Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Frost, Louse, Phoebe River route
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Michwall2 |
From Cross Bay to Frost Lake - I would plan 2 days. Cross River Entry to Karl Lake. Karl Lake to Frost Lake - Second day will be shorter, but you are saving up for the Frost River. Frost River - The Frost River is usually done in 1 Day. You can break it into 2 days by stopping at Bolgna Lake, but it's going to feel like a short day from Frost Lake to Bologna Lake. The Bologna Lake to AFton Lake will feel more like a more average day. Afton Lake to Mesaba Lake or Dent Lake. 1 Day should do this. I would not plan to go to Hub or Mesaba after the Frost River. The Fente to Hub portage goes straight up for 1/4 mile before leveling off for a nice walk to Hub Lake. Louse River - The Louse River can be done in 2 days. There are campsites at Trail Lake the first night. On the second day, I suppose you could stop short of completing the Louse on Boze or Frond Lakes. Then head to Malberg Lake the 3rd day. From Malberg to Hazel Lake on the Phoebe River is a nice day. Hazel has some nice campsites. Hazel to Phoebe or Grace Lakes is another good chunk of the route. You can go out to Sawbill from either Phoebe or Grace Lake in one day. So Cross River to Frost Lake - 2 days Frost River - 1 day (2 if you want) Afton to Mesaba or Dent - 1 Dent to Malberg- 2 (3 if you want) Malberg to Hazel to Phoebe to Sawbill - 3 days. I am counting 9-11 days. |
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AceAceAce |
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TacoOverland |
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scottiebaldwin |
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cyclones30 |
If high water, take a day off. |
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cyclones30 |
scottiebaldwin: "Take a listen to the Tumblehome Podcast episodes on The Louse River (episode 077) and The Frost River (Express Episode). It's worth your time. Lots of info and the hosts know a ton." x2 |
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TacoOverland |
scottiebaldwin: "Take a listen to the Tumblehome Podcast episodes on The Louse River (episode 077) and The Frost River (Express Episode). It's worth your time. Lots of info and the hosts know a ton." I absolutely will! Thanks Awesome suggestion!! |
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straighthairedcurly |
Trip Report: Frost River Trip Report: Louse and Phoebe Rivers Suggested stops: Long Island Lake Bologna Lake Afton Lake Mesaba Lake (or Dent) Trail Lake Malberg Lake (spend an extra day and do a day trip to Fishdance pictographs) Hazel, Knight, or Phoebe exit to Sawbill |
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mmarksnp |
Day 1 south. You could make Frost Lake in one day as it is about 10 miles to the west end site closest to the river entrance. But 2 days would be better and making it to Rib or Karl would be good. Day 2 to Frost and the westernmost site close to the River is nice and closest to the river. Beware Unload Lake as it seems to have an aggressive leech population. Day 3. Get up early. Between 15 or so portages and over 20 beaver dams, it's a good day. I do think going to Hub is a good destination. The 300 rod portage at the end of the day is not nearly as bad as it looks on the map. (I did this 3 years ago at age 62 with an Alumicraft) so it is doable. Hub is gorgeous and you will likely be alone there. The SW campsite is IMO the best and when we were there, there was a set of mature moose antlers hanging in a tree there. The sunrise is equisite. Day 4. Don't do the entire Louse to Marlberg as we did. Try for Trail Lake. There only 2 sites and both were taken when we passed through in July of 2018. Day 5: To Marlberg. The first site on the point on the right is very nice and excellent fishing where the river enters. Might want to spend 2 nights here. Day 7. To Polly or a short paddle to Koma. Day 8 to Hazel Day 9 to Phoebe Day 10 to exit. This is a very reasonable time frame. The entire distance about 50 miles by map but with all the twists and turns and portages on Frost and Louse, It will seem like 70. As others have noted, it is a very doable 7 days but to me racing through the BWCA is a crime. Good luck Pic from Frost River |
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TacoOverland |
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TacoOverland |
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WanderingWoodsmanMN |
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TacoOverland |
straighthairedcurly: "I love the small rivers, too. I recommend splitting the Frost River if you have the time, just so it is more enjoyable and less of a slog. There are a lot of beaver dams! I did the Frost in one of my family trips and I did the Phoebe and Louse solo last summer (though in the opposite direction as you would). Thanks for the ideas! |
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TacoOverland |
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Mocha |
you didn't mention if you plan to single or double portage, how much gear you have and general amount of weight, plus what kind of canoe. i realize that some may think a solo person packs light but it's not always the case. plus, do you have your entry permit date yet? |
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TacoOverland |
cyclones30: "Not really a loop! I’d call it an open loop. |
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TacoOverland |
Thanks! |
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cyclones30 |
But I'd say if you're not wanting to rush, 2 to 3 days for each of those sections. Plus day 1 getting to Frost to stage for the Frost R. So....1+2+2+2 = 7 at min. 1+3+3+3 = 10 for a more leisurely pace. (or anywhere in between) |
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TacoOverland |
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