Has anyone been to Bentpine this year, or recently? I am wondering about the portage between West Bay and Badwater and the route out of Bentpine to the north through Claire Lake. Particularly between Claire and Burnside along the small creek. I am wondering if that creek is anothe Deux Riviere mud trap.
I am planning a Beaverhouse to Bentpine and out to Nym this September. Obviously there are choices from Bentpine to Nym and I am trying to figure that route.
Any input is appreciated.

Many of these portages are described in "A Paddler's Guide to Quetico Provincial Park" by Robert Beymer. His last update was 2001 however.

It describes some of the route as what I call a bushwacker, especially from Snow Lake to Your Lake. Says there are Y's in the path and if you take the wrong one you will be in muskeg (mud) up to your knees.

Trail to Little Pine is described as a weed choked wet foot line through that at least you won't have to empty your canoe.

Very Definitely reply or e-mail upon your return. Have Fun!!

The West Bay to Badwater portage is an upland trail with a couple of bogs that are laid with corduroy. It is somewhat rock strewn on the west uphill end. Its not bad.

The Bentpine to Clair is a half miler. It won't be so easy to spot from the Bentpine side. Hold close to the shoreline and look for a 3 - 4 foot ledge with a narrow trail leading uphill. I don't remember a landing, just shallow sand bottom. No problem unloading. At the halfway point you transition over a ridge and will have to billy goat step down the Clair side. Smooth rocks are very slippery if wet. The ridge descends into a mud flat. Cross this to the creek and paddle it to the right a short ways to the beaver dam, then portage right the rest of the way to Clair.

In 2004 the creek from Clair into Burntside was held up by a beaver day just below the no name lake which lies to the west. This was a pleasant paddle through a mile long grassy meadow. Below the beaver dam, the creek is lined with boulders. The was only barely enough water to float over them. If water level is too low, I suspect the grassy banks would support a portage walk. A lift over is required on the Burntside end of the creek.

-YB