you on this one?

In the mean time, my most likely next step is to probably get a "trip partner" request up once my dates firm up. I can probably go at it solo but would feel more comfortable to tackle this --- if water levels cooperate --- with another paddle in the boat (and the person to go with it!)....My main goal would be to reach Kawnipi and maybe loop out via Wawiag/Mack for the fishing....and of course the adventure!

hated 2/3's of kawnipi, the southern 2/3's. ugly...imo.