The Portage between Alton Lake and Beth Lake

Portaging Direction: From Alton Lake to Beth Lake

Good landing on this end of the portage. The landing is at the base of a rock staircase.

Other than it's length, this heavily trodden portage is easy. The portage is a little more difficult going in this direction because you must gain 45 feet of elevation heading to Ella Lake. You gain about half of that climbing the staircase as you leave Alton Lake. The landing on Beth Lake is OK, but not as good as the Alton Lake end of the portage. This portage traverses the Laurentian Divide where the trail reaches its highest point. The Laurentian Divide is similar to the Continent Divide, but it divides water flowage in a north south direction, whereas the Continental Divide splits the flow of water in the east-west direction.

Lots of rocks, but still a fairly good landing.

Now that you've made it over the portage, visit: GRACE LAKE

Portaging Direction: From Beth Lake to Alton Lake

You'll encounter some rocks at this landing, but otherwise straightforward.

This well used portage is mostly flat, with a rock staircase at the end leading down to the shoreline of Alton Lake. Landing on Alton Lake is better than average.

Really solid landing at Alton Lake.

Now that you've made it over the portage, visit: ALTON LAKE

Return to the BWCA Portage List