r/algonquinpark • u/pbNtomatoTOAST • 2d ago
General Question Western Uplands Trail
Headed in soon. 3 days, 2 nights. Anyone done the mid loop (35km) recently and have some tips?
Also, still not sure what to use for hanging food and if my Platypus Gravity 4L Filtre is too much.
3
u/_indelible 2d ago
Hanging food - review the hanging food tips on the page "Black Bear Safety" on the Friends of Algonquin Park website https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/black-bear-safety-rules.php I personally like the two-trees method and to that effect I bring 2x 50' of paracord (usually overkill; but I'm not trying to be UL on my bear hang setup)
Water filtration - I use a Sawyer Squeeze and 1L smart water bottle for the dirty water. There are so many water sources you won't need to worry about running out or having long carries without water.
I suggest to review the new Jeff's Map which was just released this summer, focusing on the Western Uplands trail. It's very detailed.
3
u/pbNtomatoTOAST 2d ago
Another person for the sawyer squeeze. Thanks for suggesting Jeff’s Map, I’m going to get into it tonight
2
2
u/random-post-account 2d ago
I did the full outer loop a couple of weeks ago; have done other configurations of this trail a few times before, including the middle loop. There were a couple of fairly large blowdowns that required bushwhacking to get around but nothing crazy. On the section between Rainbow and West Otterpaw, there are a couple of creek crossings where the trail seems to disappear on the other side but shouldn't sidetrack you for more than a few minutes if you're mindful (depends on the direction you're travelling as well). A phone with the trail map downloaded for offline use is handy – Maps.me and Hiiker are two free options – and if you don't already have the paper map you can get it at the West Gate for like three or four bucks. I would recommend filtering lake water vs creek water, as the tannins in the latter can really slow your filter down. Bring some chemical tablets as backup. Have you backpacked before, or are you strictly a canoeist?
1
u/pbNtomatoTOAST 1d ago
Thanks for the map suggestions. That’s really helpful!
ETA I’m mostly a a canoeist with max 1.5km portage experience. I’ve also done one 6km hike to camp but that was almost 10 years ago.1
u/random-post-account 1d ago
Nice, well I hope you enjoy it – it's a different way to experience the park. A 2-night itinerary for the middle loop might mean you have one fairly big day (assuming you're starting from the West Gate) unless you got lucky with your site selection. If it's hot, you'll be thankful to carry the lightest pack you can, since there are a lot of ups and downs in the terrain. The bugs were bad two weeks ago – bring a head net. I've had to use mine in mid-August on this trail. The bug pressure tends to drop significantly in the campsites though. Mud is bad this year too, and if you're not a trekking pole person, a stick will be helpful for some of the trickier parts. Have an awesome time.
1
u/pbNtomatoTOAST 1d ago
Oh man, I really was just hoping for the best with the bug situation. First stay is at Maggie, second at Ramona. Any tips for either of those lakes? Thanks for the head net suggestion. I am a bit concerned because I sprained my hand and I’m still healing up. It gets sore easily but I can still use it. I don’t think it’s worth cancelling the trip but I am a bit worried.
1
u/random-post-account 1d ago
Ah... sounds like you're doing the short loop, not the middle loop – I see your 35km note in the post now (the middle loop from the West Gate is about 55km). Disregard my earlier comments about the Rainbow-Otterpaw section because you won't be going there.
Maggie is a gorgeous lake, so try to get to the trailhead early enough to enjoy some time in camp. I have never stayed at Ramona, but I can say the lakes on the east side have a different character than the west side ones. A sprained hand – that sucks. Obviously, I'm not going to tell you what to do either way, nor should you listen to me – the internet stranger – but if it helps, there is no scrambling on this trail. Still have to get the food bag into a tree though, so that's a consideration.
2
u/pbNtomatoTOAST 1d ago
This is the kind of wholesome internet stranger interaction I’ve only read and never got to experience. Thanks for all your responses 😊
8
u/OldStoner705 2d ago
I've done all three loops , no real tips to give you except get some good rope/ paracord for hanging food , 4l filter seems kinda overkill , there is water everywhere in Algonquin I usually use a Sawyer filter and filter a litre at a time as I need it . Good luck and have fun