Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Route Sleuth - Moose Lake to Yum Yum to Kahshahpiwi Lake
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cowdoc |
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Banksiana |
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Banksiana |
The route out of the southern end of Kahshahpiwi has been difficult the last couple of seasons. The resident beavers have allowed the water level to drop in a pond that was previously navigable. The replacement route is an extended boggy carry over deep muck with scattered logs that are often submerged in the muck- miss a log and much of you is submerged. Maybe the beavers will get their work ethic back by the time you travel. The pond is stunning with really tall looming cliffs and a giant talus pile. Yum Yum portage does have steep rock face and long downhill into Kahsh. Not a lot of swamp corduroy to navigate but what you do cross is over some deep muck. Portage from unnamed into Grey involves a swampy crossing that can be tough if you step wear a log ain't. Not very long though (the swamp crossing). |
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PineKnot |
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WonderMonkey |
Banksiana: "I suggest purchasing the Chrismar Map it's an all-in-one map of Quetico and generally has the most accurate portage locations. I will pick that map up, thanks for the point to it. Luckily one of the guys we are going with has done the "To Kash" portion of the trip. He is aware of how rough it is and we are up for the challenge as long as we don't try to do it in one day. We are willing to have a sense of urgency but want to tackle the last portage (or two) the following morning. Those damn beavers better come off strike! |
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WonderMonkey |
PineKnot: "I have owned several canoes over the years. Currently have a Bell Northwind and a Placid Rapidfire. I sent you an email...." Thanks for the email communication. I am getting advice the mirrors yours. That advice basically is "Tough one day trip, maybe rethink it?" Yes, it is being rethought. Either make one good day and one more medium, or do something different. Thanks for all the thread input. |
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TrailZen |
WonderMonkey: "If I'm at Moose Lake and know I'll be on Yum Yum and portage over to Kahshahpiwi, is there a "normal" route? It looks like Grey Lake and a body of water South of Grey Lake will have to be involved as well. From that body of water (GPS 48.19067, -91.46322) then the path could come from either Dell Lake or Shade Lake. Here's a trip report where the paddlers (my wife and I) went from Moose to Kahshahpiwi in a couple days. Maps are included. Yep, doing your homework this winter is a smart move! Hope it's a great trip. |
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WonderMonkey |
billconner: "I missed how many days. If you go to Kash via Yum Yum, I'd probably return via Side and Isabella. If you have enough time, I prefer going further up the S chain and cross into Kash via Trant. A little more remote and varied scenery imho." I'm assuming we go in on Saturday and come out on Saturday though we have yet to nail that down. We are in Ohio so it will depend on the reality of travel time and being ready to paddle. |
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WonderMonkey |
carmike: "I believe there's one "No name" on the route. "No Name" makes sense! Thanks for that, I'll dive into what you said and the alternative. I want to be more conversational on the options the next time we meet. |
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WonderMonkey |
billconner: "Its not customs at Prairie Portage. Its park ranger post, and primarily deals with reservations and permits for using the park. You need an RABC to cross into Canada, and a passport (or WHTI doc) to retun to US. Agreed on the meeting. That will happen but when it does I want to be able to walk away with a good feeling. His former group basically just followed his lead and off they went. He's not purposely not telling me things, it's just not how he chats. When we sit down I'll use the advice I get here, my own research, and whatever else to make it more interactive. |
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billconner |
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WonderMonkey |
PineKnot: "Where are you in Ohio? I'm just south of Dayton and have done your planned route several times....be happy to talk if you want more detailed info...." I live just North of Dayton. Do you usually rent your canoes or did you purchase? I assume that since you have gone a bunch you have bought. |
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PineKnot |
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WonderMonkey |
Eyedocron: "As mentioned, in addition to the crew entry permit, you will need to get your outdoor card and fishing license on line some time ahead. You print the fishing license and the card comes in the mail. The RABC for remotely crossing the border also comes in the mail and should be completed a couple of months ahead. Be aware that Canada will not admit someone with more than minor traffic violations, and even an old DUI is considered inadmissable. The ranger station at Prairie Portage has no customs officer - it is just to pay your park camping fees. Thanks for that detail, to include the alternate route. I'll also get that one detailed to consider. I find the process of getting routes set to be enjoyable so even if a route is investigated and then not taken I'll have learned a bit more about the area. |
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WonderMonkey |
Moose -> Newfound Lake -> Sucker Lake +Prairie Portage Basswood Lake (Bayley Bay) + Portage #5654 (86 rods) Burke Lake + Portage #5626 + Portage #5621 Basswood Lake (North Bay) + Portage #5590 South Lake + Portage #5587 West Lake + Portage #5574 + Portage #5569 Shade Lake + Portage #5552 No Name Lake + Portage #5671 or Portage #5683 + Portage #5684 Grey Lake + Portage #5538 Yum Yum Lake + Portage #5534 (Yum Yum Portage) Kahshahpiwi Lake |
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WonderMonkey |
billconner: "I missed how many days. If you go to Kash via Yum Yum, I'd probably return via Side and Isabella. If you have enough time, I prefer going further up the S chain and cross into Kash via Trant. A little more remote and varied scenery imho." We are returning via Side and Isabella. As for going further North, for this first time, we want to take it more leisurely. |
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WonderMonkey |
cowdoc: "You can also do Grey, Armin, Yum Yum (tip), Shan Walshe, McNiece, Kash. Toughest portage is the last....McNiece into Kash." I'll certainly look at that. Currently we are heading there one route, coming back a bit different. Lake Moose Newfound Sucker Basswood Burke Dell Grey Yum Yum Kahshahpiwi (staying a bit) Side Isabella Burke Basswood Moose |
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billconner |
My first trip was your route, but in reverse. You need a meeting of the minds. |
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WonderMonkey |
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WonderMonkey |
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WonderMonkey |
So .... maybe if experienced BWCAers heard that you would think "Oh yeah well then this and this and that" I'm a rookie BWCAer but experienced enough in the outdoors to know that I will want to have this trip detailed out to ensure safety and enjoyment for all. If I'm at Moose Lake and know I'll be on Yum Yum and portage over to Kahshahpiwi, is there a "normal" route? It looks like Grey Lake and a body of water South of Grey Lake will have to be involved as well. From that body of water (GPS 48.19067, -91.46322) then the path could come from either Dell Lake or Shade Lake. So far Moose Lake (known) BLACK HOLE OF KNOWLEDGE Dell Lake or Shade Lake (assuming / guessing) Lake @ GPS 48.19067, -91.46322 (assuming / guessing)) Grey Lake (assuming / guessing)) Yum Yum (known) Kahshahpiwi (known) Any thoughts? |
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carmike |
I think most people go Moose -- Prairie Portage -- Bayley Bay -- Burke -- North Bay -- up through South into Shade -- through "no name" -- Gray -- Yum Yum. That's how I do it. You could probably route through Beaverhouse or Cache and Pickerel, but this way is much more direct. :) |
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Eyedocron |
As far as route to Kahsh goes, I have done the Grey-Yum Yum route twice and it involves mud bog courderoy log balancing and large rock face climb. Last couple of times going from North Bay to Kahsh, went to the west end of Isabella and north from there. One steep downhill, but otherwise easier travelling. Have a great trip! |
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cowdoc |
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