Ebel's had some boats still in the water this last weekend.  Rainey also has 2 houseboat companies out of I-Falls at the end of State HWY #11.

Spent last TR,FR,SA,SU up at I-Falls.  Waves, rain, and wind too much for us.  Never took the canoe off the rack.  Was planning on an overnighter by canoe from Ash River up to Kettle Falls and back.  Fisherman were thick...all lots and landings at Ash River, Kab, Rainey were just overflowing with rigs.  Walleye bite must have been on.

Ash River has Ebel's Houseboats:  (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

ck

Old salt, doesn't look like you got any answers so hopefully I'm not duplicating here.  I have used Voyagaires Lodge in Crane Lake for a houseboat trip.-Nice helpful folks.  There used to be an outfit in Ash River, but I don't recall the name.

Houseboat?   I may be able to get my wife to do this!     I never thought I could get her to do anything close to a BW/Q trip & while it'd be a lot different, at least it's the same general area.

thanks for the idea -Tom

Thanks so much for the exchange of info.  That was kind of you.

Going up in 2 weeks with the wife for a short 3 1/2 day-er out of Ash river.  I'll post some pics here when we get back.

Wally,

1-Could be made in 1 day if you don't check out any bays or islands.

2-Wind should not be a problem but I would still plan a wind bound day.

3-There is a self issuing permit. You list the campsites you plan to stay at, but you can change your plans at any time.

4-you can pitch a tent anywhere you can find a spot.

5-This is true

6- The white picto is in the namakan narrows on the canadian side, you can paddle into Canada with out checking in with customs as long as you stay on the water. The pictos can only be seen from the water.

7-No fees to camp or enter the park. Parking is free at all entrys exept Crane Lake.

Any other questions just ask.

Pilot....do you mind if I "pile on" and ask a few more VNP questions....same format, ok?

I like to travel to new places and just show-up, not much into planning.  I want to paddle to Kettle Falls.  The little I know of the park is from snowmobiling Crane to Rainey (black bay?) for a couple of days 2 years ago.  We slid all over the lakes.

1)  12-14 mile easy paddle in my solo to the Falls from Ash River?
2)  Plenty of protection from wind and waves as it appears on my map?
3)  No paperwork to enter the park?
4)  Camp anywhere in US I like?
5)  I hear that when at the Falls...it's one of the few places in the US where you look South into Canada (similar to the NWA of MN).
6)  Where is this "White Picto" located?
7)  Camping fees?

Thanks, I'm thinking of running up to Ash River in a couple of weeks for some fall colors.  Gonna try for some nightly Walleye to eat.

Pilot 1
Great information

Thank's                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      thecanoeman

thecanoeman

1-This route should be enjoyable as it keeps you off Rainey Lake which has alot more boat traffic.

2-I would say 2 days from Rainy Lake visitor center to Kettle Falls. The hotel books up fast, if your planning June I would look at getting your reservation very soon.

3-2 days from Kettle Falls to the southern edge of VNP, I have not been passed here towards the BWCA. Could be made in 1 day if you like to paddle hard all day.

4-There is alot of high bluffs and scenic bays to explore and some pictographs in the Namakan Narrows including the only known White pictograph.

5-Campsites can be hard to come by if the weather is nice, if you see an open one and your tired grab it.

6-No fishing help as I don't fish.

7-How many people depends on the weather. I have gone in the begining of June and the park was mostly empty and other years it has been packed to the point of no open campsites, but you can pitch a tent any where you want.

8-There can be alot of boats but most are friendly enough to give you space.

Any other questions just ask.

Another thing to add, plan a wind day or 2 as it can kick up some big waves on the larger lakes.

pilot 1
Any information about this route would be greatly appreciated.
Next June we plan on starting at the Rainy lake visitor center, go through Black bay, portage over to Kabetogama lake, stay on the north shore and work our way to Namakan lake then stay at the Kettle Fall's Hotel for a couple of days then continue on the southern shore of Namakan lake and then enter the BWCA then continue on from there.

My main questions are

1-Is this a good route.
2-Roughly how many days to get to the Kettle Falls Hotel from the Rainy Lake visitor center.
3-How many days from the Hotel to the BWCA.
4-Any points of interest along this route.
5-Any great campsites.
6-And of course, any fishing information.
7- How many people can I expect in early June.
8-And will we have too battle the boats.
                                                                                                                                            Thank you.

thecanoeman