Hiawatha Highlands - Crystal Creek

Submitted by admin on Fri, 11/13/2009 - 07:38
Canada›Ontario›North Channel
Submitter & Author Information
Route submitted by: 
Admin
Trip Date : 
Route Author: 
Unknown
Additional Route Information
Distance: 
10 km
Duration: 
1 days
Loop Trip: 
No
Portage Information
No. of portages: 
6
Total Portage Distance: 
1530 m
Longest Portage: 
700 m
Difficulty Ratings
River Travel: 
Novice
Lake Travel: 
Not applicable
Portaging: 
Moderate
Remoteness: 
Novice
Background Trip Info
Water Levels: 
Unknown
Route Description
Technical Guide: 

Private access point at Trout Lake on the beach north of the marina. (see notes below)
East and south through Trout Lake
P 50m into unnamed pond (#1)
South through unnamed pond (#1)
P 40m into unnamed pond (#2)
West across unnamed pond (#2)
P 40m into unnamed pond (#3)
South through unnamed pond (#3)
Pullover beaver dam into Crystal Lake
South through Crystal Lake
P 700m into Crystal Creek beaver pond wetland (#1)
South and west through Crystal Creek beaver pond wetland (#1)
P 200m into Crystal Creek beaver pond wetland (#2)
South and west through Crystal Creek beaver pond wetland (#2)
(Intermediate access point at Thayer Acres group camping
area - see note below)

South and west following Crystal Creek to top of Crystal Falls. This 1-km section of stream is shallow and meandering with the occasional small obstructions; be prepared to get in and out of the canoe and at several points it may be easier to stand in the water. There is a ski trail bridge crossing the creek about half way to the falls and a hiking trail follows the north side of the creek from there to the top of the falls (this option adds about 500m to the last portage)

P 500 m from top of Crystal Falls to lower parking area in Kinsmen`s Hiawatha Park

Trip Journal/Log/Report/Diary: 

Condition of Portage Trails
Volunteers cleaned all portage trails in spring 2000
Access Points

Private access point at Trout Lake on the beach north of the marina. Check in at Trout Lake Resort to register for parking (day use fee $5 per car). It is recommended that you make arrangements in advance if you plan to park (705) 777-2382. They also have a campground and cabins for rent.

Intermediate access point at Thayer Acres group camping area; 700 m portage to gate on Connor Road; prior arrangements for access through the gate may be possible by contacting the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority (705) 946-8530)

Kinsmen`s Hiawatha Park, lower parking area next to the beach. Park is open daily 9 to 9

Maps Required
Topo Maps (1:50,000): 
41 K/9
Other Maps: 
41 K/NE Ontario Prov. Series
Other
Special Comments: 

Most of the route interior is Crown Land or, south of Crystal Lake, is within the city of Sault Ste. Marie city on land owned by Conservation Authority (Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area).

Many of the lakes and ponds on this route owe their existence to beaver. Care should be taken not to disturb or damage an existing beaver dam, as lower water levels will increase the overall number, length and difficulty of portages upstream of the dam.

Native people may have regularly used this historic water trail in the days before European settlement as it is very close to the St. Mary`s River (one of the "superhighway" water trails of North America).

This route connects to other water trails described as a separate route named "Aweres Township Water Trail Network".

Don McGorman
mcgormd@hotmail.com

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