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10 Paddling the Maligne River (Read 9995 times)
Mountain_Paddler
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Paddling the Maligne River
Mar 16th, 2011 at 2:07pm
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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
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Re: Paddling the Maligne River
Reply #1 - Mar 16th, 2011 at 2:24pm
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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
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Re: Paddling the Maligne River
Reply #2 - Mar 16th, 2011 at 4:40pm
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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
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Re: Paddling the Maligne River
Reply #3 - Mar 16th, 2011 at 10:42pm
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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
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Re: Paddling the Maligne River
Reply #4 - Mar 17th, 2011 at 4:20am
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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
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Re: Paddling the Maligne River
Reply #5 - Mar 24th, 2011 at 2:05am
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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
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Re: Paddling the Maligne River
Reply #6 - Mar 24th, 2011 at 3:44pm
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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
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Re: Paddling the Maligne River
Reply #7 - Mar 24th, 2011 at 8:31pm
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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
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Re: Paddling the Maligne River
Reply #8 - Mar 26th, 2011 at 1:33am
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Thank you.  That will help me for planning purposes.
  
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Mountain_Paddler
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Re: Paddling the Maligne River
Reply #9 - Sep 2nd, 2011 at 1:30pm
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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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