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Paddling the Maligne River (Read 9997 times)

Mountain_Paddler Inukshuk Offline Posts: 82 Location: Colorado Joined: Feb 28^th, 2011	Paddling the Maligne River Mar 16^th, 2011 at 2:07pm	Quote Print Post
	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.


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solotripper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 8103 Location: clarkston MI Joined: Mar 14^th, 2005	Re: Paddling the Maligne River Reply #1 - Mar 16^th, 2011 at 2:24pm	Quote Print Post
	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.


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intrepid_camper Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1348 Location: Northern Minnesota Joined: Jul 12^th, 2004	Re: Paddling the Maligne River Reply #2 - Mar 16^th, 2011 at 4:40pm	Quote Print Post
	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.


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mastertangler Inukshuk Offline Posts: 3111 Location: florida Joined: Feb 1^st, 2010	Re: Paddling the Maligne River Reply #3 - Mar 16^th, 2011 at 10:42pm	Quote Print Post
	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.


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Mountain_Paddler Inukshuk Offline Posts: 82 Location: Colorado Joined: Feb 28^th, 2011	Re: Paddling the Maligne River Reply #4 - Mar 17^th, 2011 at 4:20am	Quote Print Post
	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.


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Bart Inukshuk Offline Posts: 129 Location: Iowa Joined: Jan 2^nd, 2004	Re: Paddling the Maligne River Reply #5 - Mar 24^th, 2011 at 2:05am	Quote Print Post
	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.


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Jim J Solo Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1195 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Joined: Apr 6^th, 2007	Re: Paddling the Maligne River Reply #6 - Mar 24^th, 2011 at 3:44pm	Quote Print Post
	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.


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pine_knot Inukshuk Offline Posts: 908 Location: Springboro, Ohio Joined: Mar 31^st, 2009	Re: Paddling the Maligne River Reply #7 - Mar 24^th, 2011 at 8:31pm	Quote Print Post
	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.


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Bart Inukshuk Offline Posts: 129 Location: Iowa Joined: Jan 2^nd, 2004	Re: Paddling the Maligne River Reply #8 - Mar 26^th, 2011 at 1:33am	Quote Print Post
	Thank you. That will help me for planning purposes.


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Mountain_Paddler Inukshuk Offline Posts: 82 Location: Colorado Joined: Feb 28^th, 2011	Re: Paddling the Maligne River Reply #9 - Sep 2^nd, 2011 at 1:30pm	Quote Print Post
	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!


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