The Portage between Mayhew Lake Road and Topper Lake

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Portaging Direction: From Mayhew Lake Road to Topper Lake

Trail start from the small parking lot at the end of Mayhew Lake Road. This parking lot is also used by hikers of the Mucker Lake Trail and the Border Route Trail.

About 45 rods in from the parking lot, you come to this sign. There is a BWCA day permit box here. The path to the left is the portage to Topper Lake. The path to the right is the Mucker Lake Trail that eventually takes you to the Border Route Trail.

Portage is mostly flat for the first 45 roads until you reach the 'Y' split where the sign is located. The BWCA day permit box is at the 'Y'. The portage can be a bit wet. Head to the left at the 'Y' to go to Topper Lake. From here the trail is mostly downhill until you reach the shoreline. The trail can be soggy and is also probably a bit brushy in the summertime. There were signs of moose activity in this area. Heard a moose off in the brush when filming this video. Heading to the right at the 'Y' intersection will have you following the Mucker Lake Trail. This trail leads to the Border Route Trail.

Good landing at Topper Lake.

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

Portaging Direction: From Topper Lake to Mayhew Lake Road

At Topper Lake you'll find a solid landing.

For the first 50 rods it's uphill from Topper Lake. The trail then levels out as it passes between two small hills. The trail can be muddy. Also the trail will probably be somewhat overgrown in the summer months. About 135 rods after leaving the lakeshore, you will come to a three-way intersection. There is a U.S. Forest Service kiosk here. A box for BWCA day permits is also present. Stay to the right to get back to the parking lot. The other direction leads to the Border Route Trail.

Now that you've made it over the portage, visit: MAYHEW LAKE ROAD (ALTERNATIVE FOR ENTRY POINT 58 - SOUTH LAKE)

Return to the BWCA Portage List