How long does it take to paddle/portage the Maligne River?  That is, does the current affect how fast you go?  Or is it so slow and flat, you might as well be on a lake?  We'll be going downriver.  Sturgeon to just below Twin Falls at LLCroix.  4 adults, 2 boats.  Single portage the easy ones, double for those more challenging.  Portage pace about 2 miles per hour, on flat, solid ground, loaded; unloaded, going back for the second portage, about 3 MPH.  When paddling, not trying to set speed records.  Slow and steady.  Enjoy the scenery, but not dawdling either.  No delays for fishing.  Don't know if time of year makes a difference (water levels?), but this would be about the 10th of September.   We are comfortable paddling in current, but with these Kevlar wonders, will portage instead if there is any real danger of being driven into a rock.  OR   Is there a campsite on the river so nice, that you would consider it a "you-absolutely-can't-come-all-this-way-and-miss-this" overnight?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.

M_P,

Water levels do make a big difference. Up or downstream. Spring unless it's a dry year, the flow can be fast an furious. I believe in the trip reports archives, Snow Dog went downstream in high water conditions. His pics tell the story.

I went one spring, with low water levels. Completely different paddle.
I actually had to paddle more than I thought I would in the narrow sections.  In low water level, Tanner Lk is basically just like any other lake, the wind direction/speed might be more than any current at the time? I would think with a decent start, you should be able to get to Twin falls in a days paddle easily, unless the water level is high and the portages flooded out.

I'm guessing in Sept the levels will be down, unless there's a lot of rain late in the summer.

I can't speak to a " can't miss campsite", but there are sites along the way, and dependiong on conditions, how far you want to go, you might find your own gem.

I've paddled the Maligne a few times, in both high and low water conditions.  It is very rocky so if low water, you may have to get out and walk the canoes a little over gravelly shallow areas.  September is generally lower water.  You should be able to do the entire river in one day.  There are campsites at the mouth in Sturgeon, a nice one at Tanner Rapids (north/west side), also a nice one at the end of the portage at Twin Falls (buggy mid-summer but probably just fine by September).  The portages are easily found and easy to do.

MP

I believe I stayed at campsite EN at the south end of Sturgeon. The campsite evaluation ranks it a 3 but I ranked it a 5 no doubt. Massive well built fireplace and cozy pine needle strewn "rooms" to place tents. It is a big site. There is a big open peninsula incorporated into the site with water and views on 3 sides. You can't miss it. Landing was just OK. I have very fond memories of this site.

It would be an excellent jumping off point for the Maligne which is exactly what I did.

Thanks to all.  I was hoping 1 day would be good.  If more than 1 day, I was going to stop near Tanner Rapids.  Now we'll probably make that our lunch break, instead.

OK, some of you are making me wonder what it is like paddling UP the Maligne.  I understand if it is running high, it might not be doable, but assuming normal mid-july (which is when we will be heading in from LLC) can I assume the paddle is realistic?  Is it also realistic to believe we  can make it all the way from the mouth of the river (as it empties into LLC) to Bentpine Lake in one day?  In other words how much does the trip against the current add to your paddle time vs. traveling with the current?  Thanks for your insight.
 

Should be doable if you get an early start and don't stop to fish. Expect a full travel day though. If you were going downstream it would be a good hour or more faster trip, if that helps give you an idea.

My son and I paddled upstream from Poohbah Creek to Burntside a few years ago on or about 30 June.  If memory is correct, water levels were a bit higher than normal and it took us about 7 hours .  The only big struggle was up the swift to the second to last portage before Sturgeon.  I haven't been on the Maligne downriver from Poohbah Creek, but I think the upper Maligne has faster water.  You should be fine going upstream in mid-July unless there's been a daily deluge a few days prior.

Thank you.  That will help me for planning purposes.

I'm doing final packing now, will be paddling on Beaverhouse Sunday morning.  A no-surprise route through Quetico Lake, Jean, Burntside, Rouge, jean Creek, Sturgeon, and Maligne River.  Pick-up on Friday near base of Twin Falls. 
   Stop and say Hi if you see a 70 year old with 3 guys in their 40s.  Might also see BillConner who is also putting in at Beaverhouse Sunday morning, last I heard. Except his plan was Quetico and Cirrhus and back to BH.
   My first trip to the Q.  Can't believe how excited I am.

   My thanks to all you QJ folks who have been so generous with all your help.  Like, we'll probably  be aiming for campsite EN, just because MT recommends it.  I cannot believe how much I have learned from you guys, just hanging around.  And tons of paddling tips from Mad_Mat, who has paddled with me some half-dozen days or such over the last 4 months.
   I'm ready and eager!

You rock MP. How about spilling the beans and telling us what "Mad Matt" is really like? ;)

I double checked the campsite data base for that spot on Sturgeon near the Maligne. I can't believe someone would rate it a 2. One of the best sites I have ever been at. Huge well constructed fire pit, on a point so the breeze keeps the bugs down and pine needle strewn "back rooms" for several private tent areas. I dunno........I was desperately sleepy at the time and was absolutely overjoyed at stumbling on it, so maybe I have a fonder recollection of it than it deserved. Landing is a bit marginal for sure though....a bit slick so watch it. 

Some day Mad_Mat will put something here that will work me up,  and I will provide a complete expose'.  In the meantime, I will just say that if he speaks up, it's usually (1) relevant, (2) useful, and (3) true.  Not a lot of BS from him--if he sees something is needed, he just does it; doesn't spend any time getting a committee decision about who's gonna go downriver and catch up with the dropped paddle.  And he's very gentle:  for example, as the group eddied out after a tricky rapids on the Colorado River, he suggested to me, "You don't HAVE to reach way up close to the bow for that stroke when you're solo.  It's just a matter of deciding whether you are really serious about avoiding that rock.  It's up to you."
   However, he will be a lot more agreeable if you spell his name with just one "t".  We wouldn't to have "issues" lurking in this forum!

One "T', two "T's"........close enough   ;)
Perhaps we could skip the T altogether and just call him "Mad Max...The Paddle Warrior"
Now we just need a clever person who is good with photoshop to make Mat a cool avatar......The sawed off in one hand and a paddle in the other  ;D
We'll have to get him a different signature as well....this one is almost authentic to the original.........

"I'm begininning to enjoy it. Look, any longer on that river and I'm one of them, a terminal psychotic, except I've got this bronze badge that says I'm one of the good guys"......... 

" telling us what "Mad Matt" is really like?"



he's an idiot!


"I will just say that if he speaks up, it's usually (1) relevant, (2) useful, and (3) true."

M_P

when you go down Jean Creek, it will be mostly different than what your map shows for the portages.

lots of newer beaver dam activity - you can mostly paddle thru if water is high enough, otherwise pull overs - some of the portages are under water and not to be found.  When you get to the one very large dam , about 4 feet high (which drowned the longest portage shown on the Fisher map), go way right to the right end - you may be able to pull your boats around the end and slide thru the wet grass/mud back to the creek.  We did the reverse, going upstream in June.

I'll put detailed information about the series of Jean Creek portages from Rouge to Sturgeon on our QJ Portage Database.  Will increase the frequency for updating the GPS for both units we will have--should be able to get very accurate digital data of the entire Jean Creek adventure.  Will PM azalea about what to do with it, once I get back.  That's assuming I actually find a route I can recommend and am not in thigh-deep mud the whole way.