Posted by Shanny G  3/26/2025 10:14 am | #1 |
I know I’ve been going on about the northwest section of the park but I’d also like to do Hogan. I’ve canoed across it on a crappy day in August so I didn’t really appreciate it (except for how big and long it seemed). Went in from Cedar and stayed on Catfish, Burntroot, La Muir, Philip and Clamshell. What’s the preferred way to go? From Cedar or Opeongo via Big Crow or Canoe through Big Trout and La Muir? Assume time/holidays as a non-issue though I would be curious about that too. Thanks!
Last edited by Shanny G (3/26/2025 10:24 am)
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Posted by Dwight 3/26/2025 10:40 am | #2 |
Great question but not easy to provide a good answer. Have accessed Hogan from Opeongo and Cedar. Usually try to avoid the Cedar to Catfish 2400m Unicorn Hill portage by travelling up the Nipissing and using the 2960m to Luckless/Catfish. Last April took the Unicorn Hill portage and remembered why the preference for the Nipissing to Luckless portage. Do not know why, but that Unicorn Hill portage going uphill I can't stand! Have used the 3730m portage from Big Crow to Hogan a number of times and it's not to bad IMHO. Even in the rain with all the slippery boardwalks prefer the Big Crow to Hogan portage over the Unicorn Hill portage.
Never did a route from Canoe to Big Trout to Hogan but did do a similar route from Opeongo to Big Trout to Hogan... enjoyed that trip. It was nice travelling Longer Lake into Red Pine Bay. Made the trip early May so paddled the shoreline most of the time.
Other factors to consider are the larger bodies of water and possible winds. In the spring after ice-out when the water is deadly cold, you would have to cross Opeongo, if you take that route, which can be windy, there is the option of using a water taxi. Leaving from Cedar you may have to contend with the winds as well. Have made it across Cedar a number of times by starting trips at daybreak. If you do the loop to La Muir from Cedar as you suggest it's possible to get shore bound on "Burntroute" due to winds. For some reason have found calmer waters on La Muir when the water is rough on Burntroot and Hogan. If you want to go directly to Hogan from Cedar you can use the Catfish/Sunfish/Newt/Manta route as an option.
Sorry that this isn't an answer. Tend to plan this route based on the time of year and amount of travel time allocated for the trip.
Cheers!
Last edited by Dwight (3/26/2025 10:52 am)
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Posted by Shanny G 3/26/2025 10:47 am | #3 |
That’s a great answer, thank you!!! See the portage from Big Crow scares me…I found Unicorn Hill long (and may have had a break down around km 1.5) but it wasn’t “that” bad. But good info re: Big Crow to Hogan. I remember La Muir was rough too the day before tackling Hogan which was also rough.. But you’re right, all things to consider. As a personal rule I would never canoe Opeongo- water taxi or pretty please my dad or uncle for a ride up.
Appreciate the insight, thank you!
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Posted by swedish pimple 3/26/2025 1:44 pm | #4 |
i use the cart trail, from opie to proulx and from big crow to hogan,, flat going on old roads except the big hill at proulx end and the one where the portage crosses the cart trail
there could be logging going on in hogan at the south west end this spring and the cart trail /road could have trucks on it ??
i do have a great portage cart to make that run
check out the sched on , " algonquin forrest authority" map.. there is a link on the top right corner of the website that shows the harvest area and seasons,,
it is a walk in the park
Last edited by swedish pimple (3/26/2025 1:50 pm)
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Posted by andy 3/26/2025 3:50 pm | #5 |
Might not be a big deal but there are quite a few boats on Hogan, especially the last few years. I've been through there in the spring quite a few times. This year I'm using the cart trail, that's what I normally do but I've done the portage and It's quite a bit tougher than unicorn hill, especially going from Hogan to Crow direction. The trail goes straight up the hill right at the start for what feels like a mile. If you use the Cart trail you need a good cart not a cheap one, at least 16" wheels. I did the route through Big Trout-La Muir-Hogan in 2013 and it's pretty intense as well, Lots of long portages. One of the nicest lakes in Algonquin though if you get to explore, especially Parks Bay. Not too many nice sites.
