Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Anyone done clearwater canoe loop?
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4keys |
Last time we were up there the waves were also scary on the west end of Clearwater. Gear wise, we just use our regular backpacking packs. External frames don't work, but internal are ok. If you don't hike with a tarp, you might want to add it to your BW list. A gravity filter is another lightweight item you may or may not take hiking. |
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dew042 |
The area is big, often epic, and beautiful, well worth the challenges. |
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Renol |
I was looking around and researching trip options for next year. I saw this with two potential loops that looked appealing but wanted to get more information. Specifically I'm referring to the Clearwater loops both short and long. I was wondering what the approximate travel times were for each one (assuming that info is available)? At this time I'm figuring a party of two sometime mid to late September with the thought of catching the early fall color transitions. We'd be renting a canoe from Clearwater outfitters and possibly renting a few pieces of gear such as water-tight sacks to store gear. We're pretty set with gear for backpacking but canoeing is new to us so I'm open to suggestions for other gear items that are more suited for the different conditions. Party wise it'd be my wife and I. We're in decent shape and can handle a good hike with gear. We did BRT from Crabhead to Clearwater last year and had a blast (minus the unexpected destroyed area around southlake) so we're somewhat aware of how the terrain can be at times. Any suggestions or input is greatly appreciated. |
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Ausable |
"The operative word on this magnificent journey is 'big.' It is a big loop with big lakes connected by big portages. Depending on wind strength and direction, it may also have big waves. If you have little experience and huge packs, it is also a big mistake! Strong paddlers with light packs will have a great trip." Pauly has this additional information: difficulty = moderate number of days = 4 or more total miles = 33 number of portages = 9 total portage distance = 958 rods greatest portage difficulty = 200 rods with Pauly's highest degree of difficulty (the portage from Caribou to Clearwater) |
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Renol |
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Ausable |
Clearwater-Pine Loop |
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jwartman59 |
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salukiguy |
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Lightfoot |
2011 Clearwater loop |
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Lightfoot |
Frenchy19: "Lightfoot: "I'm glad you found it helpful. Mark, I remember the photo you posted of Allie sitting on top the bluff. I showed it to Jody and she got a kick out of seeing it. Hope 2018 is a good year for you and all your girls. |
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Frenchy19 |
Lightfoot: "I'm glad you found it helpful. Hey, Brent! Hope your family is enjoying the holidays. Last year Allie went on her first trip without me in the BW, and she and her paddling partner started and ended at Clearwater. At one point (Clearwater to Caribou), they misread a portage and ended up hauling their gear up to the top of the bluff on Clearwater! That made for a great picture, but a long day...! That is a beautiful area, and I want to d the big loop some day. My concern is the volume of people in July/August-the only times I could do it. |
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Lightfoot |
This year we did a loop starting at Clearwater, through Mountain and Moose, then back through the Pike Lakes. We had an excellent campsite on John Lake, right where the Royal River leaves the lake. Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions. |
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Renol |
Lightfoot: "Here's a trip report on the loop we did in 2011. This was extremely helpful. Thank you very much for posting it and sharing. |