Hi All,

I have a trip planned this June in Quetico for a modified version of a trip around the Hunters Island loop. I plan to stay in Quetico for the whole loop because I have already done all the BWCA border water that the traditional loop covers (Knife, Ottertrack, LLC, Crooked, etc.) I have 9 full days to complete the loop which pending weather I believe should be sufficient. I am comfortable with 20+ mile days and enjoy the challenge.

One big question I am hoping for information on is the burned areas of my route: Tanner Lake, Wicksteed, Darky, etc. Did anyone make it up in that area last year post burn? Wondering if the portages were cleared or any other issues caused by the fires. I was also kicking around the idea of taking the portage from Tanner Lake to the Darkwater river but it is in the heart of the burn and from what I understand an already difficult route pre fire.

I will be traveling counter clockwise: Man Chain, Falls Chain, Kawnipi, Russell, Sturgeon, Maligne River, Darkwater, Brent, Sarah, Sunday, Poacher, and out at Prairie Portage.

Any other info/sites/fishing details/campsites on this route you can offer is much appreciated. thanks!

Can't speak specifically to Quetico area but, with all the snow we've gotten this winter near Ely/Isabella; I suspect there is going to be more newly downed trees & branches to clean up (especially in burned areas) this spring.

However, one would think by June enough people will have been through to clear out most of the bigger problem spots.

TuscaroraBorealis: "Can't speak specifically to Quetico area but, with all the snow we've gotten this winter near Ely/Isabella; I suspect there is going to be more newly downed trees & branches to clean up (especially in burned areas) this spring.


However, one would think by June enough people will have been through to clear out most of the bigger problem spots. "

Thats a good point. May just need to stay on the main portages instead of the less traveled ones. Thanks for your input!

This map was last updated Aug 26, 2022.

Quetico Portage Maintenance Map

plander: "This map was last updated Aug 26, 2022.


Quetico Portage Maintenance Map "

This is great! Thank you for sharing.