Your canoe trip plans, hopes, dreams for 2022

[PaddlingPitt]

Where ya headed?

Mason,

In 1993, Kathleen and I paddled east for 37 days from the southeast corner of Lynx Lake down the Thelon River to Baker Lake at the head of Chesterfield Inlet on Hudson Bay. In 2001 we returned to the outlet of Lynx Lake, but this time paddled west for four weeks up Lynx Lake to the northwest corner of Whitefish Lake, and then west, overland to the Snowdrift River. Both of these trips were primarily on the Barren Grounds. In 2022 I will be 74, while Kathleen will be 70. Probably no more "epic" trips for us. We plan to fly to the northwest corner of Whitefish Lake, at Tundra Tom's old camp, and then leisurely, over a two-week period, more or less retrace our path back to the southeast corner of Lynx Lake's outlet to the Thelon River. Lots of short paddling and rest days. Only 138 km (85 miles). Just hang out and enjoy the scenery, with a stop-over at a lodge.

Here is an annotated google map with some of our stops highlighted.

 

[ppine]

A canoe trip on the Sacramento River during the king salmon run in the fall.
A June week long trip on an unnamed river in Oregon. It is like a secret.

 

[Riverguy]

The plans I'm making for Manicouagan are coming together. I may start a new thread on my planning, and the trip itself (once completed). I'm pretty excited.

 

[farnandez]

The plans I'm making for Manicouagan are coming together. I may start a new thread on my planning, and the trip itself (once completed). I'm pretty excited.

I am glad that you started a new thread on your New trip which we will be aware of your new journey.

 

[stripperguy]

I have plans for my gang to do Pine Lake via the Essex Chain Lakes, as early in the season as DEC road openings allow.
Still on the list for solo trips is Shallow Lake, with explorations of the inlets and outlet, and possibly Andy's Creek towards Terror Lake.

 

[Mason]

Mason,

In 1993, Kathleen and I paddled east for 37 days from the southeast corner of Lynx Lake down the Thelon River to Baker Lake at the head of Chesterfield Inlet on Hudson Bay. In 2001 we returned to the outlet of Lynx Lake, but this time paddled west for four weeks up Lynx Lake to the northwest corner of Whitefish Lake, and then west, overland to the Snowdrift River. Both of these trips were primarily on the Barren Grounds. In 2022 I will be 74, while Kathleen will be 70. Probably no more "epic" trips for us. We plan to fly to the northwest corner of Whitefish Lake, at Tundra Tom's old camp, and then leisurely, over a two-week period, more or less retrace our path back to the southeast corner of Lynx Lake's outlet to the Thelon River. Lots of short paddling and rest days. Only 138 km (85 miles). Just hang out and enjoy the scenery, with a stop-over at a lodge.

Here is an annotated google map with some of our stops highlighted.

We're still trying to find another boat for the Dubawnt and Thelon trip we've had planned for year no. 3.

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

I am glad that you started a new thread on your New trip which we will be aware of your new journey.

Welcome to site membership, farnandez. Keep in mind that no advertising or other spam is allowed on this site.

 

[Erica]

Mason,

In 1993, Kathleen and I paddled east for 37 days from the southeast corner of Lynx Lake down the Thelon River to Baker Lake at the head of Chesterfield Inlet on Hudson Bay. In 2001 we returned to the outlet of Lynx Lake, but this time paddled west for four weeks up Lynx Lake to the northwest corner of Whitefish Lake, and then west, overland to the Snowdrift River. Both of these trips were primarily on the Barren Grounds. In 2022 I will be 74, while Kathleen will be 70. Probably no more "epic" trips for us. We plan to fly to the northwest corner of Whitefish Lake, at Tundra Tom's old camp, and then leisurely, over a two-week period, more or less retrace our path back to the southeast corner of Lynx Lake's outlet to the Thelon River. Lots of short paddling and rest days. Only 138 km (85 miles). Just hang out and enjoy the scenery, with a stop-over at a lodge.

Here is an annotated google map with some of our stops highlighted.

View attachment 129720

Sounds wonderful.

 

[Erica]

I have plans for my gang to do Pine Lake via the Essex Chain Lakes, as early in the season as DEC road openings allow.
Still on the list for solo trips is Shallow Lake, with explorations of the inlets and outlet, and possibly Andy's Creek towards Terror Lake.

Where are these located? ADKs?

 

[stripperguy]

Where are these located? ADKs?

Yup
I’ve paddled the Essex Chain lakes several times, going down “The Chain Drain” to the Rock River. Near the end of the Chain Drain is a scenic series of cascades between sheer rock walls, seldom visited.
From there it’s a short paddle downstream to the Cedar River and up and over an esker to Pine Lake.
I’ve tried for a few years to do some sort of loop on most of the Rock River, but can’t seem to pull it off.
So I’ll settle for a Pine Lake visit.

 

[Erica]

I have done just one trip in the ADKs, Little Tupper Lake to Lake Lila.

I've not even tried to do other trips because they are all described as being pretty much full of people in the summer.

So your "seldom visited" comment grabbed my attention. Is that just for the cascades, or most of the loop?

 

[Salty dog]

I went to Orient, Maine last summer for a couple of weeks in August. I saw some great looking small rivers but never one person on the river. I mostly toured the back roads since I was north. Thought the border would be open but that happened about a week after I left. Traveled south to Katadhin and saw some raft traffic but that was about it. Before I do that again I will search out locals for advice. This year I may head to the southeast area of the US. Happy trails to you all

 

[stripperguy]

Erica,
When the Essex Chain lakes first were acquired by NYS, there were no campfires allowed, and there was a cumbersome free permit process.
Those restrictions kept folks away, and even though fires are now permitted and there is no need for a permit (for stays of 3 days or less) the area still is not popular.
Going beyond the lakes themselves is even less popular, and continuing down the Rock and Cedar rivers is almost unheard of.
As far as ADK crowds, there are literally hundreds of lesser known and used areas worthy of visiting.
Even the most popular spots are not too busy midweek.
But I do prefer waters seldom paddled, even a 1/2 mile carry is enough to eliminate 75% of the casual visitor.
If you do an internet search for “chain drain” you should find some pics and trip reports and an article by me as well.

If you want specific info on some of my favorite spots, feel free to PM me.

 

[Blane]

I would be game for a CTN group trip in the Adks.

I’d also be interested in a trip to the Adks.

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

I would be game for a CTN group trip in the Adks.

I’d also be interested in a trip to the Adks.

Well, all it takes is for someone to take the initiative to try to arrange an ADK trip by posting and discussing the details in our Let's Get Together forum.

Robin and some others have already begun preliminary discussions about a wood/canvas canoe gathering in the Dack's in mid-July, around the time of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association Assembly at Paul Smiths College.

Another popular time for ADK trips is after Labor Day in September—no bugs, few people, still warm.

 

[adkjoe]

Hi All...

Not sure where life will take me this year, but I'm sure I'll be in the Adirondacks at some point. Was thinking Algonquin possibly but not sure on that. Wanted to hit the BWCA but that is now pushed off at least until either 2023 or 24. I however spent an amazing 5 days this past October in the Adirondacks paddling with some friends. The colors and weather were amazing!

 

[Tryin']

Canoecopia (hey, it's paddling related)

Local river day trips and a couple overnights (White and Blue Rivers, Sugar and Wildcat Creeks)

Turtle-Flambeau with a men's group for 8 nights

Maybe one more trip in late fall.

 

[Loon]

I have been doing some reading about paddling bogs and swampy areas and have become intrigued by this type of paddling. A small day bag, fishing gear and a decent camera will be all that's needed. Because of their nature these waters are not attractive to most paddlers. A big plus for me. Less paddlers could mean a better chance of seeing wildlife and smaller, more protected, waters could mean less carnage when there are high winds. Right now I have identified 4 good potential locations within 30-40 minutes of my home. All of them located on the same page of the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer (map 10). My OT Discovery 119 will fit the bill perfectly.

Counting down the days!

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

bogs and swampy areas

They are some of my very favorite day paddling areas, especially ones that are like flooded forests, where you can slalom around through the trees.

 

[Chip]

This is the time of year when I start looking at maps and realize there are plenty of areas right here in my home state of Michigan that I haven't paddled and could easily be done on weekend over - nighters. Then I find myself look at trips a 1000 miles away!!

I drove through the UP last summer and noticed there were a lot of vehicles driving around with canoes on top. I just ordered a guide book for Michigan, which is about 1000 miles away! Where are those areas?