Does anyone know the current-ish water levels of the creek between Jeff and West Lakes in QPP? Considering this alternate route to avoid the Meadows portages exiting from Agnes. (I’m asking on behalf of an injured (not critical) solo paddler trying to exit QPP with a fully-loaded tandem canoe early this week.)

I did not cover that ground in a recent trip(out on 9/12) but was nearby. Water levels were very low (we've had some rain in the last couple of weeks). The creek from North Bay to South Lake was low enough to be a major pain, especially in a solo. We were able to make our way up it, but on the return trip took the long portage out of the east end of West Lake to avoid paddling through the thick "water" of South Creek. The creek between West and Jeff is narrow and tiny- the last time I took it it required a lot of dragging of the canoe from a soft shore or improvised portaging.

Meadows' portages are longish but in decent shape, probably an easier route than heading through Jeff and West.

Banksiana: "I did not cover that ground in a recent trip(out on 9/12) but was nearby. Water levels were very low (we've had some rain in the last couple of weeks). The creek from North Bay to South Lake was low enough to be a major pain, especially in a solo. We were able to make our way up it, but on the return trip took the long portage out of the east end of West Lake to avoid paddling through the thick "water" of South Creek. The creek between West and Jeff is narrow and tiny- the last time I took it it required a lot of dragging of the canoe from a soft shore or improvised portaging.


Meadows' portages are longish but in decent shape, probably an easier route than heading through Jeff and West."

Thanks for the info. He was on that creek on a prior trip years ago, so is familiar with it. Water levels can make a huge difference though. He was on the Meadows portages just a week ago, so is familiar with those conditions. IF water levels were good on the creek, he has determined that is a more do-able option with his injury than Meadows. Thx again!

If he is injured, the Meadows portages would offer more opportunities for assistance from fellow travelers as there is more traffic. I am certain that anyone meeting a traveler needing help would take the time to get him safely across those portages.

sedges: "If he is injured, the Meadows portages would offer more opportunities for assistance from fellow travelers as there is more traffic. I am certain that anyone meeting a traveler needing help would take the time to get him safely across those portages.
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That’s an excellent point. Thank you.

According to Stu Osthoff, the Boundary Waters Journal and Brian, the ranger at Prairie Portage it has been pretty much impassable since mid-summer. Here's a shot from a few years ago in September when the water was higher--

Springer2: "According to Stu Osthoff, the Boundary Waters Journal and Brian, the ranger at Prairie Portage it has been pretty much impassable since mid-summer. Here's a shot from a few years ago in September when the water was higher--

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Thank you. The ranger at French Lake also confirmed water levels are still low across QPP.

Has your friend made it out OK?

sedges: "Has your friend made it out OK?"

Yes, he made it out safely and is back home now, recovering. He opted for the S Chain out of Agnes. It was a very arduous, painful trek and paddle with low water levels. He was plagued with back spasms for days as he made his exit and did not see other trippers on his route. Pure tenacity. LaTourell’s assisted with a shuttle pick up once he was on the U.S. side.