The Portage between Smoke Lake and Sawbill 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 Smoke Lake to Sawbill Lake

This portage begins on this dock-like structure. There is sometimes what appears to be solid ground at the end of this dock. Don't step on it because it is floating peat bog and you will sink right through it.

A well worn portage path of an even 100 rods. There is little change of elevation along this portage (May, 2020).
::See the portage back in May, 2016

You arrive at a brightly lit Sawbill Lake. Look around a bit, as there are a few gaps in the boulder field here where it won't be too bad getting the canoe in the lake.

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

Portaging Direction: From Sawbill Lake to Smoke Lake

The clear water makes it easy to place your feet in the water for good balance. This is not a good canoe landing, but the water isn't very deep near to shore, so it is manageable. Poke around the boulders a bit and you will find a good place to wedge the canoe into a sturdy spot.

The route from Sawbill Lake out to the "fire lakes" is very popular. Because of this, the portage between Smoke Lake and Burnt Lake is well worn and easy to traverse. The entire portage is flat and about 100 rods in length (May, 2020).
::See the portage back in May, 2016.

After crossing the easy portage, you end on a boardwalk built out into the lake. Do not step on that grassy spot at your feet (just left of center). It looks fairly firm but it is far from it; floating peat bog. This view is if you are standing on the end of the wooden dock.

A look at the boardwalk or dock that extends out through the peat bog.

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

Return to the BWCA Portage List