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Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion Forums >> General Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion >> Bellaire Lake from the Wawiag and on to McKenzie https://quietjourney.com/community/YABB.cgi?num=1252000132 Message started by Kiporby on Sep 3^rd, 2009 at 5:48pm

Title: Bellaire Lake from the Wawiag and on to McKenzie
Post by Kiporby on Sep 3^rd, 2009 at 5:48pm

Already planning next year's trip and thinking about heading up to Mack from Saganagons and then on to the Waiwag and back down the Falls Chain. One option I'm am considering is going upstream on the Wawiag and then hitting Bellaire and then McKenzie Lake.

Has anyone done this route recently or have knowledge of it? How hard is it to find the portage into Bellaire from the Wawiag?

Would probably then continue to Ferguson Lake via the creek and then head down the Cache River to Kawnipi.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Title: Re: Bellaire Lake from the Wawiag and on to McKenzie
Post by Mk631 on Sep 3^rd, 2009 at 6:32pm

I recall someone one time telling a story about this ~~God-forsaken swamp~~ portage in a trip report. Whoever it was will probably chime in. The audio clip they recorded praising Stumpy's encouragement to go this route is a classic. :o
Good luck -- I look forward to your trip report!

-Tom

Title: Re: Bellaire Lake from the Wawiag and on to McKenzie
Post by Ancient_Angler on Sep 5^th, 2009 at 11:14am

Maybe not recently, OK...but I've done that route. See if you can get my piece, "Mysterious McKenzie," Boundary Waters Journal,Summer, 2001.

After the article appeared I got a long letter from an attorney in Chicago asking why we didn't go from McKenzie to Belaire to the Wawiag. It was a good question. While there does not seem to be much current in the Wawiag at Kawa Bay, further upstream it's a steady paddle or slip back. I'm told the portage from Wawiag to Belaire is better marked than when I made the trip.

Let us know how you do.

Tim

Title: Re: Bellaire Lake from the Wawiag and on to McKenzie
Post by Kiporby on Sep 6^th, 2009 at 3:56pm

Thanks for the information guys. Sounds like a good challenge. Hopefully I can talk my trip mate(s) into it. I'll check out the BWJ article. I believe Stu sells back issues.

Anyone tidbits about the portage from Ferguson Lake to the Cache River?

Kip

Title: Re: Bellaire Lake from the Wawiag and on to McKenzie
Post by Kingfisher on Sep 6^th, 2009 at 9:57pm

Kiporby wrote on Sep 6^th, 2009 at 3:56pm:

Anyone tidbits about the portage from Ferguson Lake to the Cache River?

Flat bog, spongy moss and lots of step - overs during a dry August 2008. Seems like it takes a little extra effort walking on the soft surface, kinda like walking on the beach. It would probably be very wet during a wetter time, otherwise pretty easy but long.

Title: Re: Bellaire Lake from the Wawiag and on to McKenzie
Post by Kingfisher on Sep 6^th, 2009 at 10:01pm

Also, there are two landings on Ferg. Take the one further west it is a little overgrown but flat and it will save you a big up and over vs. the eastern landing. You do have to reload and paddle the pond no matter which of these routes you choose.