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Message started by Wind-In-Face on Apr 25th, 2016 at 8:37pm

Title: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by Wind-In-Face on Apr 25th, 2016 at 8:37pm
Starting to plan a trip that will include the section from Louisa Falls to the Falls Chain and then to Kawnipi. Did a search here and didn't turn up anything.I've read a couple old articles in BWJ, but would really appreciate some more first-hand info if anyone has any. Map shows 13 carries from Louisa to the Falls Chain. Bogs? Elevation? Condition of put-ins/take-outs? Campsites? I've been to Louisa Falls several times, so I know what that little climb is like. But is Louisa to the Falls Chain reasonable in one day? We have 4 experienced adults & a 10-yr-old with one trip under his belt. We're using a Minn III and a Spirit II. Thanks.
WiF

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by TomT on Apr 25th, 2016 at 10:31pm
I did it solo in 2013 but split it up over 2 days.  It would be a rather grueling day to do it in one shot.  It's very remote and scenic and I personally think it would be more enjoyable to camp on Glacier Lake.  I spent the night on Fauquier.  I was pretty sore from the day before when I did PP to Louisa. 

McEwen Creek is a highlight.  The portage from McEwen to Kenny Lk. is a doozy. Besides a very pretty walk next to a creek in a canyon before Glacier Lk. I don't remember much about the put ins.

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by Magicpaddler on Apr 25th, 2016 at 10:52pm
I did it solo in about 2010 the other direction.  I camped on Saganagons then somewhere about Fauquier then on Louisa. One portage was not where it was shown on the map.  I found the one on the map but it had not been used for a long time.  The new one was right on the edge of the creek with some steep climbs where a slip would have put me in the creek.

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by Wind-In-Face on Apr 25th, 2016 at 11:39pm
Tom T, Magicpaddler: Thanks for that info. I figured Louisa to Kawnipi via the Falls Chain is 2-days. One of the guys in my group thinks 1 day. (He wants to avoid the seemingly inevitable wind-bound day when going straight up Agnes to Kawnipi)
I like the idea of the scenic route, but I also think a straight shot up Agnes (leaving at the crack of dawn from Louisa Falls) is easier.
Thanks again!
- WiF

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by BillConner on Apr 26th, 2016 at 12:38pm
I did this several years ago in opposite direction. Camped on falls chain just before Wet, Glacier, then mid Louisa (Louisa was all white caps coming at us or we would have camped at Louisa Falls. I did Kawnipi to Louisa Falls several years earlier in one day. I'd say it's 2.5 days by McEwen to Kawnipi, 1 day straight up Agnes. But the McEwen chain remain one of my favorite places - highest point in Q I believe.

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by Magicpaddler on Apr 26th, 2016 at 1:03pm
This report includes my trip though this rout.
  (You need to Login or Register

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by Wind-In-Face on Apr 26th, 2016 at 2:08pm
Thanks Bill. Your comments are pretty much what I thought when looking at the map.
Thanks for the trip report link, MP. I always enjoy reading those, and this one was very helpful.
- WiF

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by Mad_Mat on Apr 27th, 2016 at 4:27pm
I agree that Louisa to Kawnipi would be hard to do in one day - I've done it twice and used two days both times.  Agnes to Kawnipi is faster. 

Be aware that the East end of Kawnipi is all burned over from the Bird Lake fire, and campsites are few and far between.  If you did go via Louisa and Glacier, I'd plan on camping on McEwen or Kenny lake.  There is one site on the north side of the narrows in Kawnipi after the falls - after that, you have to make it close to McKenzie Bay before you get many choices for campsites.

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by Wind-In-Face on Apr 27th, 2016 at 5:58pm
Thanks Mat. That's good information. Appreciate your input.
- WiF

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by TomT on Apr 30th, 2016 at 6:54pm
Here's my trip report from 2013.  Day 2 and 3 I went from Louisa to McEwen.   (You need to Login or Register



Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by Wind-In-Face on May 1st, 2016 at 1:13pm
Tom,
That is a GREAT trip report. That is just what I need. Everything after the climb up Louisa Falls will be new territory, and though I enjoy exploring on my own, this trip is a little different. First, we're taking a 10-yr-old. Second, some of the group are on a time frame that is a bit tight. Thanks very much!
- WiF

Title: Re: Info needed: Louisa Falls to Falls Chain
Post by TomT on May 1st, 2016 at 3:12pm
Glad I could help.  That Louisa Falls portage is not a picnic if wet.  Good luck with your trip!  :)

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