Boundary Waters, Routes, Forum, BWCA, BWCAW, Quetico Parkwww.BWCA.com Trip Reports - Messageboard, Forum, BWCA, BWCAW, Quetico Park
Boundary Waters Route Blog
    Trip Reports
      Trip Report - Escaping the
 
  Last Visit: 04/23/2024 10:10PM

Entry Point 49 - Skipper & Portage Lakes

Skipper and Portage Lakes entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Gunflint Ranger Station near the city of Grand Marais, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 28 miles. Access is a 320-rod portage from Poplar Lake or a 230-rod portage from Iron Lake. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1865 feet
Latitude: 48.0517
Longitude: -90.5366
Author Message Text
tiggy
membermember
 
12/26/2019 12:58PM
 
New Trip Report posted by tiggy

Trip Name: Escaping the .

Entry Point: 50

Click Here to View Trip Report
Reply Top Bottom Previous Next
Northwoodsman
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
12/26/2019 04:13PM
 
Thanks for the report tiggy. My brother and I did this exact same trip back in May. When we set out Poplar was still mostly covered in ice. Two days before they had 11" of new snow. On Long Island we stayed on the other side of the same island. The rocky portage out of Long Island was almost waist deep water. The "Wall" is the hardest portage I have ever done. We stayed at the same site on Omega. The portage to Gaskin was covered in knee-deep snow and you couldn't take a step without stepping in a moose track. I have stayed on Gaskin 3 out of 4 of my last trips, those sites are very nice. I like Horseshoe as well and have visited all of those sites. +1 on Rockwood! They make your trip stress-free and comfortable. I fly in from out of state also and never have to worry about a thing. I have shipped my gear to them and even bought a canoe from them. Trail Center is great, try Poplar Haus as well next time.
MHS67
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
12/26/2019 07:31PM
 
Thanks for the report. It was a pleasure to read. My first trip with my son was through Winchell, Gaskin and Horseshoe. We also stayed on Horseshoe. Glad you had a good trip!
tiggy
membermember
 
12/27/2019 12:23PM
 
Thanks all! We picked up a lot of excellent advice here pre-trip.


Northwoodsman, we actually debated doing this trip over Memorial Day. The weather was one of the main reasons we opted for September instead. Sounds like that was a very good call!
Spartan2
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
12/27/2019 01:18PM
 
This is a beautiful trip report. Lots of detail, and lovely photos. While I do agree that a 300mm lens is nice to have, especially for wildlife, you did an excellent job with your waterproof camera. That is the system I always had: my DSLR for serious photography, and the waterproof one for rainy days, and quick shots from the canoe.


We have been to almost every single place in your report, so it was really fun to visit them again. Thanks. I always enjoy trip report from a tandem couple (like we were) and from someone who isn't just interested in the fishing (again, like us).
gravelroad
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
12/27/2019 01:34PM
 
Excellent trip report that will help many others.


We moved back to MN from NH and settled permanently in Duluth last year. I’m hard pressed to think of a way to improve on your trip. Well, maybe this next time. ;-)


How to Winter Camp in the Boundary Waters
boonie
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
12/28/2019 03:19PM
 
Nice report. I've been through that area, most of it more than once. Glad you had a good trip with plenty of time to "just be".
30Smoke
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
12/28/2019 05:38PM
 
Nice report tiggy. Trip reports is my main source of info for planning future exploits. I may have to try layover days, but many solo people say the best thing to do is keep busy and keep moving. Always fun to see how other people enjoy the BWCA and gives me different idea's to try out.
Thanks for the report - I would like to get to that area some time, but I have unfinished business in several other spots up there.
Hopefully you and your husband are able to get back to the BWCA for more adventures - there are a lifetime of places to go!

"it is tough to beat a person who doesn't quit" - famous philosopher George Ruth
Driftless
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
01/06/2020 01:02PM
 
Loved your report!
Reply Top Bottom Previous Next
Routes
Trip Reports
a
.
Routes
Trip Reports
Routes
Trip Reports
Routes
Trip Reports
.
Routes
Trip Reports
Routes
Trip Reports
x
Routes
Trip Reports
fd
hgc
Routes
Trip Reports
Routes
Trip Reports
Routes
Trip Reports
Routes
Trip Reports
Routes
Trip Reports