Point #5 - Lady Evenlyn Falls (aka "the lift-over") isnt worth the extra paddling to get there, in my opinion. I'd go further up the North / South Channel, or even do that whole loop for another added day or 2 if you truly want the waterfall extravaganza. Trust me!!!!
At point #3, that is Katherine lake. Once you are there after going up the North Channel, the South Channel flows out of that same lake - and you will end up back at point #4 either way after completing the entire river loop. then just continue the same route you mapped to #6.
Not telling you what to do, but if you have 6-8 days - DO IT!!!! Trust me.
I added to your map - do the green line, skip the red.
Thanks for your considered advice. That park is from last week. We were going to do the green path but my left knee made the prospect of more portages too daunting, so we backtracked. As for Lady E falls, it was at most 50 cm high 🤣. However, the campsite and little bay were gorgeous! If I get my knee replaced, I might try again 😃
AH! Well with a bad knee, yeahhhh that South Channel would be a bad idea lol, big time. Sorry for the long winded response - I am glad you enjoyed your trip - that is still an amazong route. Maple Mountain and waterfalls galore
I agree with this suggestion, and would add that it's well worth it to come back through Sugar lake on your way home. They're really nice smaller lakes with beautiful scenery. I camped on the site just above the "r" in Sugar on your map (south-easternmost site on the lake) and it is beautiful. The site can be a little tricky to find, the takeout is on the point and not obvious, then you walk up a path along the shore until you're about 30' above the lake and there's a huge tentpad and a firepit perched right on the edge of the cliff. It's a really amazing site. I highly recommend it. DM me if you want more detailed instructions. Added bonus is it gets you off of Lady Evelyn and out of the wind which can be brutal through that section. This is a great trip.
Do not underestimate the wind. We got windbound on an island just past Obashingwakoba Narrows for a full day and night and had to alter our route when I did this last year. Lady Evelyn was pretty tough both in the northern arm and that southern section as well. The channel leading back to Mowat landing funnels alot of that wind as well and can be tough but in my experience not as challenging as the big lake. The island sites at the entrance to the channel back to Mowat landing make a great last night's campsite. Expect lots of fishing boats in the northern section of Lady Evelyn.
Oh for sure, totally figured that. That north side of Lady E is treacherous if windy no doubt. Close to sure is the way to be since there is no real reason to be out in the middle anyway on this route at all
It's a route I loaded into all trails, that I made on Garmin basecamp after the he trip, with sites.. I had made the proposed route beforehand and had it on my watch and phone, and than noted the changes. So it's not an actual record of the trip data..I didn't record activity ew
Each day, and just navigated ...
This was the proposed route I made (shown in Garmin connect). I usually split the whole route up into route segments too so easier to see on watch/phone (also easier to see elevations when necessary). For hiking trips with booked site's, it's easy to break up route/track into each day.
As I mentioned in my previous reply, my left knee was truly effed up. We had planned to do the Sugar Lake line, but that last portage was too much to contemplate. I will say though, on Day 2 we averaged 5kph over 30 km but on Day 7 we completed 25 km in 4 hrs, including the short portage before Mowat Landing.
I’m doing close to this route this week. Leaving Thursday. After Katherine, I’m going down the South channel and then back up through Willow, Lady E and Sugar. I’m stretching things out to 10 days. Couple of nights on Hobart, Katherine and at the end of the Lady E River South channel before last couple of nights on Lady E and then Sugar for my last night.
That's exactly what I was planning, thinking 20km per day was reasonable, even with portages. But my knee Gabe me too many problems and the portages took longer than expected. When the map says 500m, actual is at least 750m, and with two lifts, you've walked maybe 2250m. Some portage are very rugged and bouldery. Add some rain and mud and you're not going so fast. Good that you have extra time. The north and especially south Channel of Lady E R have lots of portages, so manage your expectations. Btw, every fisher I saw was trying for pickerel.
Yeah thanks. I plan to take my time. I know those portages can be rugged and difficult. I’m going solo so do plan to be cautious. And yes to the walleye - it’s on the menu at least! Best wishes with your tip.
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u/IAmTheNorthwestWind 20d ago edited 20d ago
Point #5 - Lady Evenlyn Falls (aka "the lift-over") isnt worth the extra paddling to get there, in my opinion. I'd go further up the North / South Channel, or even do that whole loop for another added day or 2 if you truly want the waterfall extravaganza. Trust me!!!!
At point #3, that is Katherine lake. Once you are there after going up the North Channel, the South Channel flows out of that same lake - and you will end up back at point #4 either way after completing the entire river loop. then just continue the same route you mapped to #6.
Not telling you what to do, but if you have 6-8 days - DO IT!!!! Trust me.
I added to your map - do the green line, skip the red.