Raquette Lake to Blue Mt Lake via Marion River

Hey All,

I am considering a paddle from Raquette Lake village to Blue Mountain Lake via the Marion River sometime in mid-September, and am looking for some general advice about this trip.

I had always dismissed this trip in the past as being too crowed, too clogged with motor boats, and too much surrounded by private land and cottages. I met a guy recently at Blue Mountain Lake Outfitters who told me that this isn't really the case, and that Eagle and Utowana lakes maintain a wild feel despite being surrounded by private land. He also said that the single lean-to on Utowana and the island campsites on Blue Mountain Lake only receive a moderate amount of use and that island sites have no motor boat pressure, that they are for paddlers only. Can anyone confirm if this is the case?

Also, can anyone comment as to the quality of the sites on the Marion River?

I plan on going mid-week in September so that alone should assure a quieter, more remote feeling experience. Thanks in advance for any knowledge shared.