Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Quetico Afficionados :: Sightseeing the Man Lakes
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Jackfish |
I'd love to go back and spend some time there (sans the wind). I'm sure it's no windier there than anywhere else, but we were sure glad to get to our camp on Birch. |
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sns |
We were surprised at how challenging the portage west out of Slate was...and I don't think the fact that we were the first group this season had anything to do with it. Kicked our asses. We did at least see the portage landing to Bell; that portage is supposedly quite tough and I do not think the Park maintains it...bet it is littered with deadfall. Finally very surprised how challenging the creek route was when we left Blackstone to return to Saganagons. Most portage locations on our maps were incorrect & much time was spent scouting. One spot requires wading the creek mid-portage. Blackstone was pretty - if the rest of the Man Chain is similar, I would be very glad to return to see it. |
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QPassage |
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BonzSF |
One thing I haven’t found is what’s there to see around the Man Lakes? I’m still debating our route in August. If we do an out ‘n’ back, what’s worth checking out? Is there any particular sights or places to check out? I’m thinking exploring a lake for the day might be interesting. I DO want to do at least a day trip into Blackstone to hunt the giant Jackfish. But a leisurely lake exploring sounds good for another day Thanks All |
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BonzSF |
We're committed to getting down to double portaging. we've been averaging 2.5 to three. depending if we want to double up on the packs. Yeah we bring too much stuff but we're working on that. "Finally very surprised how challenging the creek route was when we left Blackstone to return to Saganagons. Most portage locations on our maps were incorrect & much time was spent scouting. One spot requires wading the creek mid-portage." How long did it take to get to Saganagons. Was the creek navigable for most of the time? I was hoping that would be a pleasant paddle downstream and be able to camp well onto Sag by 2. It's sounding more and more that if we want to do Blackstone, we should just hang around the Man lakes for our trip. Then do a daytrip for fishing so we can travel light and fast. Thanks Jackfish, I've heard what you've said from other reports. Sounds like a nice place to hang out. Also seems that most are trying to get somewhere else and just pass through the chain. I think a day or two of paddling around exploring would be worthwhile. We did a trip last year that KMA. I was beat for like a week after that one. I'm inclined to do an easy and relaxing trip with plenty of time for fishing this year. |
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sns |
Exiting, we traveled downstream to Saganagons & there are four portages plus three beaver pullovers (with the high water we were able to go over all three by hitting chutes at top speed, but one had gravel in it and damaged the boat...some repairs will need to be made this summer). My recollection is that the first two portages were shown as being on the right on our maps but were actually on the left. Not too bad once we found them....took 3.5 hours from camp on Blackstone to the end of the final, 90-rod/450m portage, loading up on Saganagons once again. Probably 30-45 minutes of that was hunting for the portages. The rest of the creek was a lazy river with little to no noticeable current & an easy paddle. |