Ideas for canoe trip with wilderness camping

[fernwoods]

About 20 years ago I visited the Adirondacks and canoed on lakes that were connected where you could camp in wilderness sites along the way. One of the sites was on a beautiful island. I would like to go back but don't remember the name of the lakes. There were no buildings in sight during the trip and in Sept. we only saw one other boat. Does anyone know of a trip like this where you are allowed to camp along the way? If so would this be possible in August or would there be too many people to find a site on the island? What months are bugs a problem? Would we be eaten by bugs in August? Thanks for any suggestions you have.
Karen

[starbaby]

Hi karen,

There is canoe in camping on many of the lakes in the Adirondacks. Check out this site for more information:

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/do/camping/adirondacks.html

There is nice camping on islands on the Saranac Lakes (called Saranac Lake Islands camp site), or check out Indian Lake Islands too. There is powered boat traffic on these lakes so if you are looking for something completely remote, try the St. Regis Lake area. Here is an outfitter that has some route suggestions: http://www.raquetteriveroutfitters.com/routes.html

Here are two books that might be helpful: Quiet Water, Canoe Guide, New York, Hayes & Wilson; or Adirondack Canoe Waters by Jamieson & Morris. Both of these have route suggestions.

Last, you might consider Canada (eg. Algonquin Prov. Park, or Temagami Area). There are great wilderness paddling trips in these areas. There is a good forum web site called: www.myccr.com. Here you can find all sorts of route information and trip info.

Generally, the bug season in the Adrondacks is May & June. I understand that the black fly season, in the Adirondacks begin around June 1. Skeeters come out 2-3 weeks later. August is generally pretty bug free.

The only problem with the reserved lake sites I sited above is that you have to reserve spaces well in advance. If you are there during the week, it is easier.

Happy paddling.

SB

[oldsmores]

You might be thinking of the St. Regis Canoe Wilderness Area. You can put in at Fish Creek/Rollin's Pond and do interconnecting ponds with some short carries. Beautiful area once you get out of the Fish Creek area. September (just after Labor Day) is my favorite time - crowds and bugs are both down but water's still relatively warm.

[starbaby]

You might be thinking of the St. Regis Canoe Wilderness Area. You can put in at Fish Creek/Rollin's Pond and do interconnecting ponds with some short carries.

Yes, that's right.

SB

[Wildernessphoto]

You might be thinking of the St. Regis Canoe Wilderness Area. You can put in at Fish Creek/Rollin's Pond and do interconnecting ponds with some short carries. Beautiful area once you get out of the Fish Creek area. September (just after Labor Day) is my favorite time - crowds and bugs are both down but water's still relatively warm.

Rollins is one of my favorite places in the whole world...Excellent suggestion. I might add the Raquette River from long lake to Tupper Lake, or Low's lake/bog river flow. and if you want to get ambitious, portage 3 miles to the headwaters of the Oswegatchi and follow that out to Cranberry lake.

I would also suggest Lake Lila, Little Tupper, Stillwater resevoir. All great places!
-Gary-

[redhawk]

Might even keep an eye out here. Wilderessphoto, Fvrwld and I all are planning on ssome canoe/kayak camping this season and there is always the Alagash River Trip in Maine in August. Theres a thread here for that in trip planning and events.

[Judgeh]

Hey Hawk. Legal Beagles would love to do a hike/canoe in the Daks. Didn't we talk about this in a thread last year?

Maybe Gary could join us. I want to see him hammer those 'sqeeters with that axe or fly swatter or .45, whatever.

[Judgeh]

I'll even offer to transport Skyclimber!

[Wildernessphoto]

Hey Hawk. Legal Beagles would love to do a hike/canoe in the Daks. Didn't we talk about this in a thread last year?

Maybe Gary could join us. I want to see him hammer those 'sqeeters with that axe or fly swatter or .45, whatever.

I'm in!
Here's a partial list of things I emailed to Val & Hawk

I'd love to paddle Duck Hole over Memorial Day weekend, Cedar river flow, Kunjamuk, Lake Lila, Little Tupper, Rollins Pond to Saranac village, Low's Lake/Bog river flow(October) Pharaoh lake from the south.

I haven't set dates yet(except Duck Hole/Low's), but I'd like to get as much of it in as possible. I have a hiking list too...It's more extensive then this. I'm open to about anything if I can get the time!

[Judgeh]

And you can learn me how to take great pictures!