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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Johnson Falls portage
 
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Zanzinger
03/28/2018 03:20PM
 
I just came here to say how beautiful Johnson Falls is. This year will be our 8th year but Johnson Falls is a highlight of the BWCA that everyone should visit.


We spent a few hours there relaxing in the cool water. Love that place.
 
Frenchy19
03/28/2018 07:45PM
 
The portage is challenging, but if your daughter's load is light, she will be fine. You, on the other hand...!
 
bwolfe77
03/27/2018 02:05PM
 
I was wondering if anyone has been on the Johnson Falls portage (WEST end of Pine [thanks, cowdoc], listed as portage #70) and would please let me know what shape it was in. We were there a few summers ago and there were about 7 or 8 downed trees across the trail. It was pretty tough and I'd like to avoid it as we have our newbie 7yr old daughter going this year.

Thanks!
 
paddlinjoe
03/27/2018 02:16PM
 
It has been 10 years since I last did that portage, I do still remember it being more challenging than most other portages. I am planning on taking 10 yr old nephew that way in May. Depending on when you need the information, I could get some updated information to you after that.
 
bwcadan
03/27/2018 04:47PM
 
Gone by now. Select less challenging trips if concerned about the child.
 
cowdoc
03/27/2018 09:05PM
 
Portage 70 is on the WEST end of Pine. (Canoe to Pine). I've done it a few times. It is one of the tougher portages in the area due to length and elevation, but it's not really that bad. We last did it in late August of 2016. That was the year of the bad storm that summer (July??) The portage crews had cleaned all the down trees out and it was a good trail, although we were witness to the destruction that took place and you could see where there had been several trees across the portage. There may have been a few snags that have come down since, but I would have expected them to be cleared out last summer. You should have a good trail.
 
Me2012
03/27/2018 10:15PM
 
We did it last summer. All trees were cleared. Long portage.
 
bwolfe77
03/28/2018 09:17AM
 
Thanks for the correction, hopefully I'll know east from west before we start paddling. I fixed the op for clarity.
 
AmarilloJim
03/28/2018 11:27AM
 
How much is your 7yo's pack going to weigh? LOL
 
bwolfe77
03/28/2018 01:54PM
 
AmarilloJim: "How much is your 7yo's pack going to weigh? LOL"


She will carry her own sleeping bag, clothes, water bottle, life jacket, and whatever she wants to read. That's what our son carried his first time out. Now he adds the saw and one propane bottle. Really pulling his own weight.