Portaging through the Bs can be a challenge in high water. You are heading up stream and up hill. After all that, chances are, when you reach the Pickerel Narrows you'll be paddling into the wind. Try not to hit that chute on a windy afternoon. You could be stuck.

As a scenic route it is more interesting and less used (imagine that) than the easier routes from Sturgeon to Pickerel. If you really like to be around rushing water take the 4 portages around the raps/falls from S to O as well.

You may find a bonus lift-over/line on Olifaunt at the pinch before you get to the Fern portage. No biggie.

There are a few pretty portages in there but the portage to Fern for some reason strikes me as one of the prettiest portages around - really. Maps show two shorter portages but I've never split it up. It follows a good path all the way with nothing too terrible other than it's length and it's ups and downs. It's a long way! Having long legs can be a real plus in one or two spots as well.

Years ago I saw what looked like two red canoes stashed at the Olifaunt end. After further inspection it turned out to be two halfs of the same one! I'd really like to hear that story or even how they ever got it out since it was gone on my next visit.

There is another little fast water bonus just before the portage to Bud. Be rested and/or ready to plant your paddle and push your way up. The campsite just to the right of that was one of the most worn sites I've ever seen. The island directly south was in much better shape.

Depending water levels and where you land, Beg to Bisk is a maze of trails that all eventually lead to the right one. Don't forget to duck at the end.

Over all, Bud is the most interesting of those mentioned because of its many "intimate spaces." The WSW shore and an island or two were burnt years ago. (8th thumb in the pano area) There are interesting rock formations in the area of Bud to Beg both at the portage and the point to the south. It can also be be lined if you're careful.

- enjoy!

Posted by Santa on December 26, 2001 at 12:59
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