All -

Marten passed along some disturbing news late yesterday.  It appears that fires have consumed much of the area around Irvine Lake.  They have likely rendered the lake inaccessible except by plane for quite a while.  From what I understand, even planes are having great difficulty getting in there due to heavy smoke.  This could result in some tragic consequences as I understand there may have been an individual (or individuals) camped on Irvine when all hell broke loose.

This is what I've heard second/third hand, anyway.  My point in posting  this information is to warn anyone with plans to venture into the increasingly-popular Irvine Lake area (as well as nearby lakes).  You should check in with the park service or Harlan Schwartz or whoever is your outfitter for updated, current information.

It was such a beautiful area.  I hate to think of it in ashes.  Also, Marten worked awfully hard to create viable approaches via paddling vs. fly-ins.  Paddlers who have made that journey can appreciate all the effort that went into it.  We are grateful and, now, a little sad, I guess.  I keep reminding myself that "fire is an essential part of the ecosystem" up there.  Hmmm... somehow it feels less than satisfactory to say that.

Thanks for the memories, Marten.

FYI for all prospective paddlers....

Jimbo   

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This map link also has an overlay list which includes fire history for the last 36 years but not the fire that burned Walking Stick in 2016. That info will be useful in selecting future canoe routes.

  I agree, it's a shame what happened.   I did the west route from Irvine down to Gammon/Royd last year.  The 700m portage between two of the unnamed lakes was one of the most beautiful walks I've ever been on.  We were planning a three week trip from Moose down to Lightning (or up to Irvine) in late Aug./Sept. but we're going have to re-route.  Just waiting to see what the fires do.
Haven't been to this site lately.......nice checking in!
...........Mike

It sounds like you had a great trip and made the most of tough situation re:burn areas and fires. Those are areas that I have not personally reached so they are all on an eventual bucket list I suppose. I for one would love more information on campsites (status, location) and fishing exploits. I am a sucker for a good trip report if the spirit moves you. Thanks for this info. I'm envious of the length of time you were able to spend up there.

Has anyone heard any new information about the Irvine area since the 2018 fire? Curious as I start thinking about where I might go in 2021 assuming the border opens again.

Hey Jimbo, Long time no chat.

I sent an email in to Claire to see what she might offer as far as what's up with the Irvine Area. I will share what I hear back. If it is as bad as Martin made it sound we will find a different area. Of course all of that "assumes" we can even get into Canada.

And if we can't get into Canada we will figure something else out. We ain't getting any younger so we have to take these trips before our bodies (and wives) say no more you fools.

I always forget where Irvine is and have to track it down again on a map somewhere. It's a spot that I've come close to but not gotten into yet. There's a lot of WCPP for that matter that I still have to explore.

I actually have a short video of that old burn area as well.  The "portage" went to Larus Creek.  Great memories!

nctry_Ben wrote on Nov 10^th, 2020 at 4:25am:

That was a good trip.