The (Optional) Portage between Little John Lake and John Lake

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If water levels are high enough, you can usually paddle between Little John Lake and John Lake. However, if the water is low, the portage is sometimes easier. There is more often than not a beaver dam in this channel which some folks may find more difficult to get over than the portage. If you elect to skip the portage, you are going to get your canoe and gear through this channel (the beaver dam may or may not be there).

The water level shown here is lower than usual, but other than lifting over the beaver dam, you could still just paddle through here. Much lower though and you would have to carry across this rock rubble. Probably still easier than the portage. An interesting note, this little channel is actually part of the Crocodile River which has its headwaters in Crocodile Lake which lies just south of East Bearskin Lake. The Crocodile River is a tributary of the Royal River (October 8, 2023).

Portaging Direction: From Little John Lake to John Lake

Fairly good landing on the Little John Lake end of the portage.

Portage is only 10 rods, but is somewhat rough because of all the rocks. You can often skip this portage by just paddling through the channel, although there is a beaver dam liftover to deal with sometimes.

Good landing on John Lake.

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

Portaging Direction: From John Lake to Little John Lake

Some rocks, but still a relatively easy spot to land a boat. You can see the channel that flows from Little John Lake to John Lake.

Short portage with some rocks to stumble over. It is usually easier to paddle through the channel than to take this portage.

Nice spot to land or launch a canoe on this side of the portage.

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

Return to the BWCA Portage List