The Portage between Gordon Lake and Unload Lake

Click on the photos below to see the full resolution image - Use your browsers back button to close photo and return to this page.

Portaging Direction: From Gordon Lake to Unload Lake

The boulders mean you might have to get your feet wet, especially if you have a solo canoe. The water is not deep here. You can wedge your canoe in between the boulders to stabilize it.

This is one of the longer portages in the area at 140 rods. Generally the portage descends from Gordon Lake to Unload Lake after an initial minimal altitude gain. This is the easy direction. There are some mudholes along this portage to suck down the unwary paddler who steps into one.

A well named lake that requires you to unload your canoe for the short paddle across it. The landing on this end is really good ad you will have no issues reloading your canoe and heading off to the Frost Lake portage.

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

Portaging Direction: From Unload Lake to Gordon Lake

A very smooth landing at this end of the portage. After you unload your canoe and shoulder your packs, this portage will lose its charm.

For the first half of the portage, the going is relatively easy over flat terrain. There are some muddy quagmires to deal with along this section. Eventually the trail were become decidedly uphill and that's where the huffing and puffing starts. But its not terrible. You will gain roughly 50 feet in elevation before the portage descends a bit to Gordon Lake.

The easiest spot to sneak a canoe into Gordon Lake at this landing is on the left hand side (right at the tip of the canoe. The yellowish stuff in the water is pollen.

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

Return to the BWCA Portage List