I am heading into Q (Beaverhouse) in mid-July for a week, but have not finalized my route yet. If anyone is familiar with any or all of my trip options, I'd be grateful for feedback.

I'm familiar with the info in pcd and the QJ portage database, so no need to duplicate anything there.

Possible segment #1: Quetico R - Namakan R - Wolseley L - Badwater L
I know this now falls under the Entry Point 41 quota (not #32), but have been assured by park staff that "this quota never fills up", so I will change my permit if it becomes an option.

- How bad might Bearpelt Creek be in a low-water year like this one (ie worst case scenario)? Impassable or just an hour or two extra wading?

- How much motorized traffic should I expect to see on Namakan and Wolseley?

- If I go the reverse route (starting at Badwater) how difficult is the Q River paddle likely to be going upstream? Still doable by noobs? For that matter, how difficult is the upstream paddling on the Namakan?

- Are there any campsites at the south end of the Q River? (None in pcd in this area, but I know that the Fisher maps show a few on the Namakan - Three Mile stretch). If none, how friendly is the terrain for impromptu camping?


Possible segments #2, 3, and 4
There appear to be four ways of paddling from Quetico Lake to Badwater (or vice versa). I have already done the southernmost one (Jean Creek - Sturgeon L - Bentpine Creek), and would like to try one or two of the other three.

- Disregarding distance and portaging considerations, does anyone have any preferences between:
a) Bee L - Brown L - Lynx L - Robin L
b) Your L - Boulder L - Jean L
c) Bentpine L - Clair L - Burntside L - Jean L

- In route (a) above, I understand the segment between Noname L and Lynx L can be difficult in low-water conditions. Anyone have any more info on this?

- Any recommended side trips in this area?

Of course all plans may need to be changed on the fly depending on weather conditions, but there's always the quick out from Badwater to West Bay! I'm familiar with that portage.

TIA

If the recent reports are accurate about the low water levels, I think you can plan on wading as much on Bear Pelt as paddling

Wolseley will have traffic, but is a nice lake. Nice campsite on point across from Bear Pelt creek.

I did the Bee, Brown, Lynx, Robin route with my wife a couple years ago. I thought it was fun, this is what she thought of it.

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You'll have to gauge your partners' enthusiasm for adventure before embarking on this route.

I've done all the routes you're thinking of. I like them all and agree with whats been said so far.

Last I knew the 3-mile entry point permits can be used from either LLC or BH. Just let them know where you're picking it up before hand.

If you've got low water when you get to BH (i.e. some trouble paddling out of the creek to the lake) head for Omeme 1st through BW. If Bearpelt Ck turns you off at the top below Cub/Bearpelt, (the worst part is the bottom near Wolesley) turn to Boulder as a 2nd choice. If the creek to Jean seems too low, return and explore the area. Wildgoose is a fun side trip, but Your, Badwater, and Omeme are all nice lake to spend time at. Don't sweat making a big loop. The low water conditions might insure solitude right where you're at.

Bearplet Ck has been walked/paddled in low water. BWJ had an story on it in recent years. Winter 2006 "Low Water Delights and Delemmas" Dave Foley

So much park, so little time!

Thanks everyone. Your input has made a tough decision a lot easier to handle.

All of the routes seem to involve some sections which might be difficult in low water. But 65 mm of rain in the past two days at Atikokan should help, and what fun would the trip be without some challenges?

As much as I would have liked to try the Quetico River - Namakan River route, I just can't justify spending a day and a half with float planes, motor boats, and guided fishing parties. Not when I have the other alternatives.

With three votes for the Bee-Brown-Lynx-Robin segment, I have to include this one in my trip. Since it's the shortest of the three options from Badwater to Beaverhouse (and minimizes the potential for wind problems on Quetico Lake), I will leave this until the end of the trip.  If I run into time constraints due to weather or low water, then I can substitute a last-minute quick exit portage from Badwater to West Bay. But only if I have to.

So the only question left is whether I go into Badwater via Burntside or Boulder. Right now, I'm leaning to the Burntside route, even though the extra distance means I will likely have to choose between Wildgoose and Omeme as side trips. But I can leave the Boulder-Burntside decision 'til after I get an up-to-date report on conditions from the parks office, and then see how for we get on our first day.

I'll be putting in on the 12th, so if you're in the area, look for a cedar strip "Redbird" (big recurve on bow and stern)!

Thanks again, both to those who responded and to anyone else who took the time to read this thread.