International Falls to Lake Superior, Solo
by Sjlubner
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
09/28/2015
Entry Point:
Little Vermilion Lake (Crane Lake) (EP 12)
Exit Point:
North Fowl Lake (EP 70)
Number of Days:
10
Group Size:
1
Trip Introduction:
I experienced the beauty and vastness of the Superior-
Quetico region by traveling, a long distance, similar to
the
fur traders of the eighteenth century. I traveled
waterways and trails rich in history. This same route
was being traversed by Europeans nearly 300 years ago and
undoubtedly by Native Americans untold hundreds of years
before that. I wanted to have a small experience of the
lifestyle the fur traders of the eighteenth century would
have been subject to.
Discuss Trip:
View Discussion Thread (32 messages)
Day 1 of 10
Monday, September 28, 2015
Just to be clear, I left from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center on the western edge of Voyageurs National Park. Starting there is about 8 miles east of International Falls. The day consisted of big water on a windy day, albeit a favorable wind direction. I ended up cutting across Kabetogama peninsula from Browns Bay on Rainy to Mica Bay on Namakan. This was done because the waves on Rainy Lake had increased to an unsafe level by late afternoon (3-4 foot swells), but I still wanted to travel. After the portage I camped on Mica Island on Namakan Lake. I saw a fair number of big fishing boats and a couple house boats while paddling. There are many private in holdings within the park. I also met Al and his dog on his island, Harbor Island; best of luck to Al on his continued search for gold on his island.
Lakes Traveled: Rainey, Brown, and Namakan
Observed Weather: Sunny, Increasing winds as day progressed, WNW 15-25mph, High 62, Low 35
Number of portages: 2
Length of portages: 3.5 miles or 1140 rods
Total Day Mileage: 29.75 miles
Just to be clear, I left from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center on the western edge of Voyageurs National Park. Starting there is about 8 miles east of International Falls. The day consisted of big water on a windy day, albeit a favorable wind direction. I ended up cutting across Kabetogama peninsula from Browns Bay on Rainy to Mica Bay on Namakan. This was done because the waves on Rainy Lake had increased to an unsafe level by late afternoon (3-4 foot swells), but I still wanted to travel. After the portage I camped on Mica Island on Namakan Lake. I saw a fair number of big fishing boats and a couple house boats while paddling. There are many private in holdings within the park. I also met Al and his dog on his island, Harbor Island; best of luck to Al on his continued search for gold on his island.
Lakes Traveled: Rainey, Brown, and Namakan
Observed Weather: Sunny, Increasing winds as day progressed, WNW 15-25mph, High 62, Low 35
Number of portages: 2
Length of portages: 3.5 miles or 1140 rods
Total Day Mileage: 29.75 miles