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papszoo

10/20/2010 08:35PM

My other post convinced me that Quetico will be our destination next year. Question is, what outfitter would folks recommend if my goal would be minimal paperwork (they get all the permits so we dont have to stop at the ranger stations) and a tow/ride as close to a destination lake as possible. I dont want to overwhelm my kids. Beemer mentioned the man chain i but I read some of the trip reports and the portages sounded brutal. Kawnipi sounds like great fishing but I dont know how hard it is to get to. We have all our own stuff but I guess we would at least stay at the lodge or bunkhouse the night before. I am not sure if the outfitters would like to do all that work for just a one night lodging fee. Thx-always look forward to the replies.

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old_salt

10/20/2010 08:50PM

I don't think you can avoid stopping at the Ranger Stations. It's not a race in Q.

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kanoes

10/20/2010 08:51PM

you would still have to stop at the ranger station.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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Ho Ho

10/20/2010 09:16PM

If you go through a Canadian outfitter on the western side like Zup's I think you can get a tow and permit and not stop at the ranger station on Lac la Croix. However, when we did this, the other people getting a tow at the same time still needed to stop so it didn't save us time.

I don't think the Man Chain portages are brutal, but if they seem that way to you, the west side may also have an advantage because you can get to some great areas from the portages into McArree or over Bottle Portage without too much carrying.

Towing is more expensive over there than to Prairie Portage in the center because it is further to get from a road to the western entrances.

Most of the outfitters can help you out. Try Voyageur North in Ely.

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fishguts

10/20/2010 10:49PM

I agree with Ho Ho, we use Jordan's Outfitters in Ely and they make the arraingements with Zups. Some times Mark Zup just issues our permits and other times we end up at the Ranger station with another group. Depends if we end up sharing the ride or not. It only takes 15 or 20 minutes at the Ranger Station and is on the way to the western entry points. As for the "destination lake" idea, I don't know what that is. Crooked? Iron, McAree, Argo, Darky, Wicksteed....? I guess they could all be destination lakes. We usually pass through those lakes on our way to less populated areas.

fishguts

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flaxman

10/21/2010 05:32PM

I agree with HoHo re. the Man chain portages. Three portages from PP and you're on That Man, 8-9 (mostly easy) from Cache Bay and you're on Other Man. The portages along the chain are generally short, and in my opinion, some of the prettiest in Quetico.

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papszoo

10/23/2010 12:41PM

Thanks for the info guys. Now how do u get to the prairie portage-do u need a bwca permit to paddle thru Moose lake to get to the portage or can u paddle in the Bdub w/o a permit if your destination is the prairie portage?

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kanoes

10/23/2010 01:48PM

just a day permit for paddling in and/or out.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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Ho Ho

10/23/2010 06:34PM

To add to what kanoes said, you fill out the BWCA day-use permit at the entry point, there is no fee or quota. Make sure you bring a blank form with you on your trip to fill out for your paddle back out!

Also, if convenient, it can be a good idea to pick up blank permits at the ranger station in Ely just in case they have run out at the entry point. I don't think that's too likely at Moose Lake but I like to keep a stack in the car just in case.

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Beemer01

Moderator

10/23/2010 06:40PM

Your outfitter - and please use one of our sponsors :-), can help with reservations and you can buy your license in advance.

If you do decide on the Man Chain (these really are not hard portages) you will still need to stop at Prairie Portage - but this is a short and enjoyable stop. Your outfitter can also arrange a tow up and back to PP from their docks - you have the added advantage of secure parking for your vehicle.

We like This Man, but they are all nice!

In the 'old days' of 18' Square Stern Grummans w 5 hp motors, the old timers would easily make This Man from the EP on Moose in 4-5 hours. As a point of interest, there is an old mining camp at the West end of This Man - you can still see rusted cook stoves, bed springs and broken dishes in the woods. It lies just North of the portage entering This Man.

"You're not serious about wearing sandals on this portage.... are you?"

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mr.barley

10/23/2010 07:01PM

You also may want to opt for a Moose Lake tow to PP. It's not that expensive and you mentioned you don't want to overwhelm your kids. It's probably a good 3-4 hour paddle just to get to PP on Moose. It probably costs about 50 bucks per person round trip.

Because I'm wearing one and I just did....

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papszoo

10/24/2010 04:22PM

Thanks for the great info. The Man chain it is. The tow to the portage sounds like a good idea to me. I can't wait!

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kanoes

10/24/2010 04:33PM

the man chain is beautiful. if you cut south to emerald youll go thru "high man"...strangest lake ive ever seen.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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Beemer01

Moderator

10/24/2010 05:39PM

High Man (Jan's name for the lake - not on the map) is an interesting lake with a VERY possessive Loon family. However the portage over there does not qualify as 'easy'. Emerald is however very, very much worth a visit - it's the only lake I'm aware of in the region completely underlaid with Greenstone - the waters are a beautiful emerald Jade color as a result. Also very, very old Cedar grove there.

"You're not serious about wearing sandals on this portage.... are you?"

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kanoes

10/24/2010 05:45PM

quote Beemer01: "High Man (Jan's name for the lake - not on the map) is an interesting lake with a VERY possessive Loon family. However the portage over there does not qualify as 'easy'. Emerald is however very, very much worth a visit - it's the only lake I'm aware of in the region completely underlaid with Greenstone - the waters are a beautiful emerald Jade color as a result. Also very, very old Cedar grove there.

"
kiporbys name for it. whats the name on the map?

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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Beemer01

Moderator

10/24/2010 06:09PM

No name I was able to find - High Man is as good as any. Ever wonder how deep that silt is on the bottom?

"You're not serious about wearing sandals on this portage.... are you?"

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kanoes

10/24/2010 06:20PM

speaking of silt....the kek ponds. i went arms length with my paddle, in a number of spots, and never hit anything solid. it would suck to dump there!

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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