Quetico - Lac La Croix to Darkwater Loop

Summary
Big lakes and big waterfalls characterize this Quetico adventure. While taking you through iconic border waters between Ontario and Minnesota, you will portage around multiple waterfalls that will be the dream or any photographer! Much of the area does go through an area that was burned during the 2021 fires, so be sure to check with the park before you go. But all portage trails should be intact.

Overview
To reach the entry point, either cross the border at International Falls and take the dirt road to the First Nation community of Lac la Croix where you can park in gated parking lot. From here you’ll paddle to the Ranger Station on the peninsula. Another option is to take a towboat from Anderson Outfitters, on Crane Lake to the start. Using a towboat also gives you the option of starting further down on Lac la Croix, which could help in windy conditions or if your time is limited

Lac la Croix is justly famous, and can be a challenge to navigate, so pay attention to your maps! A 510-meter portage will bring you into Bottle Lake and into Iron Lake. Avoid big water by skirting the north shore of the lake and be sure to stop to check out Rebecca Falls. Continue along the border waters, portaging Curtain Falls into Crooked Lake. A 950 meter portage will bring you into Argo Lake, and into the Quetico, out of the border waters.

The portage to Darkwater Lake is excellent. On the south end of Darkwater Lake are pictographs and several nice island campsites.

Going down the Darkwater River will involve a lot of in and out of the canoe. Log jams, beaver dams, and short portages bring you into Minn Lake. A series of portages around rapids and falls bring you to the Maligne River and a gorgeous campsite along side Twin Falls. From here it’s almost straight west back to your car at the Lac la Croix reservation or your preferred pickup location.