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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Wabakimi :: Possible Mid Sept Trip - need suggestions
 
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danbogey
07/28/2021 10:35AM
 
I'm good with cold weather and have all the necessary "cozy" gear. 20deg quilt is my standard for Fall excursions. I was in the BWCA in early May and we had upper teens low 20s for a day to two. Make the campfire nice to sit around.


I'm looking forward to the trip if all goes well and looks like the trip will be from Burntrock Lake over to Whitewater Lake staying multiple nights in locations. Not looking to do miles, but rather fish and get some good photos in. I'm interested in this lake that I attached





deerfoot: "Be prepared for cool to possibly cold weather. I did several trips which included the first week in September. On both trips I was traveling with Uncle Phil and he told me the weather is always cooling off steadily in September. I also noted that the local bird population had already migrated. Lastly, I remember the water cooling off day by day. Since I prefer spring and fall trips I like cooler temperatures and avoiding the heat of summer. And an added bonus would few if any people at that time of year."
 
deerfoot
07/27/2021 05:24PM
 
Be prepared for cool to possibly cold weather. I did several trips which included the first week in September. On both trips I was traveling with Uncle Phil and he told me the weather is always cooling off steadily in September. I also noted that the local bird population had already migrated. Lastly, I remember the water cooling off day by day. Since I prefer spring and fall trips I like cooler temperatures and avoiding the heat of summer. And an added bonus would few if any people at that time of year.
 
OregonDave
07/26/2021 09:32PM
 
You might consider a Palisade River route. Have heard it's really nice. That way you could fly-in (Burntrock) and out at the lake of your choice (like Whitewater and maybe see the Beckwith cabins).


#5 on Ramblin Boy's list.
Also, Chapter 5 (by Phil Cotton) in Kevin Callan's "Quetico and Beyond"
This route would be on my to-do list for a fly-in & out trip.


There's growing interest in the Misehkow River route for abundant wildlife.
See the FOW Trip Report forum for the latest on this route (titled Little Caribou to Miminiska) . A couple of dedicated paddlers did some great portage clearing work and birding surveys. Friends of Wabakimi is partnering with Ontario Nature to advocate more protection for this area.


My own plan is to get shuttled into the SE part of Wabakimi Provincial Park; to Tamarack Lake on Sept. 7th with my favorite paddling partner (my daughter) and explore the area (Boiling Sand and Lookout Rivers) and then train out from Schultz's trail on Onamakawash Lake on Sept. 16th. Not the epic trip many take, but time for fishing, exploration, and layover days.
 
danbogey
07/26/2021 02:17PM
 
I've been talking with Bruce H up at Wabakimi for the past two years trying to get a trip in (I'm in Pittsburgh, Pa) but as we all know, it's been tough going on getting specific trips together. I have an opening in my schedule, not the two weeks I had planned on, from the 11th thru the 19th of Sept (these would be my on-the-water days).

I'm going solo (willing to paddle with a partner if any is interested) and would like to fly in and fly out (not a necessity). I'm guessing doing this way that I can really get into some remote areas. I'd like to base camp for two nights at each location if need be. The trip would be focused on fishing and photography.

I'd like to hear input from those who are familiar with the area and/or any other suggestions you may have.

I have all the necessary gear and have spent a considerable amount of time outdoors backpacking and canoeing.

I know the current rules and regs regarding COVID and border crossing.

thanks!

 
OregonDave
07/29/2021 01:23PM
 
Just in from W.P.P. Facebook....


Wabakimi Provincial Park

This past week Wabakimi’s canoe rangers completed a trip in the central area of the park. The trip began on Kenoji Lake and followed the Palisades River to Scrag Lake. From Scrag Lake, the crew completed the section along the Grayson River connecting Arril Lake, Grayson Lake and into Whitewater Lake. The portages have been cleared and the route is in good shape. Low water levels continue to be a challenge in navigating the smaller creeks and shallow bays in the park and remain at historic lows with no recent rainfall.


Wildlife was active in the park during the trip and two caribou, a moose and a bear were all observed during the five days spent in the interior.
 
goatroti
07/28/2021 02:32PM
 
danbogey: "I'm good with cold weather and have all the necessary "cozy" gear. 20deg quilt is my standard for Fall excursions. I was in the BWCA in early May and we had upper teens low 20s for a day to two. Make the campfire nice to sit around.



I'm looking forward to the trip if all goes well and looks like the trip will be from Burntrock Lake over to Whitewater Lake staying multiple nights in locations. Not looking to do miles, but rather fish and get some good photos in. I'm interested in this lake that I attached







I've paddled through Arril Lake twice on Wabakimi Project trips. It's a shallow lake, stones and small boulders, especially at the entrance from Scrag Lake. If the water is low this year it will be tough sledding coming from the west. Even the east end of Scrag Lake could be trouble because the last big bay had a lot of loon scat under about a foot of water in 2006 and 2007 when water levels were fairly decent. If you want to discuss the Scrag through Whitewater section in more detail, contact me. I know the portages fairly inimately, I cut and cleared them all.

Check with Bruce again about water levels in the Grayson River and area.

P.S. Check out this thread...

https://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=forum.thread&threadId=1243661&forumID=112&confID=1&vt=1619287162

He covered a fair bit of the territory you're going through.