Historic Route North out of Berry Lake

  • 17 Aug 2025 11:43 AM
    Message # 13532640

    It's shown on the Friends' Planning Map as beginning in Chipmunk, then Black Bear, then Berry Lakes. See the attached image. From Berry Lake north to the Elk/Smoothrock route is about 6 miles (10 K). I'm curious to try it in early September, but have no idea if it is passable or not. In the last 3 years I have done 6 trips, including a solo; this one will be solo as well. Any info or experience you have regarding it would be appreciated. Thanks!

    Bob

    1 file
  • 27 Aug 2025 12:49 PM
    Reply # 13535799 on 13532640
    Ken Babinchak

    Colored lines on a map do not a route make. Consult with the park office. Or email Lawrence Mills.

  • 29 Aug 2025 3:14 PM
    Reply # 13536795 on 13532640

    Laurie Mills is not familiar with this route. Bruce Hyer said it is tough, but he didn't say it's not doable, so I'm going to give it a try.

  • 29 Aug 2025 5:26 PM
    Reply # 13536836 on 13532640
    Ken Babinchak

    On the Ontario Government 'Make a Topographical Map' website it shows that Wabakimi Park canoe routes bypass the route you are going to attempt. This indicates that the Park staff are not clearing the route. There may not be portages or campsites. The Imagery and Topographic layers are very helpful in showing where portages may be. The Wabakimi Project did not clear a route through this area because it is not on any historic map or other historic information. This route is clearly not a shorter or more efficient  route than the Lookout River, thus it would not have been used by fur traders or prospectors. Good luck in there, but if you run into trouble you have to ask yourself, are there lakes that a float plane could land on to extract me?

  • 31 Aug 2025 11:22 AM
    Reply # 13537200 on 13532640

    Thanks for the additional info.

  • 25 Sep 2025 11:41 AM
    Reply # 13545814 on 13532640
    Ken

    How did the trip go?