I'm planning a solo trip in Sept. starting at Beaverhouse. I've put in there a few times but have always been driven in by an outfitter and never paid too close attention to the trail. I don't remember it being a direct route in. Does anyone have any advice / experience that would help me navigate the trail?

ST, They parked a large rock in the middle of the road blocking the last ~50', or what was the old unloading/parking area. They want everybody to use a larger parking area just back some up the last hill. There is a small turn around and unload area near the rock,,,some are still parking there, even though it's well signed to use the parking area farther back.

ST,

Thanks for the info. I thinking about an idea Jim Clark gave me, that is cruising the shoreline of Quetico Lake with my kayak. I'd like to get into Jean Lake since I skipped it on my trip last spring. If I do and like it maybe I'll abandon the shorline cruise ( or at least shorten it ) and paddle around on Jean for a few days. This would be my first solo and my first trip in a kayak. I'm not too sure how the kayak will portage so I have a few bugs to work out before I go.

Flanders Road is a good road, recently widened and new class 5 - not much logging going on down there these days either.  The road down to the trail head is marked by a large Green Ontario Park / Queitico sign so it's not easy to miss IMO.  Just take that left and the road narrows after a while.  Easy travel jimmar!

The road into Beaverhouse was much improved this July from what I remember 10+ years ago.  Easy to follow signs, etc.  Wouldn't be a problem with just about any vehicle.  We didn't meet any vehicles on a Sunday AM.

First time in there (1997?) somebody broke (busted the vent window) into my Jeep, left the tools, cassette tapes, clothes for the takeout, etc - only took some brake fluid and motor oil - guess you do what you have to

Paddlerpj,
  I had a "bad" experience backpacking in the Porcupine Mts back in the late 70's, it left an indelible mark.
Four of us came out of the park to find that vandals/thief's, had stole ALL our street clothes, tool box, cooler, cut radiator hose's, cut fan belt, cut battery cables and stole battery, and broke the front windshield.
No cell phones in that day, I hitched into nearest town, and found service station and had it towed in for repair.
It was my brothers BORROWED 4x4. Cost me $500, big money back then. WE made a police report, and the detective told us about a guy who they KNEW in a local village, fenced stolen property. WE made a little visit and recovered thee tool box and a few clothes, a story better left for another time
From that day on, I've NEVER left a vehicle in back country, other than for day trips.

Jackfish,
  There's "local" politics involved in the OUTFITTER only idea. Sadly some AMERICANS do their part to fuel the idea. ALL of the illegal campers I've seen are from here. Unfortunately some people from the US "think" that the rules don't apply when their in a foreign country.
That attitude, plus some outfitters clients have had their vehicles vandalized/stolen property, gives rise to the idea that IF no-one parks there, the problem goes away?
  Tribal politics might be involved as well? I had one Native Ranger tell me that since many people don't check in at ranger station because they have their permits/licenses all ready, that "he" didn't know who was in legal or not? He said that they had caught people who came in with O paperwork and just thought they could get away with it?
  Politics/Control and Income issues, are all in play. Don't know if it will EVER happen, but morons, especially US grown ones, parking illegally won't help any that's for sure I figure one good fire from an illegal campfire there would probably get the ball rolling?

Well PJ,
 I have first hand knowledge, of the Native ranger telling me what I said, and the camping illegally was a first hand encounter as well.
 Quetico Dave's comment was told too me after MY encounter with the illegal campers at Beaverhouse. I have NO reason too doubt what he told me. The local outfitters are NOT all in agreement with how the park is run, I would say that it's probably the same in the BW.
 I NEVER said that I knew Americans were sneaking into the park, BUT that a Native Ranger told me that.
I stick by what I was told, but since you don't know me personally, and haven't experienced it, I can see why your dubious, and others will be as well.
As for the Quetico Planning document, that's what the government is proposing, like any issue, not all the locals are necessarily in agreement with it. Remember TRIBAL concerns and THEIR economic interests are in play here too.
  Quote:

 Is 1st person encounters a rumor? Speculation? maybe, the rest, your way off base.
 
 Since I can't PROVE my statements, I agree, I will refrain from saying anything more on the subject.

Beaverhouse /or parking lot is not in the Q?....what did I miss?  My maps show the parking inside Q borders as well...It's a Fisher and always suspect though.  Perhaps I should go back and re-read this entire thread.

Let me spread some rumors as well...I've met and seen Americans in the park without a Q permit on more than one occasion...6 days to boot.  Some got caught though at PP.  My OPINION...I bet it happens all the time.

Some folks might even say that Wally has snuck into the Q....but that's second hand rumor.

I buy the idea that local Canadian outfitters want restricted access through themselves.  IMO...they are cutting their own throat.  But I don't give a hoot...their park/their rules.  I think their recent rule changes/fee changes over the last two years are bitting them....but that's only opinion as well.

[

  I don't take offense, I don't expect anyone/everyone too believe the way I do or for that matter believe me.
 I can only say that like most people, my personal experiences shape what I say here.
 The outfitters and the 1st Nation do have a direct line of communication, I don't know IF they debate among themselves and their concerns are then put in one statement, or everyone gets a say?

Quote:

 It's my understanding that's it's illegal to camp in the BH parking lot OVERNIGHT or have fires, unless you go thru an outfitter and for whatever reason, you couldn't enter the park that day? I'm not positive, but I believe that there was a sign posted in Beaverhouse lot telling users that.  I know the time I went in thru Stanton Bay, I spent the night before camped in parking lot, with another couple that got there late. I was told, they told me that as long as we went thru outfitter, we were okay?
 The 1st Nation ranger that told me that, said that people were parking in Beaverhouse lot, and paddling in. When asked by him, he claimed that a number of them had NO park permits.
 Maybe he was the 40 walleye guy.
 My point was that WE shouldn't give the  "whiners", as you call them, ANY reason to point to "alleged illegal" activity as a reason to make
Beaverhouse like Stanton Bay.

Quote:

 I ALWAYS have people paddle over if they pass by, or hail me when I pass their campsites. Maybe it's the solo thing, They either think I know "something", or want too ask how I can be up there all alone.

I can't say about the getting by the new rock thing?
The sign, well since it's been 2 years since I've been able to do a trip, maybe it was taken down?
I could "swear" there was a sign about "overnight" camping, and fires?
Anyway, I can "see" your point, that's what "reasonable discourse is all about"

It's all good jimmar.   

jimmar wrote on Aug 12^th, 2009 at 12:47am:


Pretty sure he was using his imagination.  I know it's one of my best lures.  

Beaverhouse Lake is in Quetico Park.

What map are you looking at PJ?  I think it's a nasty rumor that BH lake has been removed form the park.

PJ...Ususally when you see someone, if you want info...you say "hi" and then you start up a conversation.  Folks won't bite you!  And besides...you've had your rabies shots!  You often hear the strangest things (exagerations?)  Watched 'em get a ticket at PP...they spilled their guts.  After the fiasco...we talked.

I call BULL on PJ's BH lake issue.  If wrong, I will humbly bow and send a pint/1/5th of his fav drink.  Hoping I'm right (but I do not have a clue....as my cupboard is bare of Bailey's, I'm desperate).

I need some of this....
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I'm waiting . . . . . .

I'm waiting....
I loose and you get your fav sipping stuff

Absolutely, positively BH is in Quetico Park.  And absolutely and positively, you need a permit to camp on BH.  A few years ago, we talked to the Park Ranger on BH and he was looking for a couple who entered BH without a permit.  We knew which couple he was talking about and told him where they were camping and he made them leave.  We talked to the ranger before and after the eviction.   

I think you could canoe and fish on BH without a permit, but you can not camp without a permit.

When you make a reservation, they ask you two questions.  First what is your "access"  point and what is your entry point.  BH is your access point and then either Quetico Lake or Cirrus is your entry point.

The Ranger I talked to said he caught a 30 pound lake trout.  Do I believe him.  Sure I do.  I want to believe there are 30 pound lake trout in BH.

Westwood

Really Westwood?  You actually paddled around a 7000 acre lake to find a camper on the lake, were able to pinpoint their location and set the Ranger straight?  AND, you knew they were there illegally AND you hung around after the arrest to see the results?  And this was a "few" years ago?  At least be believeable with your story.  A few Years ago, they were having trouble staffing the BH ranger station so having a ranger their that actually gave a crap is really questionable.  I've never been asked what my access point is either.  If I'm ENTERING the park at Quetico isn't it obvious what my access (whatever that means) is?  If a ranger legitimately asked me if I knew about some illegal campers I would look him in the eye and say;  "What?  How the hell do I know.  I just paddled two miles across the lake from the parking lot.  How the hell do I know if someone is here illegally?"

I don't want to have to pull rank on you guys but owning property in Ontario has it's privileges.  BH is not considered being IN the park.  If you go to reserve a permit today they will ask; "What entry point would you like?"  And you say - "Oh we just want to be on BH for the week."  They will tell you to call the MNR or go down to Walt's Dry Goods and get a Crown Land Camping permit.

The BH Ranger tracking down campers on BH?  PuhLEASE!!!  He's too busy catching 40 walleye in one hour.

Your wife is right Wally.

BEAVERHOUSE IS IN THE PARK YOU MAGGOT!!!
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The jury is still out.  I'm awaiting a return call from my MNR friend.  There may be a mis-trial here though . . . . I'll keep you posted.   

Quote:


 Right out from put-in on Beaverhouse after you get out of the "river", there is a big hole, that I saw a a young lady pull up a huge Lake trout out of! She was with a guy, and there were 2 other gals in kayaks.
 She caught it on a yellow curly tail jig. I paddled by, just as it hit the surface. It was easily 20#+. The guy with her in the stern said that all the while she was reeling it in, he told her that it was just a big dead log.
When it got close enough to see, she freaked out, and when it finally hit the surface, she barely could compose herself long enough too reach over and get the jig loose. The Laker lay on its side for a moment and then headed for the hole again.
 She said that was the biggest fish she had ever caught, and her male companion said that NOW that was all they were going too hear about the rest of the trip
 I usually camp on Beaverhouse the night before pick-up by Q-Dave, and when the ranger comes around in the evening checking campsites, he's trolling for a Laker supper.
I think BH gets overlooked as a fishing lake by trippers who want to get into the park. I think if you had a fish/depth finder, and could find the "holes", you would be surprised what you might catch

Check your PM wally.  Too sensitive to post I'm afraid.

Sorry.

A Bass Lure????  I was thinking that Rapala might develop a sister company with a new product line or . . . maybe just rename the Jig to the Jug.  

"Wow, what did you catch that on?" /  "Oh, I was just verticle Jugging with a leech."  

Or, "How many 1/8 oz. Jugs you got?"

Or, "Cast your Jug near that rock pile; You'll be sure to catch something."

Thats perfect.  You will all now refer to the "Jig" as the "Jug"!

On the PCD, it looks like the parking lot is outside the park.

beefman

Well, by PJ's logic, it's going to be a mess trying to figure out which lakes are in the park and out of the park down by PP.  Down there, the entry points are Basswood River, Sarah, Kashahpiwi, Agnes, and Carp.  Those are all quite a ways from PP.

So apparently next time I go to North Bay I won't need a park permit, just a crown land fee.  Also, Isabella, the S-Chain, and a host of other lakes should also require just a crown land fee and no reservations since you have to go thru them to get to an entry point lake.

Enjoy your Bailey's, Wally!

We will wait till wally reads his PM.  "Why just Wally?" you ask.  Well, I can trust him with the data provided (and there's a bottle of whisky in it for me   ).  Not that I can't trust any of you as well, it's just that I chose to limit my dissemination of the "facts" at the request of a friend.  Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong, maybe we are all wrong or even all right.  I'll let him decide.

BTW - I didn't attack anyone here either.  I just happen to be privvy to some sources regarding many issues around Atikokan - thats all.

Quote:

Atikoken has issues?  Well gooooooooolly.  Love the Gomer/Sgt Carter poster, Wally - made my day.

-YB

Sure is humorous following this thread.  IMHO, it's like telling PJ that the sky is blue, only to have him argue against it.

Beaverhouse Lake is inside the boundaries of Quetico Provincial Park.  No ifs, ands or buts about it.  Look at any map - Fisher, McKenzie or whatever - the entire lake is inside the boundary.

I'm not looking to win a beer out of this thing.  I'm simply amazed that it's even a thread.

Quote:


I thought that was what got this whole thing going, ME quoting a "source" about the "issues" around Atikokan/Park
 Whoever wins the "jug", Wally or PJ, I think I should get a short snort out of it for "sparking" the discussion

I will concede that there is some "gray area" here too.  It's kind of like going to the American tobacco store and asking "Where's the Cubans?"  "Cubans?  We don't have no Cuban's here"

Well, for some of us there are no Cubans in the store but for others . . . "I'll check in back.  Hold on."  

It was a great debate however - sure to go down in the annals of QJ history.

PhantomJug wrote on Aug 13^th, 2009 at 9:49pm:


But isn't that the point, PJ?  All us mere mortals care about is the laws that us mere mortals must follow.  The concerns of the gods are not the concerns of mere men.  We just try not to get struck by stray lightning bolts when a god awakens from his slumbers in a contrary mood.

double post

If a kayaker is paddling a kayak on Beaverhouse Lake while in possession of that portage yoke, would he or she be inside the boundaries of Quetico Provincial Park?