|
|
I’m planning a trip that begins at EP 23 during the last week of May, and I’d appreciate advice on anything important to know about the falls or river current that may not be immediately obvious. We’ve paddled in cool conditions before, so we’re prepared for lower temperatures. I have experience paddling in the BWCA and have completed several long trips in Canada, but as I’ll be traveling with my daughter, I want to be especially cautious and minimize risks. Our planned route is Mudro to Horse to Basswood River (to visit Basswood Falls), then Crooked (to see Curtain Falls), looping back through Papoose, Chippewa, Niki, and so on. We intend to spend five nights on this trip. We’ll paddle from Basswood River to Crooked Lake, starting near Lower Basswood Falls. Are there any concerns regarding access to the portage near the falls? Should I be aware of potentially strong currents on the river, or are they generally manageable? When approaching Curtain Falls, it appears we just need to hug the shore line to find the portage before the falls. Anything to note near that area? If there are any other tips that could help make this route safer or more enjoyable, I’d greatly appreciate your input. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Thanks: 36 times
Was thanked: 17 time(s) in 15 post(s)
|
I don't have direct experience with the currents in May, but I was just through the Curtain Falls area in September. Yes, as long as you hug the USA side, you should run right into the small bay where the portage is. Just be super mindful of the currents and your proximity to the shoreline - Curtain Falls is where some guys went over and two died in May 2024. Your plans don't seem to include going into Iron, but if you decide to do that, be sure to go all the way across to the bay in Iron, as shown here on PP. There are landings on the northern side of the portage below the falls, and my understanding is the waters swirl and are quite treacherous through that channel. I wouldn't go near it in May with your daughter, but the bay side is perfectly fine. Regarding Lower Basswood Falls, you are going to have to cross the top of it to get to the portage on the Canadian side. Obviously give it a wide margin. Again, I was there in September, and its been quite a few years now, so I can't speak to spring conditions. The campsite directly across from the falls is fun if you want a unique elevated spot to camp with a waterfall view. Don't miss the pictographs or Table Rock on Crooked either. Troll a line while you paddle and you'll probably have dinner on the stringer and some stories to tell. There are logging camp artifacts at some of the campsites on Moosecamp and Fourtown if you are into that sort of thing. Hope this helps a bit!
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Users browsing this topic |
|
Guest
|
Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.
