Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Moose to Agnes (Quetico) Trip 2013
by tnthekids

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 07/08/2013
Entry & Exit Point: Moose Lake (EP 25)
Number of Days: 7
Group Size: 9
Day 2 of 7
Tuesday, July 09, 2013

This morning we had the choice to take the North Portage into Sunday Lake or Ranger Portage into Burke and then into Sunday Lake. We decided that since this was really our first portage (since Prairie is a pretty well traveled trail) that we would opt for the Ranger Portage route. This 84 rod portage has a really nice, sandy landing on Bayley Bay and the trail is really a nice portage trail, being mostly flat terrain.

Once on Burke Lake, we paddled the scenic Burke Lake to Single Brook Portage. The approach to this 5 rod portage is very pretty and before even landing at the portage, Sunday Lake's water can already be seen on the other side. There was a crew staying at the campsite on the portage so we made sure to stay clear of that area.


We paddled Sunday Lake, taking a break for lunch before tackling the Meadows portages. These two long, but not difficult portages would but our crew to their first test on team work. We had to double trip the portages with it being the beginning of our trip. Other than being long and back to back portages, these portages really are not bad.


Finally, the long awaited destination - Agnes Lake! It is getting late in the date and the rain is beginning so we choose to look for a campsite before heading to Louisa Falls for some much earned swimming fun. We ended up at the site just north of the falls, which was a pretty nice site. It has a sandy landing (although the previous campers had unfortunately left their fish remains along the shoreline). There were two nice trees at the edge of the site for a great bear hang and sheltered areas for tent pads. We ended up with a downpour so our rainfly had a work out. It rained hard enough that with washed a fair amount of sand down the side of the campsite and into the water.

We were able to take advantage of a break in the weather and enjoy a couple hours at Louisa Falls for some great swimming. It was definitely a stop enjoyed by everyone! By the time we were ready to go back to camp, the temperature had cooled and rain was definitely moving in.