104 Allanwater, Whitewater, Boiling Sand to Bath Lake (or Tamarack Lake)

Allanwater River to Kenoji and Whitewater Lake, Smoothrock Lake, Boilingsand River to Bath Lake. 10 map pages (PDF download) Here is a trip that begins and ends at the Via Rail line for a train-in and train-out. Or alternatively, a road shuttle take-out on Tamarack Lake. To begin, take Via Rail west from Armstrong (or any other point from further east or west) to Allanwater Bridge at mile marker 54.6. About three or four kilometres or two miles after the start, the river divides into two channels. Both east and west channels can be used and are equally interesting. A little more water flows through the eastern branch, so it may be the preferable choice especially in low water conditions. Exiting Brennan Lake at the eastern end presents 3 options. The northern route is the easiest and most direct exit with two swifts and a 110 metre portage. If you prefer to portage around Brennan Falls, (and view the Falls from above) begin the loop from the north and take the two small carry-overs. The third option, a 550 metre portage to the south is longer and more difficult and so is the least desirable exit. The Ogoki Lodge on Whitewater Lake is worth checking out. . Also we recommend a visit to Best Island and the Wendell Beckwith cabins, a must visit site while it lasts as it is no longer maintained. Leaving Whitewater Lake at the SW corner to Smoothrock Lake which you can paddle down the east channel or the less used western channel to the Boilingsand River. You will be travelling upstream on the Boilingsand although this is quite easy with appropriate portages and swifts and easy CIs that you can paddle up the sides and line the last few metres. The trip ends at Bath Lake, mile-marker 19.3 on the Via Rail line. The train will only stop here if you have made a reservation in advance. Or arrange a road shuttle out Trail Lake Road from Tamarack Lake. (Cover phote: Brennan Falls by Ramblin Boy)