Fishing: Unknown (probably some northern pike and smallmouth bass)
Maps: Fisher F-14; McKenzie #1
River Depth: Unknown
Fire History:
River Length: The source of this river is probably Clearwater Lake, since it is at the top of the water table. Measured from there, the river is about 12.5 miles long.
Campsites: None
Wildlife Seen on Visit: Ducks, Large Snapping Turtle, Bald Eagle
Last Visited: October 8, 2023
River Elevation: At its headwaters at Clearwater Lake, the elevation is 1,663 feet. The river flows generally east through West Pike Lake, East Pike Lake and John Lake. It also passes through Royal Lake which is really just a wide section of the river shortly before reaching it's mouth at North Fowl Lake at an elevation of 1,437 feet.
Paddlers float down the Royal River typically to reach the North Fowl Lake entry point. The river is also traveled by those planning a voyage down the Pigeon River to The Grand Portage.
The Royal River 'probably' has its headwaters at Clearwater Lake. The river follows the portage from there to West Pike Lake. After flowing through that lake, the river parallels the next portage eastward to East Pike Lake. The river is still very small between East Pike Lake and John Lake. From John Lake downstream to North Fowl Lake the river is mostly navigable except for two portages.
The section of the Royal River between the 60 rod portage just downstream of John Lake and the longer portage to North Fowl Lake can be clogged with aquatic vegetation in the summer months. The river is navigable through here except in extremely low water conditions. There is a wide section of the river between these two portages known as Royal Lake. In mid-summer it is difficult to tell the river from the lake because of all the vegetation growing in the water here.
Traveling the Royal River (downstream)
To see the Royal River heading in the upstream direction, scroll down to the heading 'Traveling the Royal River (upstream)'
Click on the photos below to see the full resolution image - Use your browsers back button to close photo and return to this page.
We start out at BWCA Campsite 748 which is located right where the Royal River flows out of John Lake. Paddling the Royal River from its outlet at John Lake downstream to the start of the 60 rod portage that avoids a set of rapids. Also, just as you leave John Lake you have to pass through a chute of quick water. Sometimes water levels in the river make it a good idea to actually portage around this area. You can do this by portaging through the edge of BWCA Campsite 748.
A relatively short portage of 60 rods to get around the rapids.
Continuing the paddle down the Royal River. This stretch of river begins at the downstream end of the 60 rod portage below the rapids and ends at the start of the portage to North Fowl Lake, just above a beaver dam. You will paddle through Royal Lake along this segment of the river. The lake is small and it's difficult to tell it apart from the river.
The Royal River looking upstream from the North Fowl Lake portage.
Beaver dam just downstream of the start of the portage to North Fowl Lake along the Royal River.
The final stretch of the Royal River requires this 160 rod portage to North Fowl Lake. The portage doesn't quite make it all the way to the lake. If the water levels are low (like they are in this video shot in October) you will have to walk several hundred feet down the river to reach water deep enough to float your canoe out into North Fowl Lake.
View of North Fowl Lake from the mouth of the Royal River.
Traveling the Royal River (upstream)
If the water is low, you may have to walk in the shallow river a few hundred feet to reach the start of the portage. The river is easy to walk with a hard bottom.
Paddling from the upriver end of the North Fowl Lake portage to the downstream end of the 60 rod portage that is just downriver of John Lake. Without realizing it, most people will paddle through Royal Lake without even noticing it. Royal Lake is so heavily overgrown with aquatic vegetation, it is hard to see.
A quick 60 rod portage to bypass some rapids.
A brief paddle gets you to John Lake. There is an optional portage here and the need to use it depends on water levels. The portage is about 2 rods and you can do it on either side of the river. The east (right) side is easier through the edge of BWCA Campsite 748.
Route Connections for Royal River
From the Royal River, you can portage into North Fowl Lake. There is also an optional portage into John Lake. Additionally there is a portage along the river itself that is there to avoid a set of strong rapids.
