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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Snowbank - Lake One loop
 
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BigCurrent
04/05/2019 09:59PM
  
We did an out and back to Ima a few years ago. On the way in we went through Boot and on the way out we went through Disappointment. This was nice for our trip so we could see some more areas, but if you are doing a loop to Lake One I would go through Disappointment. The Boot route is actually a little quicker (if you are single portaging) but the portages are much easier through Disappointment and as stated previously more efficient traveling with a better mix of paddling/portaging. (The portage into Abinodji is the hardest ~70 rod portage I have ever traveled).


Take advantage of the areas between Ima and Insula, that will be the best part of the trip (beautiful lakes, less people and good fishing). It's a great area, have fun.

 
Paddle4Hike
04/05/2019 08:44AM
  
TK,
That should be a terrific trip, whichever route you choose out of Snowbank!
The last 2 years I have done a solo lollipop route with entry and exit on Snowbank. I have not yet gone through from Boot, etc... The first year I went thru Parent to Disappointment and up. The second time I took the longer portage straight into Disappointment. I think Disappointment is a very pretty lake to paddle, and the portages/paddles out through Ahsub, Jitterbug, Jordan offer some interesting variety.


The biggest factor is probably the wind on Snowbank. If you get an early start and the lake is calm, it might be worth the long paddle up to Boot. If the wind is blowing, and it can really blow on Snowbank, getting off early at Disappointment might be the better option. I have read a lot of comments to this effect and found it to be very true. I have had to work pretty hard in the wind on Snowbank both trips, either going in or coming out.


If you are planning to camp on Ima the first night, it has some beautiful sites to choose from! I have really enjoyed Thomas as well, and there are some great beaches on Alice (though the water isn't as clear as either of the others).


Have a great trip and be sure to update us.


E
 
HappyHuskies
04/05/2019 08:59AM
  
Going via Disappointment is definitely faster. I do like the little chain of lakes starting with Boot though. It depends a little on wind too, since to get to Boot you have to paddle the full length of Snowbank. Either route is nice. Disappointment seems to always be busy, but since you're probably just passing through it really does not matter much.


In any case enjoy. It's a nice trip. Can be a very leisurely multi-day trip or a pretty easy two day jaunt if the weather is decent and you are just out paddle. In addition to Snowbank, wind can also be a factor on Thomas.
 
thistlekicker
04/05/2019 08:12AM
  
We're planning to enter at Snowbank and loop back down to Lake One. Haven't been through this area very much.

What are advantages/disadvantages to getting to Ima via Diasappointment/Ahsub/Jitterbug/etc vs Boot/Abinodji/Cattyman/etc? Looks like going through Disappointment might be a little faster? We're somewhat limited on time but interested in the usual stuff (fishing, good camps, less people, etc).

Thanks,
TK
 
Ausable
04/05/2019 09:53AM
  
The two previous replies make excellent points. You will likely see fewer people going through Boot etc., but Snowbank may be quite busy with motor boats, if that is an issue. You will be passing through this area rather quickly, so maybe none of that will matter to you. If you go through Disappointment, be sure to take a short side trip to Cattyman Falls before portaging into Jordan.
 
sylvesterii
04/05/2019 10:09AM
  
Definitely go Disappointment. I went the Boot route two years ago, and it was more difficult with little to no benefit. There are 2 more portages total, the portages are mucky and buggy, and the Haven to Abinodji portage is a real beast. You never really get time paddling, other than on snowbank. You paddle for five minutes, and then you are portaging again. It took us 7 1/2 hours to get to Ima via Boot. It took us 5 1/2 hours to get back via Disappointment.