Portage between Flying Lake and Gotter Lake and surrounding area
Length in Rods: 20 rods (or 60 rods during low water)
Date portage was last visited: June 14, 2020; Previous Visit(s): October 9, 2015
Portage Rating: Easy (to Average during low water)
The Portage between Flying Lake and Gotter Lake
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Portaging Direction: From Flying Lake to Gotter Lake
The stairway leading up from the edge of Flying Lake begins the 20 rod portage to Gotter Lake.
From Flying Lake, you proceed up this stairway to get to the fairly level 20 rod portage above. It's an easy walk the rest of the way (June 2020).
The same portage in the same direction, but this was in October 2015.
After crossing to portage from Flying Lake to Gotter Lake, you are greeted with this fabulous view. From here, you want to follow the water passage leading off to the left of your view. Going to the right is possible too, but more difficult. (Note: If the water levels are very low, you cannot paddle Gotter Lake from this point. Instead you will have to portage another 40 rods or so to the left (east) along the north shore of Gotter Lake. There is a visible trail if you need to do this.)
Now that you've made it over the portage, visit:GOTTER LAKE
Portaging Direction: From Gotter Lake to Flying Lake
This landing is a bit above the level of Gotter Lake's water line, so it helps to lift your canoe up next to this big rock outcrop. The portage to Flying Lake is visible receding into the middle of the view just left of center. (Note: If the water levels are very low, you cannot start at the location pictured here. Instead, you must find the start of a longer portage which is located a bit east of this portage along the north shoreline of Gotter Lake.)
The 20 rod portage to Flying Lake. The last part of this portage requires walking down a flight of steps which is sort of a novelty in the BWCA, although there are other instances of staircases in the Boundary Waters. Portage is very simple (June 2020).
Same portage as shown above, but in fall instead of summer (October 2015).
View of Flying Lake from the top of the stairway.
Think it's 24 steps if you're counting.
View of Flying Lake looking to the northwest from the bottom of the staircase. The left side (west) of the lake was not affected by the 2006 Cavity Lake Fire.
Now that you've made it over the portage, visit:FLYING LAKE
